The global roasted snack market size was valued at USD 4.9 billion in 2022. It is estimated to reach USD 8.86 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 6.8% during the forecast period (2023–2031). The roasting of snack doses imparts crispness to the food and has several other benefits, like extended shelf-life and reduced calorie and flavor retention. These factors are expected to boost the global roasted snack market. Moreover, the surging demand for convenience food and a rising trend of mindful eating has also driven the demand for roasted snacks worldwide.
Roasted snacks comprise a class of food items that are manufactured through the process of roasting a variety of ingredients, generally avoiding the use of excessive oil or deep-frying. Roasting is a culinary technique wherein the food is heated, in some instances, directly over an open flame in an oven or cooktop.
Common examples of roasted snacks comprise roasted nuts, seeds, chickpeas, vegetables, and grains. Roasted snacks are frequently preferred due to their gratifying crispness and robust, unadulterated flavors. A diverse array of herbs and seasonings can impart unique flavor profiles to them, rendering them an adaptable and nutritious choice for a snack.
Roasted snacks can offer several benefits compared to their fried counterparts. Roasting typically requires less oil than frying, which can help lower the intake of unhealthy saturated and trans fats, which are associated with various health problems. Moreover, roasting at lower temperatures helps retain more of the original nutrients in the ingredients, like vitamins and minerals, compared to frying at higher temperatures, which can destroy some of these beneficial compounds.
An additional alluring benefit of roasted snacks is their extended shelf life compared to perishable goods. Roasting the snacks reduces their moisture content and impedes the development of bacteria and mold, thereby extending their shelf life. The extended shelf life of roasted snacks allows consumers to conveniently store them for prolonged periods, eliminating concerns regarding spoilage and the necessity for frequent visits to the grocery store. These factors augment the roasted snack market revenue.
The food and beverage sector is continuously evolving according to consumer requirements. In recent years, the demand for convenience foods has increased multifold, owing to consumer preference toward ready-to-eat and cost-effective food. The changing lifestyle incorporating hectic schedules is leading to the demand for convenience food that is readily available and needs no or very little preparation. There is also a surge in the health consciousness amongst consumers, especially the younger population demographic nowadays, which has led to mindful snacking.
In response to the growing consumer need for convenient and nutritious food options, stakeholders within the sector are actively pursuing the introduction of such items. For instance, in March 2020, Cornitos introduced 30g containers of roasted pumpkin seeds in consideration of the need for mindful snacking. They are considered a nutritious superfood because they are an excellent source of protein and a powerhouse of minerals such as zinc and iron. These factors drive the roasted snack market growth.
Baked snacks, air-popped snacks, and even fresh fruits and vegetables compete with roasted snacks in the snack market. Conventional snack choices have successfully established a robust market presence and are frequently favored by consumers owing to their widespread accessibility and familiarity. Thus, roasted snacks have difficulty distinguishing themselves from these prevalent alternatives and capturing market share.
Additionally, health-conscious consumers may choose these alternatives instead of roasted snacks due to their perceived superior nutritional profiles or more hygienic ingredient lists. The increasing demand for healthier alternatives among consumers presents a significant obstacle to expanding the roasted snacks market.
The major players in the market are involved in various strategic initiatives like product launches, mergers and acquisitions, expansion, and collaboration to strengthen their market share. For instance, in June 2023, Cibo Vita Inc., the manufacturer of snack foods under the Nature's Garden Powered by Plants brand that includes more than 2,000 SKUS, introduced its latest innovations in artisanal roasted nuts in more than 500 Hudson News locations by the first quarter of 2023. Extensive consumer research on flavor, texture, taste, and quality has spent a year shaping the line. The products are certified kosher.
Additionally, in October 2022, Sunrich Products ("Sunrich"), the sunflower and roasted snack division of SunOpta, was acquired by Pacific Avenue Capital Partners ("Pacific Avenue"), a private investment company headquartered in Los Angeles. The transaction comprised three processing facilities situated in the upper Midwest region, activities related to the development of hybrid seeds, a collaborative program established with independent sunflower producers, and established relationships with an extensive range of customers operating in the snack food, bird seed, and food ingredients industries. Such initiatives are expected to create opportunities for market expansion.
| Study Period | 2019-2031 | CAGR | 6.8% |
| Historical Period | 2019-2021 | Forecast Period | 2023-2031 |
| Base Year | 2022 | Base Year Market Size | USD 4.9 Billion |
| Forecast Year | 2031 | Forecast Year Market Size | USD 8.86 Billion |
| Largest Market | North America | Fastest Growing Market | Asia Pacific |
Based on region, the global roasted snack market is bifurcated into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa.
In North America, roasted snacks are widely accessible and readily available. The widespread availability of roasted snacks in diverse environments facilitates consumer accessibility, bolstering North America's market. Many North American consumers adhere to gluten-free, vegetarian, or vegan dietary restrictions. Roasted snacks are popular among these groups because they accommodate these dietary preferences and restrictions.
Similarly, the market for roasted snacks has seen innovation in flavors and seasoning options. For instance, in February 2023, Ithaca Hummus introduced its new Fire Roasted Salsas collection, which consists of three smoke salsas in the following three intensities: mild, medium, and hot. Without preservatives or additives, each of the three varieties comprises real minced, diced, and squeezed ingredients, such as fire-roasted tomatoes, jalapeno peppers, lime juice, onions, cilantro, garlic, salt, and vinegar. Ithaca Hummus Fire Roasted Salsas are gluten-free, plant-based, and non-GMO Project Verified. Such launches are driving the North American market growth.
In Asia-Pacific, the prominent increase in disposable income of consumers and the surging urbanization in nations like India and China will propel the expansion of convenience food, driving the roasted snack market over the forecast period. In order to survive in the very competitive market in this area, the major competitors are launching new roasted snack products. For instance, in March 2021, India Gate Basmati Rice, the largest rice miller and exporter of basmati rice in the world and India's first integrated rice brand with an extensive product chain introduced two new healthy foods branded products—"Wholesome Health Special Chia Seeds" and "Active Heart Special Roasted Flax Seeds"—to the domestic market. Both items are distributed through omnichannel and serve to enhance India Gate's branded collection of nutritious foods.
In Europe, consumers are becoming progressively more concerned with the purity and safety of their food. The market for roasted snacks is expanding due to consumers' perceptions of them as safer and more natural. Thus, the rising demand for roasted snacks has led to the introduction of new products by key regional players. For instance, in June 2023, the UK peanut butter manufacturer ManiLife introduced deep-roasted salted peanuts, diversifying its product line. Deep Roast Salted peanuts by ManiLife are sparingly salted "to create the ideal balance of crunch and flavor," as stated by the brand, "to create a more intense flavor profile." Thus, such factors are fueling the market's expansion.
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The global roasted snack market is segmented by type, flavor, and distribution channel.
Based on type, the global roasted snack market is divided into nuts, grains, cereals, and others.
Roasting is a widely utilized technique in the culinary preparation of a diverse range of nuts, encompassing almonds, peanuts, cashews, walnuts, and others. Roasted nuts can serve as a standalone snack, an accompaniment to salads, an ingredient in baking and cooking, or an element in diverse culinary preparations, contributing to enhanced sensory attributes and textural qualities. Roasting nuts can enhance flavor, resulting in a more pronounced richness and nuttiness.
Additionally, the roasting process introduces a desirable textural element characterized by a pleasing crunch. Due to these sensory attributes, roasted nuts have gained popularity as a versatile ingredient in sweet and savory culinary preparations. Roasting techniques are occasionally employed to separate the outer shells of nuts from their inner kernels. This method of cashew shelling is widely employed and accounts for the scarcity of raw cashews in the market.
Based on flavor, the global roasted snack market is bifurcated into savory, sweet, spicy, tangy, and BBQ.
The term "BBQ flavor" pertains to the taste and aromatic qualities that are linked with food that has been prepared via barbecue means, frequently entailing the application of particular marinades, seasonings, and culinary processes. A barbecue, abbreviated as BBQ, refers to a culinary technique wherein food is prepared using an exposed flame, charcoal, wood, or gas grill. While the specific flavor of barbecue may differ slightly due to regional variations and ingredients, it typically comprises flavors of spiciness, sweetness, delectable undertones, and smokiness. Slow cooking at a low temperature is a common technique utilized in barbecue, facilitating the prolonged development of flavors. This produces a product that is flavorful, tender, and smoky.
Based on distribution channels, the global roasted snack market is divided into store-based and non-store-based channels.
Manufacturers or producers utilize a store-based distribution channel, alternatively referred to as a traditional or brick-and-mortar distribution channel, to deliver their products to consumers via physical retail locations. Through the years, store-based distribution channels have been the standard method of product sale. However, recent years have witnessed a transition toward multi-channel distribution strategies, which may incorporate both physical retail stores and online sales channels due to the rise of e-commerce and online purchasing. This reflects changing consumer preferences and the necessity for businesses to adapt to the digital age.
