Why Snacking Is Still Big Business: What Wholesalers and Retailers Need to Know in 2025

Have you read the article published in Candy and Snack Today about the trends in Snacking?  A guide to growing sales.  If you have not here are a few highlights.

^{Wyatt, S. (2025, September 11). Shifting Snacking Trends: Opportunities For Brands, Innovation. Candy & Snack Today. https://candyusa.com/cst/shifting-snacking-trends-opportunities-for-brands-innovation/}

Let’s face it—snacking is no passing craze. Even as wallets tighten and trends shift, Americans are reaching for their favorite munchies more than ever. Nearly half of the country (yep, 48.8%) say they snack three or more times a day—a number that’s still rising, especially among those fun-loving 18 to 44-year-olds. So, what does this mean for wholesale and retail partners?

Opportunity is everywhere!
Snacking Sectors on the Rise…and the Race for Innovation
In 2024, seven out of the top 15 snack categories saw gains in dollars, units, and volume—a tasty jump from the previous year. While the pace may be slowing a bit heading into 2025, the appetite for all things snackable is alive and well. Today’s consumers aren’t just noshing for the heck of it—they’re looking for everything from quick energy boosts to guilt-free indulgence and Instagram-worthy flavors.

Wellness Wins: Better-For-You Takes Center Stage
The demand for “better-for-you” snacks keeps climbing, with 64.1% of shoppers actively seeking out options they consider healthy—a 7.4% increase since 2020. Wholesalers and retailers can’t afford to miss this trend. From protein-packed bites to probiotic-rich treats, ingredients that support wellness (think alternative sweeteners, plant-based proteins, and gut-friendly goodies) are taking up more shelf space and basket share. In fact, over half of shoppers now look for snacks with probiotics, a huge leap from just a few years ago.

Value Counts: Bulk, Multipacks, and Private Label Boom
Inflation isn’t stopping the snacking train—but it is making shoppers more strategic. Multi-packs, variety boxes, and club-sized bags are flying off shelves as buyers hunt for value. Private label snacks are having their moment too, with a 16.7% unit share and growing. For wholesalers and retailers, this means it’s prime time to expand your value-driven assortments and offer creative bulk solutions.

Flavor Adventures and Premium Picks
Surprisingly, premium snacks and wild flavors are also on the upswing—even in a price-conscious world. Nearly 69% of snackers are willing to pay more for something unique, whether it’s a nostalgic treat with a twist or a flavor adventure like ube or peri peri. Limited editions, brand mashups, and Instagrammable snacks? They’re not just nice-to-haves—they’re must-haves for driving engagement and loyalty.

The Road Ahead: Snack Smarter, Grow Faster
The future of snacking is all about adaptability. From clean labels and sustainable packaging to AI-powered personalization and meal-replacement innovations, staying ahead means having a robust innovation pipeline and a finger on the pulse of what shoppers want next.

For wholesalers and retailers, the message is clear: keep it fun, keep it fresh, and meet customers wherever (and however) they crave their snacks. At Lehi Valley, we’re here to help you ride every new snacking wave—so stock up, stay nimble, and let’s make snack history together!