According to Frito-Lay’s annual “U.S. Snack Index”, a survey of 2,200 American adults which found that today’s consumers are more open-minded than previous generations. More than two-thirds of respondents eat “globally-inspired foods and flavors” at least monthly. A full three-quarters of respondents say they enjoy trying flavors from places and cultures that aren’t their own. Frito-Lay specifically called out Tahini, Seaweed, Turmeric as highly anticipated flavors.
“It’s given us a ‘tasty’ challenge— to predict, respond, and adapt to rapidly expanding consumer preferences,” Michael Lindsey, chief transformation and strategy officer at Frito-Lay North America told Fast Company. “We believe it’s our job to develop and deliver snacks that equally delight a niche community as well as a mass crowd.”
This is welcome news for seaweed farmers. For years many have felt the pinch from lack of demand from day to day consumers. Perhaps we are finally turning the tide on new avenues for nutritious and more adventurous snacking.