Snack Factory introduces Pop’ums, a baked snack combining the crunch of pretzels with the lightness of popcorn. Launching nationwide in January 2025, Pop’ums will be available in three flavors: White Cheddar, Golden Mustard BBQ and Sea Salt. They are designed to meet growing demand for unique textures and premium salty snacks. The resealable bags make them convenient for home or on-the-go snacking. This marks Snack Factory’s latest innovation since Pretzel Crisps debuted in 2004. They are priced at $5.49 for a 9-ounce bag.

UK-based Surya Foods acquired a major stake in Karma Bites, a health-focused brand producing popped lotus seed snacks, leveraging the growing credentials of lotus seeds as a superfood. These nutrient-rich, vegan and gluten-free snacks are available in flavors like Himalayan pink salt and Wasabi. Karma Bites founder Ashwin Ahuja aims to expand production, distribution and product offerings globally with Surya Foods' support. The acquisition aligns with Surya Foods' strategy to grow its healthier snack portfolio and mainstream appeal. The company plans significant expansion at its Harwich site, including a new distribution center and more jobs in the next three years.

Tiger Brands, South Africa’s largest food company, plans to sell its maize and sorghum cereal lines, including the Ace and King Korn brands, as part of moves to reduce by a fifth the number of SKUs and focus on profitable core categories. The sale is expected to conclude by mid-2025. Tiger Brands faces challenges such as inflation, poverty and national power outages, impacting domestic volumes. Despite these hurdles, the company reported slight revenue growth to R37.7 billion in 2024, with net income up 4 percent. 

Nuri introduces puffed chips made from kombu algae and coral lentil flour, blending bold flavors with better-for-you benefits. Options like BBQ, beet, tomato, and Provence herb offer variety while delivering a high fiber content, protein and 70 percent less fat than traditional chips. 

NBA star Chris Paul’s plant-based snack brand, Good Eat’n, is now in over 250 H-E-B stores across Texas. With a lineup of gluten-free, non-GMO options like Hot Hot Puffs, Nacho Cheeze Tortilla Chips and Cookies N Creme Popcorn, they are designed to deliver bold flavors and healthier ingredients. Each flavor is free from artificial dyes and flavors. Good Eat’n has eye-catching packaging highlighting its mission to transform classic snacks into better-for-you options. 

Stellar Snacks opened a $137 million industrial pretzel plant in West Louisville, Ky., creating 350 jobs over the next decade. Alongside the plant opening, Stellar is introducing gluten-free Pretzel Thins, available at Louisville Kroger stores. The company’s pretzels are already sold in over 5,000 US retail locations and served on major airlines like Southwest and Emirates.

Burts Snacks, a UK-based crisps and popcorn maker, reported a pre-tax loss of £5.18 million for the 13 months ending January 2024 despite a rise in turnover to £97.4 million. Costs linked to its acquisition by Europe Snacks in March 2023 and accounting adjustments added £2.35 million in exceptional expenses, contributing to the loss. Burts remains optimistic, highlighting growth opportunities from the acquisition and plans for further investment. In October 2023, it announced a £6 million upgrade to its Leicester factory to boost production and reduce costs. One Rock Capital Partners recently agreed to acquire Europe Snacks.

Kestrel Foods, a leading healthy snacks company in the UK, continues its growth trajectory, with revenue up 19 percent to £27.6 million for the year ending April 2024. Expanded UK distribution, consumer loyalty and product innovation helped drive 30 percent growth in branded sales, with Forest Feast, its largest brand, growing volumes by 21 percent. European sales grew 29 percent to £8 million. Recent developments include acquiring Indie Bay snacks and launching the Just Live a Little Gluten Free granola brand, signaling its move into the breakfast category. CEO Michael Hall mentioned plans for geographical expansion, continued innovation and building out the Indie Bay brand. 

Scientists at Poland’s West Pomeranian University of Technology developed carp-based crisps as a healthier, high-protein alternative to traditional potato chips. Funded by the EU’s Maritime, Fisheries, and Aquaculture Fund, the snack contains fewer calories and less fat than standard crisps, with significantly higher protein content. Made with carp meat, salt, pepper, sugar and tapioca starch, the crisps are designed for both taste and durability. Tapioca starch increases volume and prevents breakage during frying. The crisps will be available as a ready-to-eat snack or semi-cooked for home preparation, offering consumers a sustainable and nutritious snacking option while supporting Poland’s carp farming industry.

For those seeking healthier tortilla chip options, dietitians advise choosing chips made from whole grains, such as whole-grain corn, with minimal ingredients and no additives. Key factors include selecting baked over fried chips for reduced fat, low sodium levels and options that avoid trans fats. High fiber content is also recommended for fullness and digestion. The top picks for nutritious tortilla chips are Beanitos White Bean Chips, Hippeas Chickpea Tortilla Chips Sea Salt & Lime, From the Ground Up Cauliflower Tortilla Chips, Popcorners Sea Salt Chips, Zack's Mighty Sea Salt Tortilla Chips, Siete Tortilla Chips, Mi Niña White Corn Tortilla Chips, Que Pasa Organic Yellow Corn Tortilla Chips, 365 Organic Thin & Crispy White Corn Tortilla Chips and Good & Gather Organic Black Bean Quinoa Multigrain Tortilla Chips.

India’s Origin Nutrition launched a high-protein, compression-popped pea chip line to meet rising local demand for healthy snacks. Known for its pea and pumpkin seed protein powders, the company now offers Mojo Pops, a potato-free snack containing ingredients like lentils, spinach and carrot, in flavors like Pudina chutney and sour cream and onion. Co-Founder Aditi Mammen Gupta says compression popping is a healthier alternative to baking or frying, enhancing the chips' fragrance and texture. 

A YouGov survey found that three-quarters of UK adults doubt food companies' honesty about the health impacts of their products. Only 17 percent trust them to be truthful and 13 percent believe they will make food healthier without government intervention. Involving nearly 5,000 UK adults, the poll was conducted by Recipe for Change, a campaign by NGOs and charities. Nearly 70 percent of respondents wants the UK Government to extend the sugary drinks tax to unhealthy foods. Food manufacturers say they are reducing sugar, calories and salt, and warn that new taxes could raise food prices for low-income consumers.

The SIAL Innovation Observatory highlights diverse new snack innovations, from gluten-free, fiber-rich Apple Crisps with ginger by Hungary’s Nobilis Zrt, to Korea’s spicy mayo pollock fish chips by Lotte Wellcome, containing 3.3g of protein in a serving. Dr. Karg’s high-protein, low-carb thins, Vegan Rob’s beet and dragon puffs and CHAZZ’s energy drink-flavored chips showcase innovation with health-focused ingredients and bold flavors for global snackers. With offerings like snEco’s crunchy cheese bites and Feel FIT’s Royal Coconut Protein Balls, the lineup reflects rising demand for sustainable, nutrient-dense snacks that deliver both flavor and function.

Kallo introduced two organic granola flavors, Three Nut Crunch and Superfruit Crunch. They are available now at Waitrose and next month in Tesco. Made with organic oat and wheat flakes, they offer 6.1g of fiber per serving and include nutrient-rich ingredients like hazelnuts, almonds and cashews in Three Nut, and dried berries in Superfruit. Aimed at meeting the demand for sustainable, nutritious breakfast options, these cereals complement Kallo's existing lineup of wholesome snacks, including their Organic Wholegrain Puffed Rice.

Driven by a personal mission to prevent food allergies, Catherine and JJ Jaxon created Mission MightyMe’s nut butter puffs, inspired by research showing early peanut exposure can reduce allergies. Launched online in 2020, the quick-dissolve puffs are now debuting in 200 Target stores nationwide. Developed with allergy expert Dr. Gideon Lack, the puffs are designed for easy introduction of peanuts and tree nuts, aiming to protect more children from severe allergies and reduce allergy rates nationwide.

Health-conscious Indian consumers are driving a surge in demand for nutritious snacks, particularly nuts, according to Yashvardhan Goel, Managing Director of NFP Sampoorna Foods. As urbanization and fitness trends shape eating habits, companies are scaling production, investing in sustainable practices and offering innovative products like plant-based snacks. Transparency in sourcing and eco-friendly packaging are helping brands build trust and differentiate themselves in a competitive market. To expand reach, businesses are diversifying distribution channels and focusing on consumer education, sustainability and premium quality offerings.

With an eye on HFSS compliance, food and beverage brands are reformulating products to reduce unhealthy ingredients like salt, sugar and fat for health compliance and improved nutritional value. Although consumers might not want to resist change, they can be slow to accept it for fear of compromising taste. Experts suggest brands improve communication by emphasizing the benefits, such as added fiber or vegetables, rather than focusing on reduction in some ingredients. The “health by stealth” approach—gradually lowering unhealthy ingredients without noticeable changes—helps maintain taste while improving nutrition.

Snacking habits in the US in 2024 saw indulgent snacks like chips and cookies growing in popularity at the expense of healthier, driven partly by concerns over price. Consumers are increasingly "snackifying" meals, especially breakfast, with items like snack bars and salty treats. Snacking behaviors vary across generations, with Gen X leading in in-home snacking, while Millennials, despite snacking less, are forming brand loyalties that will shape future spending. Gen Alpha’s parents seek healthier snacks, offering brands opportunities to market nutritious yet tasty products. Snack makers can respond by balancing indulgence with healthier, convenient options.

Kellanova, the cereal manufacturer behind brands like Special K, All Bran and Bran Flakes, is investing £75 million in its Wrexham, UK, facility, more than doubling daily production there to 1.5 million boxes. This move consolidates its UK cereal production as operations shift from the Trafford Park factory in Manchester, which will close by 2026. It will create at least 130 new jobs in Wrexham and enhance sustainability through AI and machine learning. Kellanova says it aims to boost efficiency and quality while strengthening its commitment to better-for-you breakfast cereals in the UK market.

Low and Slow, known for its authentically smoked BBQ snacks, introduces Hickory Smoked BBQ Cheese Puffs, offering a unique smoky flavor to a classic snack. Made using real hickory wood and a sweet, salty rub, the cheese puffs deliver an aroma and taste reminiscent of a backyard BBQ. Co-founder Jared Drinkwater said the puffs were a hit during a preview event in Texas. Available at 301 Walmart stores in Texas and over 1,000 grocery stores across 11 states, Low and Slow’s BBQ snacks also include potato and corn chips.

German porridge maker 3Bears, backed by England soccer captain Harry Kane, currently playing for Bayern Munich, is accelerating its expansion plans, including a UK launch. Kane, a minor investor, will act as brand ambassador and collaborate on a special Harry x 3Bears product range. 3Bears, founded by Caroline and Tim Nichols in 2016, already sells in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, with growing interest in gut health driving demand for oat-based products. The company aims to introduce its porridge and breakfast bars to more markets, leveraging Kane’s popularity to enhance brand visibility. Harry Kane has also invested in UK snack producer Insane Grain, which launched Insane Kane Strikin’ Hot Crisps last year.

Peckish introduces Peckables, a new air-baked rice cracker snack line with less than 100 calories per serving, available in four flavors: Sour Cream and Chive, Cheese and Bacon, Salt and Vinegar, and Honey Soy Chicken. Free from added MSG, Peckables aim to make snacking light and fun. They are available at major Australian retailers for $3.20.

Growers Garden, based in Cupar, Scotland, secured a deal to stock its broccoli crisps in all 106 Aldi Scotland stores. Founded in 2018, the company uses "wonky" broccoli, which would otherwise become food waste, to create healthier, vegan crisps with around half the fat of regular potato chips. By blending fresh broccoli with corn, peas, potato, spinach and a touch of salt, Growers Garden produces preservative-free snacks. The partnership with Aldi supports the brand’s mission to reduce farm waste while highlighting local Scottish ingredients.

Fit & Flex, founded five years ago in Ahmedabad, offers a range of 100% baked, oat-based breakfast cereals and snacks aimed at health-conscious consumers. Its flagship product, baked granola, is available in four flavors, with muesli and multigrain snacks following soon. With a focus on high-quality ingredients and 360-degree slow-bake technology, Fit & Flex claims to offer nutritious, low-sugar, and flavorful products. Available in over 5000 stores, the brand plans further expansion with new high-protein oats, trail mixes, and millet snacks, aiming to become India's top "better-for-you" snack brand. As well as India, the products are available in UAE, Africa and the Maldives.

Swiss manufacturer Hero Group acquired UK-based snack brand Deliciously Ella to expand its presence in the healthy food market. The acquisition will help scale Deliciously Ella's natural, plant-based snacks internationally, while Hero leverages its global experience in the sector. Deliciously Ella’s core range includes oat bars, granola and crackers, but its Plants brand remains separate from the deal and owned by the founders of Deliciously Ella. Hero aims to enhance its better-for-you offerings, building on its UK success with the Organix brand. The parties have not disclosed the terms of the deal. 

LesserEvil, a natural snack brand, has experienced rapid growth, reaching $103 million in 2023 sales and on track for $165 million this year. Originally focused natural kettle corn, the company is expanding into new snack categories like puffs and launching its first national marketing campaign, "Feed the Feeling". CEO Charles Coristine transformed the brand by using organic ingredients and improving margins through vertical integration in manufacturing. LesserEvil's products are now available in 35,000 stores, including Walmart and Target. With increased investments in brand awareness and new product launches, LesserEvil is positioned to further tap into the better-for-you snack market. It’s currently an “80 percent popcorn brand, 20 percent puffs”, but this year it will continue to push puffs through new products and formats while continuing to “maintain our roots with popcorn.” 

US investment firm One Rock Capital Partners acquired private-label snack manufacturer Europe Snacks, based in Paris. Europe Snacks, which produces crisps and crackers for branded and retail customers, operates seven factories across France, the UK and Spain. It follows Europe Snacks' purchase of UK-based Burts Snacks in 2022. The company plans to leverage One Rock’s expertise to drive innovation and expand its offerings. 

South Korea-based CJ Foods has introduced O-right Tempeh Chips in Thailand, a high-protein, plant-based snack made from traditional Indonesian fermented soybeans. Each bag offers 6g of protein with no artificial additives, available in four flavors, including K-BBQ and Kimchi, specifically for Thai consumers. This launch marks CJ Foods' effort to offer healthier snack alternatives in a market dominated by potato chips, targeting trend-savvy, health-conscious consumers. The chips are currently available online and in select supermarkets, with plans to expand to major retail chains by year-end. CJ Foods aims to build on its success with bibigo Korean foods, furthering its market expansion in Thailand after entering the market last year.

Grainless Granola from True Primal is a gluten-free, grain-free and paleo-friendly cereal made with almonds, coconut, seeds and honey. This clean-label snack contains no oats, soy, dairy, refined sugar or artificial additives. The 16oz. resealable pouch offers 8g of protein per serving, along with healthy fats and fiber. Versatile and convenient, Grainless Granola can be enjoyed as a breakfast cereal or as a topping for fruit, smoothies and yogurt.

Stellar Snacks, a non-GMO and vegan snacking company, has introduced Stellar Pretzel Thins, which it claims is the first grain-free pretzel on the market. These gluten-free, superfood-packed pretzels are made with cassava and chickpea flour, hemp and pea protein, as well as avocado oil, offering a heart-healthy alternative to traditional wheat-based snacks. Available in three flavors—Bruschetta, Truffle Pesto and Sea Salt—Stellar Pretzel Thins cater to consumers with gluten allergies and health-conscious individuals. Retailing at $5.99 for a 7.2oz. bag, they are now available in select US grocery stores.