# Protein Snacking Rice protein-based snack products help balance blood sugar levels. By [Mishal Omar](https://www.trendhunter.com/MishalO) | Published Jul 2, 2022 | Category: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/lifestyle-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/protein-snacking ## Key Figures - Trend score: 5.0/10 - Evidence articles: 4 ## What is the Protein Snacking trend? **Protein Snacking:** Rice protein helps to balance blood sugar levels, is easy on the digestive system and has many other benefits. Now, brands are incorporating this ingredient into snack products in order to boost their nutritional profiles and add a selling point for customers. ## The consumer insight behind the Protein Snacking trend Health-conscious consumers tend to be more aware of the various products and ingredients that will help them meet their personal health and fitness goals. Brands that cater to the more niche interests of these consumers are more likely to establish brand loyalty. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 4 featured examples - Articles from: Oct 28, 2020 to Jun 25, 2022 - Published: Jul 2, 2022 - Patterns: [Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/convergence) - Megatrends: [Hybridization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/hybridization), [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 Protein Snacking trend ### Plant-Based Protein Rice, fava bean, and pea protein are becoming popular options for health-conscious consumers and brands are incorporating them into snack products to boost nutritional profiles. ### Meal Replacement Snacking Meal replacement options are expanding beyond shakes and bars to include puffs and protein puddings, catering to consumers seeking quick, convenient, and satisfying snacks on-the-go. ### Better-for-You Grab-and-Go Snacks Companies in the snack food industry are working to create healthier snack options that are just as convenient and flavorful as traditional snacks to encourage healthier snacking habits among consumers. ## What the Protein Snacking trend means for industry ### For Food & Beverage Incorporating plant-based protein and providing healthier snack options can lead to disruptive innovation opportunities in the food and beverage industry. ### For Fitness & Wellness The demand for healthier snack options and plant-based protein aligns with the growing emphasis on fitness and wellness in the industry, providing opportunities for innovation in this area. ### For Packaged Goods Meal replacement snacks and better-for-you grab-and-go options that cater to on-the-go consumers present opportunities for innovation and growth in the packaged goods industry. ## Workshop question How could your brand cater to its customers' more specific needs and interests? ## Trend signals for Protein Snacking Trend score 5.0 out of 10, from popularity 79%, activity 59%, freshness 12%. - Popularity: 79% - Activity: 59% - Freshness: 12% ## Examples of the Protein Snacking trend 4 featured examples from Oct 28, 2020 to Jun 25, 2022. - [Meal Replacement Snack Puffs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/takeout-mealinabag-puffs): TakeOut Meal-In-A-Bag Puffs are Plant-Based and Satiating (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The healthy snacks industry can benefit from developing plant-based puffs as a meal replacement option. - [Plant-Based Rice Protein Products](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nutralys-rice-protein-range): The Nutralys Rice Protein Range from Roquette Has Two Options (Category: Marketing) Implication: As consumers opt for plant-based diets, manufacturers can innovate by offering new plant-based protein products, like rice protein concentrate and isolate. - [Dessert-Inspired Protein Puddings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mller-rice-protein): Müller Rice Protein Comes in Two Satisfying Flavor Options (Category: Marketing) Implication: Brands in this industry can capitalize on the trend of high-protein and hunger-filling products by offering new and innovative snacking or dessert options. - [Chewy Chocolate Protein Bars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chocolate-protein-bars): Trader Joe's Chocolate & Peanut Butter Bars are Sweet and Salty (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The food and beverage industry can tap the market demand by introducing innovative protein-based snacks with on-the-go packaging and interesting flavors. ## Recent trend clusters - [Festive Fusions](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/festive-fusions) (Lifestyle) - [Habitual Protein](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/habitual-protein) (Lifestyle) - [Spirit Immersion](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/spirit-immersion) (Lifestyle) - [Whisky Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/whisky-divergence) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Lifestyle - [Mystery Packaging Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cow-not-laughing) - [Multi-Benefit Protein Shakes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/comes-in-three-flavors) - [Weighted Overhead Sleep Pillows](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sleep-crown-classic-trends) - [Creator-Led Learning Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/learning-series) All articles: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle)