Consumer Research Technical Information Trends: Confections Trends: Baking/Snack Trends: Foodservice Trends: Ice Cream Usage Tips

Consumers want foods that are nutritious, convenient, indulgent and uniquely flavored. Indeed, a tall order, but baking and snack foods are uniquely positioned to deliver!

In fact, the overall snack market has increased 22 percent, growing from $47.1 billion in 2003 to $57.3 billion in 2008. Additionally, the baking industry saw $24.4 billion in sales during 2007. ¹ 

Hazelnuts are a perfect fit in snack and baking products. Consumers view hazelnuts as convenient, healthy, indulgent and exotic.³  The unique, versatile nut is easily paired with an array of flavors and is a favorable addition to products ranging from cakes to trail mixes.

Consumers Desire Healthy Foods
Today, consumers want products that provide health benefits for everyday wellness, disease prevention and weight control.

• Nuts have received a great deal of positive attention in recent years due to their healthy levels of “good” fats and potential to reduce the risk of heart disease. Hazelnuts, in particular, have one of the lowest levels of saturated fats and one of the highest levels of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. They’re an excellent source of vitamin E and have one of the highest levels of antioxidants among all “superfoods.”
• 49 percent of consumers would like to see more cakes and pies made with nuts rich in antioxidants, such as hazelnuts.² 
• 86 percent of Americans consider nuts a healthy snack.⁴ 

Consumers are Eating On-the-Go
Consumers are becoming increasingly busy and have less time for sit-down meals.

• Consumers want products that can be eaten on-the-go, yet do not want to sacrifice taste for convenience.⁴  Nuts are terrific for portable snacking, while hazelnuts offer a deliciously unique flavor.
• Half of consumers desire an increased availability of hazelnut products.³ 

Indulgent Snacks Offer the Everyday Pleasures Consumer Seek
While consumers are looking for more nutritious foods, they are not willing to give up great taste.

• Flavor is the most important factor in a snack.⁴ 
• 61 percent of consumers would like to see more cakes and pies on the market with new and interesting tastes.²  As American palates shift towards more distinct tastes, they crave exotic, indulgent flavors. American consumers rate hazelnuts among the top two most exotic nuts.3
• 76 percent of consumers are likely to purchase new hazelnut products with a unique flavor.³  Hazelnuts’ exotic taste and nutritional value offer consumers a rich, guilt-free treat.

Click here to view the Hazelnut Council’s Health Snacking brochure.