# Conscious Snacking Snack food brands integrate elements of social good to convey social awareness. By [Tana Makmanee](https://www.trendhunter.com/tmak), SVP, Research Services at Trend Hunter | Published Oct 9, 2014 | Category: [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/environmental-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/conscious-snacking ## Key Figures - Trend score: 5.1/10 - Evidence articles: 4 ## What is the Conscious Snacking trend? **Conscious Snacking:** Seeking to break free of traditionally negative connotations associated with snack food, brands are turning to elements of social good to convey a sense of awareness. Offering fair trade products and sustainable packaging designs, snack food brands are seeking to target consumers on a more conscious level, contributing more than something just to eat. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 4 featured examples - Articles from: Apr 15 to Oct 6, 2014 - Published: Oct 9, 2014 - Patterns: [Cyclicality](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/cyclicality), [Reduction](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/reduction) - Megatrends: [Simplicity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/simplicity), [Naturality](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/naturality) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Conscious Snacking trend ### Eco-friendly packaging Brands are using eco-friendly packaging designs to target conscious consumers with sustainable options. ### Fair Trade products Brands are emphasizing global influence by creating fair trade products while offering a variety of flavors to target consumers who have dietary restrictions. ### Celebratory snack packaging Packaging designs that mimic candy wrappers is disrupting traditional snack food packaging, encouraging the perception of healthy snacking. ## What the Conscious Snacking trend means for industry ### For Food and beverage industry The food and beverage industry should be aware of how eco-friendly packaging and fair trade products are becoming more popular among consumers who want health whilst keeping track of the environmental impact. ### For Retail industry The use of packaging that produces a celebratory feeling is disrupting traditional snack food packaging and could be utilized by retailers to develop innovative package designs for products. ### For Sustainable packaging industry The sustainable packaging industry will significantly gain momentum due to the increasing number of food/beverage companies opting for eco-friendly alternatives to traditional packaging methods. ## Trend signals for Conscious Snacking Trend score 5.1 out of 10, from popularity 72%, activity 74%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 72% - Activity: 74% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Conscious Snacking trend 4 featured examples from Apr 15 to Oct 6, 2014. - [Celebratory Snack Packaging](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sweet-harvest): The Sweet Harvest's Packaging Looks Like a Candy Wrapper or Nutcracker (Category: Eco) Implication: The Sweet Harvest's packaging design presents opportunities for other healthy snack companies to adopt unique and creative packaging designs. - [Eco Summer Snack Packaging](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bon-bon-bon): The BonBonBon Coconut Balls Come in a Convenient Picnic Pack (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Companies in the food packaging industry can capitalize on the trend of eco-friendly sets by innovating sustainable and convenient packaging solutions. - [Biodegradable Chip Packaging](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/Chip-Snacks): The Boulder Canyon Chip Snacks are Sold in Compostable Bags (Category: Eco) Implication: The adoption of biodegradable chip packaging can disrupt the traditional packaging industry and drive the demand for sustainable packaging solutions. - [Fruity Fair Trade Snacks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/natural-energy-bars): Geobar's Natural Energy Bars Are Healthy & Fair Trade (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Industry that can benefit from the development and marketing of healthy and unique snack options. ## Recent trend clusters - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) - [Source Signatures](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/oak-finish-whiskey) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Eco - [Jewel-Toned Fall Apparel](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/quince-silk) - [Compostable Coffee Pucks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/compostable-coffee-pucks) - [Intelligent Private Grids](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ara-core-powers) - [Compact Electric Family MPVs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/compact-electric-family-mpvs) All articles: [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco)