more healthful snacks, Supermarket News reports. As the snack trend continues to accelerate, supermarkets are drawing attention to the healthy offerings with banners, signs, and displays.
A Mintel study found that 65% of respondents expressed an interest in healthy snacks, but that 71% think such munchies cost more. Grocers are doing much to change that perception.
“We’ve seen a big increase in sales of single-serve items,” said Terri Bennis, vice president of fresh food operations, at Kowalski’s Markets in St. Paul, Minnesota. “Especially
some of our new items like our ‘Crunch & Munch Snacker,’ which combines pretzel sticks, baby carrots, and peapods. Our fruit snackers go very well, too.”
Kowalski’s has seen interest in its healthful snacks explode, growing from a two-facing display to a four-foot, three-tiered section. The snacks are packaged in small containers that are easily handheld.
Healthy snacks have grown in popularity as snacking has become more of an all-day affair. “We are no longer as averse to snacking as we used to be — instead, snacking may be viewed as
one way to improve healthy eating habits,” said Darren Seifer, NPD food and beverage industry analyst. (NACS: www.nacsonline.com)
