6 savory snack innovations

During the second half of 2023, new salty arrivals featured unique tastes, textures and hybrid-oriented qualities.

For a 52-week period ending Oct. 8, 2023, salty snacks across multi-outlet plus convenience grew 11.6% in dollar sales, with units flat (off 0.4%), according to Circana, a Chicago-based market research firm.

Corn snacks were the biggest subsegment to thrive in the category (25.3% dollar sales gain), with pretzels (up 14.7%) and other salted snacks/no nuts (up 14.2%) falling in line. The salty snack market in the segment was a $38.27 billion business, led by potato chips ($10.7 billion), according to Circana.

Some innovations include Superpretzel Bavarian Soft Pretzel Sticks, Cheetos Pretzels and Kettle Brand 7 Layer Dip.

J&J Snack Foods imagined Superpretzel Bavarian Soft Pretzel Sticks as a vehicle to “allow shoppers to bring this warm, tasty snack home to their families,” said Joanne Mizner, vice president of marketing-retail at J&J Snack Foods. “We know that consumers are eating at home more than ever. [They can] prepare their favorite restaurant-style foods at home.”

“Cheetos pretzels maximize the fan-favorite seasoning in each bite with the perfect product texture, ultimately bringing the Cheetos flavor experience to life in pretzel form,” said Tina Mahal, senior vice president of marketing at Frito-Lay North America.

Click forward for a snapshot of six recent savory snack debuts within the grocery channel.

Cheetos Pretzels (Frito-Lay North America Inc.) have two sides, one covered in “Cheetle” and the other a classic pretzel. The two flavors include Cheetos Pretzels Cheddar and Cheetos Pretzels Flamin’ Hot—available for an SRP of $5.69 per 10-ounce bag and $2.49 per 3-ounce bag.

Superpretzel Bavarian Soft Pretzel Sticks (J&J Snack Foods Corp.) are fully baked with no artificial flavors and ready to eat in minutes. Available in 10-count packages for an SRP range of $5.79 to $6.79, it joins other varieties in the portfolio, including Soft Pretzel Twists, Bites, Filled Knots, SoftStix and Mini Pretzel Dogs.

 

Kettle Brand (Kettle Foods Inc.) took inspiration from 7 layer dip to create its new Kettle Brand 7 Layer Dip. Available for a limited time, the rollout allows users to experience the Kettle version and apply it to use in occasions beyond simple stacking, the supplier said. Kettle Brand 7 Layer Dip is available for an SRP of $5.29. 

Wonderful Pistachios (Wonderful Pistachios & Almonds LLC) newest In-Shell flavor, Seasoned Salt, blends savory seasonings accented with garlic, onion and paprika. Available in 14- and 40-ounce bags, Wonderful Pistachios In-Shell Seasoned Salt join other existing flavors, including Salt & Pepper and Sweet Chili; Roasted & Salted; Lightly Salted; and No Salt. The snack offers 6 grams of protein and 3 grams of fiber per serving.

One Brands expanded into salty protein snacks with One Puffs, bringing a cheesy and crunchy blend of flavor. One Puffs deliver the cheese puff taste with 14 grams of protein, 3 to 4 net carbs and 150 calories in two flavors: Shreddin’ Cheddar and Spicy Nacho. One Puffs are available in individual bags and cases of 10 bags.

The Harvest Snaps (Calbee America) portfolio expanded with Harvest Snaps Crunchy Loops Hot & Spicy, featuring a blend of spices to deliver a fiery kick. The veggie loops are made with red lentils, milled whole in-house as the first ingredient to provide plant protein and fiber per serving. The better-for-you snacks are baked, certified gluten free, non-GMO, vegetarian friendly and have no artificial flavors or preservatives. Harvest Snaps Crunchy Loops Hot & Spicy are available for an SRP of $2.49.