Page 25 - FoodFocusThailand No.244 August 2026

SPECIAL FOCUS

(2026), snack purchases are driven by clear wellness Snackification 2026:
goals, with a majority of consumers choosing products Categories of Future Healthy Snacks
with reduced sugar (58%), high protein (56%), high fiber Snackification in 2026 focuses on delicious and healthy snacks, which
(53%), and fewer carbohydrates (47%). Protein remains the can be categorized into three main groups:
cornerstone nutrient, with dairy and plant proteins serving 1) Crunchy Snacks: These include freeze-dried fruits and
as the primary drivers of this trend, weight management, vegetables, almonds, walnuts, naturally flavored popcorn (without
energy replenishment, and muscle health. Furthermore, they butter or sugar coatings), and air-popped chicken breast chips,
are prioritizing “consumption timing,” seeking snacks that providing the benefits of healthy fats, protein, and vitamins.
align perfectly with the body’s natural rhythm or “circadian 2) Filling Snacks: These include whey protein bars, konjac jelly,
rhythm”. pasteurized boiled eggs, and plant-based sausages infused with
• Morning Boost: Morning snacks designed to enhance medicinal mushrooms. They keep you full longer due to their high
alertness and readiness for the workday. Examples include protein content, help repair the body, boost immunity, and are low in
cereal bars enriched with green tea extract (L-theanine) or calories.
protein beverages that deliver sustained and gradual to 3) Dairy and Plant-based Snacks: This category includes Greek
support brain function and maintain energy levels throughout yogurt, unsweetened oat milk, and almond milk using alternative
the morning, thereby reducing the likelihood of a caffeine sweeteners to help maintain flavor. For ultimate convenience,
crash. freeze-dried smoothies represent another innovation that enhances
• Nighttime Soothing: Pre-bedtime snacks designed convenience—simply add water to instantly reconstitute them into
with appropriate energy levels, featuring functional a blended drink, packed with the goodness of fruits, vegetables,
ingredients aimed at supporting relaxation and sleep quality, gut-health supporting ingredients, and calcium.
pre-bedtime snacks often contain functional ingredients. Snackification represents a golden opportunity for food industry
Examples include konjac jelly infused with magnesium and entrepreneurs. Rather than being merely a shift in consumer behavior,
chamomile, or specially formulated dark chocolate created it serves as a driving force behind the development of nutritious
to promote relaxation and reduce stress. products that meet health needs, deliver good taste, and showcase
Snack development should keep energy at an appropriate creativity, alongside maintaining safety standards and supply chain
level of approximately 150–200 kcal per serving, fortified with traceability. Furthermore, integrating digital technology and innovation
protein, dietary fiber, and valuable ingredients like natural from farm to fork will sharpen the industry’s competitive edge, unlocking
healthy fats or alternative sweeteners (e.g., allulose and sustainable growth in both domestic and international markets.
rare sugars). Manufacturers should minimize trans fats
and added sugars, prioritizing natural raw materials and
manufacturing processes that preserve nutritional value. More Information Service Info C002

AUG 2026 FOOD FOCUS THAILAND 25

25/7/2569 BE 16:59
22-25_Special Focus_Fin.indd 25 25/7/2569 BE 16:59
22-25_Special Focus_Fin.indd 25