For Gen Z, snacking has become part of their daily lifestyle. A 2023 report found that 6 in 10 Gen Z consumers prefer frequent mini treats over large meals, with most snacking at least once or twice a day. 

While Gen Z is known for their "Little Treat Culture," aka buying small on-the-go snacks to boost their mood, they are also notably health-conscious. They prefer a balance of nutrient-dense and rich flavors, made with ethically sourced ingredients, sustainable packaging, and a small carbon footprint. 

This article explores Gen Z snack trends, and how food and beverage manufacturers can create innovative better-for-you snacks that meet their fast-paced lifestyles and preferences. 

Why Gen Z Prefers Snacking Over Sit-Down Meals

A survey shows that 71% of Gen Z find on-the-go snacks more enjoyable than traditional meals. 

Here’s why:

Convenience

Sit-down meals waste valuable time for Gen Z who need to manage busy schedules, school work, and leisure time on social media. Statistics show the average Gen Z spends over two hours on social media daily. They want flexible treats to munch on instead of sticking to traditional meal times.

Taste

Gen Z is more open to new tastes. They pay more attention to snacks’ flavor and texture than other consumers. These mini treats offer more taste than sit-down meals, giving them pleasure and a short-term energy boost.

Social media plays an important role in tasting preferences. The same Mondelēz report indicates that 62% of consumers turn to YouTube reviews for flavor tests before they buy.

Health

Younger generations are more health-conscious than older generations. A survey by the International Food Information Council found that 77% of Gen Z consider nutrition when making food choices, compared to 54% of Baby Boomers. Gen Z has been looking for more wellness and healthier options in snacks that fit into their lifestyle.

Granola bars and other supplement-rich treats made sustainably are increasingly becoming more popular among Gen Z than traditional snacks like crisps or candies. 

Personalization

Snack personalization involves tailoring snack choices to align with individual health and wellness goals. According to Mondelēz research, 7 in 10 Gen Z consumers seek snacks that cater to their diverse preferences.

Modern technology like apps and devices can monitor calorie intake, nutrient levels, and dietary restrictions, making consumers more conscious of what they eat.

Food brands need to focus on creating flexible on-the-go snacks packed with nutrition and functional ingredients to meet Gen Z's demands.

The Rise of Functional Snacks

Functional snacks combine flavor and nutrition that feed cravings and regulate bodily functions. Gen Z is picky about flavors but wants natural ingredients in their snacks, such as veggies, fruits, or legumes. 

Related: Key Food and Beverage Trends Driven by Gen Z Consumers in 2025

There’s a recent rise in mindful snacking practices through portion control and combining food groups without compromising flavors. Functional snacks meet those high standards by creating a more specific product line. 

Here’s why Gen Z thinks functional snacks are better for the mind and body:

Health and Wellness

Given the amount of work stress and social pressures, the Gen Z lifestyle demands mood-boosting snacks that contribute to their mental health with ingredients like adaptogens and natural nootropics.

• Adaptogens help regulate stress and anxiety (e.g., mushrooms, ashwagandha, ginseng).
• Nootropics improve cognition, focus, and memory. (e.g., caffeine, amino acids, B vitamins)

These functional ingredients are often found in chocolates, nut butter, energy bars, green tea, and coffee. 

But creating functional snacks that balance flavor isn’t easy. Food manufacturers need innovative solutions to develop unique, enjoyable flavors that deliver nutritional value, mental health benefits, and delight the senses.

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Energy and Focus

Popular energy- and productivity-boosting snacks include milk chocolate, dark chocolate, protein bars, peanut butter, energy bites, and caffeinated nut mixes. These snacks not only satisfy sweet cravings but also contain ingredients that improve mood and support focus.

Functional snacks create a niche for food companies to innovate by combining mindful snacking practices like portion control with added health benefits. But food companies need a more responsible and sustainable sourcing approach to meet Gen Z’s both physical and emotional needs.

Better-For-You Packaging and Portion Size Innovations 

75% of consumers check the product information before buying, mostly to know portion size and packaging details. That’s why big food brands market “better-for-you” packaging, and often highlight nutritional labels on the front for credibility. 

Compared to older generations, Gen Z looks for portability and sustainability. For example, snacks in single-serve pouches, resealable packs, and compact containers are easier to carry. Similarly, biodegradable or recycled packaging is more popular among young consumers.

Portion size innovation is another niche in the snack market. Snacks with smaller, controlled portions attract health-conscious consumers. Mondelēz research shows most Gen Z and Millennials believe small treats help control their diet. For example, if someone needs caffeine to improve focus, they might buy small caffeinated treats like protein bars to control their consumption instead of drinking coffee. 

To meet these evolving preferences, you must invest in innovative solutions that balance portioning, packaging, and sustainability, core values that define Gen Z's expectations.

Examples of Brands Tapping Into the Snackification Trend

More and more GenZ consumers are replacing meals with healthy snacks. Food companies are capitalizing on the snackification trend by launching new product lines that blend traditional flavors with innovative seasonings and functional ingredients.

The Protein Bar Craze

Hershey’s bought OneBrands, a protein bar maker, to introduce new protein-rich snacks such as ONE Reese's Peanut Butter Lovers flavored Protein Bar. The snack combines Reese's peanut butter flavor with added protein and prebiotic fiber. They used the “clean label” packaging by mentioning “protein bar” and “natural flavors” on the front pack to boost the product’s visibility and credibility among its consumers. 

Similarly, Kellogg’s launched Special K Protein Bars, Mars introduced KIND Protein Bars, and PepsiCo rolled out Gatorade Protein Bars to cater to health-conscious consumers.

Fruit Cakes for Health

Mr Kipling, a UK-based food company, embraced the snackification trend by launching its Deliciously Good product line. This range featured fruit cakes with reduced sugar and calorie content for health-conscious consumers. 

The company introduced smaller, portion-controlled snack packs, making their cakes more convenient and suitable for on-the-go consumption. By combining healthier ingredients like fiber content with practical packaging, Mr Kipling successfully re-marketed its traditional product to the growing demand for mindful snacking among young consumers.

Sippable Soups 

Campbell Soup Company, known for its ready-made soups, launched Campbell's Well Yes!® Sipping Soups. Packaged in microwaveable cups with sipping lids, these soups are easy to heat and consume, aligning with Gen Z’s preference for convenient, portable meal options.

What’s Next for Snackification? 

The future of snackification lies in innovation, convenience, and sustainability. 

As Gen Z becomes more health-conscious, food companies need to prioritize plant-based, gluten-free, and low- or zero-sugar snacks. At the same time, GenZ consumers will seek snacks with bold, globally inspired flavors and functional ingredients like adaptogens, probiotics, and plant proteins. 

These could include everything from flavored beef jerky to vitamin gummies, offering both taste and targeted health benefits.

Emerging technologies and social media will play a critical role in the future of snackification. Over 50% of Gen Z report that social media influences their food choices. Platforms like TikTok introduce them to new and trendy snack options. Tech-driven personalization, such as apps that tailor snack recommendations based on dietary needs will push brands to deliver customized solutions, reshaping how snacks are marketed and consumed.

To learn more about snackification trends and flavorful insights, contact us today!