Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, snacks has been the most affected within the packaged food industry. Greater health concerns, coupled with a drastically reduced number of impulse purchase occasions, have been major factors behind the slowdown in the growth of snacks in value terms. Confectionery has undoubtedly been the category most exposed to these new circumstances, but not all has been negative, as savoury snacks came out of 2021 even stronger, as the top snacks category. Going forward, there are six trends that will further shape the industry: the rise of special diets; sugar reduction; hometainment; digitalisation; sustainability; and plant-based eating.
Legumes improve bone health, provide protein, and are a safe alternative to red meat
A study conducted at the University of Helsinki demonstrated that the partial substitution of red and processed meat with pea- and faba bean-based food products ensured sufficient intake of amino acids in...