5/23/2025

What’s trending in protein snacks

Protein-based snacks are growing more popular with health-conscious Canadians.

Protein snacks are becoming a bigger snack choice. Searches this month have hit 90,500 across North America. Photo: Shutterstock

Quest Chips are surging in popularity, with an 83% growth rate since January, with higher per capita conversation in markets like Quebec City and Ottawa.

Granularity is a platform that leverages AI to predict product trends from social media and search engines.

What’s Trending?

Quest Chips are becoming a bigger snack choice, searches this month have hit 90,500 across North America. The growth rate of 83% is higher than other snacks of its type. Flavours like Nacho Cheese, Chili Lime, and Loaded Taco are especially popular.

These chips are now stocked at Costco, and one video showing the product on shelves has already drawn 8,000 views in 10 days (as of May 13). This is a rapid growth rate for a localized video.

In cities like Quebec City and Ottawa, Quest Chips are trending especially well on a per capita basis, signalling strong local demand. Viral posts show people turning Quest Chips into full meals by topping them with ingredients and calling it an "easy lunch" with 53 grams of protein.

Insights

Growth Trajectory: Quest Chips have seen 83% growth in social engagement over the last 6 months, with steady upward momentum since January.
Retailers: Costco distribution is helping the brand reach new shoppers and drive discovery. As product demand grows, it may become a destination driver in the C&G channel.
Regionality: Quebec City and Ottawa show especially strong interest per capita in Quest Chips, making them key cities to watch for potential regional promotions or expansion.

How can trend predictions enhance your decision-making?

Identifying gaps in product assortment: Assess how well your product lineup captures emerging trends and identifies market gaps.
Optimizing marketing and promotions: Tailor marketing strategies based on how consumers use products, adapting to relevant terms, locations, and interested markets.
Validating brand pitches: Utilize data to filter through product pitches to hone into the new products that matter. Test products based on market data rather than a gut instinct.