What’s trending in snacks?

What’s trending?

Stevia energy drinks, dark chocolate with Stevia, and Stevia protein bars.

Why?

From January to June 2024, Stevia-related searches averaged around 4,300 monthly, reflecting a significant uptick compared to previous years. This growth is driven by consumers seeking low-sugar snacks. Searches particularly for Stevia energy drinks reached a peak of 12,500 searches in July 2024. Though there was a slight drop to 10,250 by August 2024, consumer interest remains high.

Stevia dark chocolate and Stevia protein bars are also gaining traction as healthier snack alternatives. With over 27,153,500 views on TikTok, Stevia-based snacks are generating significant conversation.

Insights

The global Stevia drinks market is expected to grow at a 10.5% CAGR from 2024 to 2031, propelled by increasing consumer demand for low-calorie options (source). Major players such as Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, and Zevia are continuing to invest in innovation in this space. 

Beyond beverages, the Stevia product category is expanding across multiple food and beverage sectors. We recently wrote about the trend of zero-sugar protein bars, of which Stevia products are an extension. In the confectionery space, Stevia is making its way into candies, gummies, and baked goods.

How can trend predictions enhance your decision-making?

Identify gaps in product assortment: Assess how well your product lineup captures emerging trends and identifies market gaps.

Optimize promotions: Tailor marketing strategies based on how consumers use products, adapting to relevant terms, locations, and interested markets.

Filter sales 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.