Summary
The snacks market is booming due to its convenience and appeal, catering to modern lifestyles. However, challenges such as non-gluten-free ingredients, high sugar content, and the need for mood-enhancing ingredients to meet emotional eating needs pose barriers to broader consumer acceptance. Meeting the demands for healthier options and addressing emotional eating habits require innovative solutions. As consumer preferences shift towards healthier alternatives, these advancements have paved the way for significant growth in the dynamic snack food market. These innovations highlight a path forward to promote nutritious choices in a market poised for significant growth.
Introduction
Snack foods are gaining popularity as versatile tools for delivering nostalgia, alleviating boredom, providing distraction, and enhancing as well as regulating mood1,2. They are typically consumed between main meals and