# Upcycled Snacking Food brands use upcycled ingredients in standard snack items. By [Mishal Omar](https://www.trendhunter.com/MishalO) | Published Feb 11, 2020 | Category: [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/environmental-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/upcycled-snacking ## Key Figures - Trend score: 5.1/10 - Evidence articles: 8 ## What is the Upcycled Snacking trend? **Upcycled Snacking:** The waste that the food industry produces is being mitigated somewhat by brands in this space that are using the growing popularity of upcycled ingredients, in the snack items they offer. Made with produce and animal products that would otherwise go to waste, these items make people feel better about their consumption habits. ## The consumer insight behind the Upcycled Snacking trend The consistency of certain daily routines by consumers inevitably results in global issues like resource depletion and waste production. Climate change and pollution is now top of mind for a growing group of consumers who understand how their daily habits impact the environment, and they're now seeking out brands that will aid them in the process of living more sustainably. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 8 featured examples - Articles from: Feb 10, 2018 to Oct 4, 2021 - Published: Feb 11, 2020 - Patterns: [Cyclicality](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/cyclicality), [Reduction](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/reduction) - Megatrends: [Curation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/curation), [Naturality](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/naturality) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Themes within the Upcycled Snacking trend ### Upcycled Ingredients Brands in the food industry are using upcycled ingredients in snacks to mitigate waste production and appeal to consumers interested in sustainable living. ### Nutrient-Dense Snacks Snack brands are developing products with an emphasis on providing nutrition to health-focused consumers. ### Sustainable Packaging Brands in the snack industry are using recyclable materials for packaging to appeal to environmentally conscious consumers. ## What the Upcycled Snacking trend means for industry ### For Food and Beverage The food industry is introducing new product lines that use upcycled ingredients and sustainable packaging to promote sustainable practices. ### For Packaging The packaging industry is investing in sustainable practices with new materials to appeal to the consumer demand for environment-friendly food packaging. ### For Health and Wellness The health and wellness industry is promoting the importance of nutritious snacking and encouraging snack brands to develop nutrient-dense, better-for-you offerings. ## Workshop question How could your brand help consumers implement small but impactful sustainable practices in their day-to-day? ## Trend signals for Upcycled Snacking Trend score 5.1 out of 10, from popularity 77%, activity 66%, freshness 9%. - Popularity: 77% - Activity: 66% - Freshness: 9% ## Examples of the Upcycled Snacking trend 8 featured examples from Feb 10, 2018 to Oct 4, 2021. - [Crunchy Upcycled Plantain Snacks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/barnana-plantain-chips): The Barnana Plantain Chips are Fried in Coconut Oil (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The snack food industry can capitalize on the trend of upcycled snacks and plant-based options to diversify product offerings. - [Upcycled Vegetable Trail Mixes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vegetable-trail-mix): Dirt Kitchen Makes Savory Dried Vegetable Trail Mix Snacks (Category: Eco) Implication: The snack food industry can explore the use of upcycled fruits and vegetables to create innovative and sustainable snack options. - [Sustainable Food Waste Chips](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/confetti-fine-foods): Confetti Fine Foods Creates Artisan Veggie Chips Without Additives (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The snack food industry can take advantage of the upcycling trend by creating new products that reduce food waste while also providing healthier options to consumers. - [Artisanal Upcycled Crackers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/heirloom-snack-crackers): Pipcorn's Heirloom Snack Crackers are Made with Upcycled Corn Flour (Category: Eco) Implication: Exploring ways to minimize food waste and create innovative products. - [Upcycled Cauliflower Crisps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cauliflower-crisp): Nudie Snacks Makes Cauliflower Snacks That Reduce Food Waste (Category: Eco) Implication: The food and beverage industry can leverage upcycled snacks and better-for-you alternatives to cater to conscious consumers. - [Repurposed Grain Puffs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/snack-puff): These Snack Puffs are Made with Upcycled ReGrained SuperGrains (Category: Eco) Implication: Opportunity to create a new market segment for upcycled and flavorful snack products. - [Upcycled Tortilla Chips](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/restaurant-style-tortilla-chips): Kazoo Restaurant Style Tortilla Chips are Made with Corn Germ (Category: Eco) Implication: Innovative upcycling methods and sustainable practices offer opportunities for growth in the food and beverage industry. - [Grain-Free Upcycled Snacks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sun-poppers): LesserEvil's Sun Poppers Use Upcycled Watermelon & Pumpkin Seeds (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The snack industry can capitalize on the growing demand for sustainable, protein-packed snacks made from upcycled ingredients. ## 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)