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Growing demand for healthier snack options is driving innovation in savory snacks. Here are the healthy savory snack trends to watch in 2026.
Quest Nutrition has become a leading brand by redefining how consumers enjoy their favorite snacks. Originally known for its high-protein bars, the brand expanded into savory snacks like protein chips, crackers, and puffs, offering a satisfying taste and texture with a nutritional benefit.
By transforming traditionally indulgent snacks into better-for-you options, Quest has successfully tapped into the demand for high protein, flavorful alternatives, solidifying its place in the healthy snacking market. Keeping up on the healthy, savory snack trends can help your brand do the same.
These are the healthy, savory snack trends to know for 2026:
Two out of five consumers globally have increased their healthy snack consumption over the past year.1 Research shows that today’s consumers now have healthy snacks more frequently than indulgent options.2
This demand for healthy snacks influences multiple snack categories, including traditional salty, savory snacks like potato chips, tortilla chips, pretzels, and puffs. Among savory snack consumers, one in five is choosing healthier versions of these snacks.3
Even for healthy, savory snacks, taste is the priority. A snack with a rich flavor and taste is what makes a snack indulgent, according to half of US and Canadian consumers.4 This includes sweet and savory flavor combinations (52%) and, to Millennials, flavors that are unique (49%).5
Brands respond to these cravings with bold and regional flavors like Tajin chili and lime, mango habanero, masala, bulgogi, and hot mustard. Cheese-based flavors with a twist is another approach, as 58% of US consumers associate cheese with a satisfying snack.6
Another of this year’s growing healthy savory snack trends is the inclusion of functional ingredients. Protein-fortification has expanded beyond fitness consumers as protein chips, crackers, and pretzels gain a mainstream audience. 57% of consumers globally look for protein in their snacks, making it the most sought-after ingredient.7
Q: Which ingredients are you looking for in your snacks?
Source: Innova Market Insights, Trends Insider: Now & Next in Healthy Snacking – Global, December 2024
Other brands are offering probiotic puffs and chips positioned for digestive and/or immune support. Globally, the fastest growing health claim in snacks in the past four years is immune health (+9.4%, CAGR).8 Kale, beets, and flaxseed are also being used to boost the health appeal of salty snacks.
Consumer demand for snacks tailored to specific diets has become another opportunity for snack companies to differentiate themselves and signal a healthier snack product.
Many protein savory snacks are positioned as low-carb, while gluten-free and allergen-free claims are becoming broadly used. Vegan claims are often used on alternative protein salty snacks such as chickpea, lentil, and black bean chips and puffs.
As consumer preferences continue to evolve, aligning with today’s healthy, savory snack trends requires a commitment to innovation. By embracing bold flavors, incorporating functional ingredients, and catering to specific dietary needs, brands can meet the growing demand for healthy and satisfying options.
Innovation in this space not only enhances consumer appeal but also strengthens competitiveness in the market. Contact Glanbia Nutritionals to learn more about how we can help you create healthier snacking options tailored to your consumers' needs.
Protein-fortified bars, bites, cookies, and brownies are all good protein snacks. Protein snacking is growing more and more popular, appealing to people on many fronts. Protein snacks are a healthy way to tide you over until mealtime; they provide satiety to help with weight management, and they support muscle recovery after a workout. The sweeter protein snacks like protein cookies and brownies also offer permissible indulgence.
Healthy snacks to eat at night are foods that are convenient, nutritious, and keep you full through the night. Snacks that contain protein or fiber are especially effective at providing satiety. Examples of healthy nighttime snacks are protein bars and bites, yogurts, and snacking cereals with added fiber or protein.
Healthy snacking cheese is cheese in a convenient, portable format, available in a small serving size, that delivers nutritional or even functional benefits. Healthy snacking cheeses range from traditional string cheese that comes individually wrapped to next-gen cheese snacks like baked or dried 100% cheese bars, puffs, and crisps.
While all cheese is known for the nutritional benefits of protein and calcium, some newer snacking cheeses in the market (“plus” cheeses) also offer extra nutrients like vitamins A and B12 or functional ingredients like probiotics. In addition, some healthy snacking cheeses come in exciting sweet or savory flavors, while others are paired with nuts, dried fruits, meats, and crackers in combo packs.
