Snacking: Classic pretzels remain popular with consumers

Why it is the topic trending:

• Enduring Popularity Amidst Shifting Snacking Habits: The article highlights that despite a general trend towards healthier snacking and the impact of weight-loss drugs on traditional junk food, classic pretzels continue to hold consumer appeal. This resilience makes it a noteworthy topic in the food industry.

• La Brea Bakery's Entry into the Pretzel Category: A well-known artisan bread brand, La Brea Bakery, is launching a new line of soft pretzel products, signaling confidence in the pretzel market and indicating potential growth in this segment.

• Consumer Demand for Both Healthier and Classic Options: The article touches upon the dichotomy in consumer snacking preferences, where while healthier options are gaining traction, there remains a strong demand for traditional favorites like pretzels.

• Comparison to Struggling "Junk Food" Segments: The article contrasts the steady popularity of pretzels with the declining sales of traditional junk food like chips, baked goods, and cookies, making the pretzel's sustained appeal more significant.

• Focus on Quality and "Better-For-You" Twists on a Classic: La Brea Bakery emphasizes the use of real, clean ingredients in their new pretzel line, suggesting a way for even classic snacks to align with some consumer preferences for better quality.

Overview:

The article explores the sustained popularity of classic pretzels with American consumers, even as broader snacking trends shift towards healthier options and sales of traditional junk foods decline due to factors like weight-loss drugs. Leading artisan bread brand La Brea Bakery is capitalizing on this enduring appeal by launching a new line of soft pretzel products, emphasizing the use of simple, clean ingredients and a premium take on the classic snack. The article also touches upon the success of companies like Uncle Jerry's Pretzels, which focus on high-quality, all-natural pretzels, further highlighting the consumer demand for both traditional and better-for-you pretzel options.

Detailed Findings:

• Americans are snacking more than ever, but their food choices are changing as traditional junk food becomes less popular.

• More price-conscious consumers, the rise of weight-loss drugs, and a desire for healthier snacks are forcing snack companies to adapt.

• Sales of traditional snacks like chips, baked goods, and cookies are sliding, partly due to the impact of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs, which a study found to cut grocery spending by 6%, with these categories being most affected.

• Uncle Jerry’s Pretzels has seen its sales soar by 35% in the first two months of the year, attributed to its commitment to high-quality, hand-twisted pretzels free of oil, sugar, preservatives, and artificial dyes, made with simple ingredients like water, flour, yeast, sourdough starter, and salt.

• Uncle Jerry’s also sells lower-calorie and cheaper pretzel snack packs containing two small pretzels (160 calories per pack), compared to mass-produced medium pretzels that can be over 400 calories.

• La Brea Bakery, a leading artisan bread brand, is debuting a new Soft Pretzel line, including Pretzel Buns, Pretzel Sausage Buns, and Pretzel Baguettes, offering a premium, better-for-you take on the classic.

• La Brea Bakery’s pretzel products are made with simple, clean ingredients, featuring a crisp golden-brown crust, a soft, chewy interior, and a buttery finish.

• The new La Brea Bakery pretzel line is expected to hit store shelves later in 2025.

• Pretzel Buns are suggested for burgers, roast beef dips, and Nashville hot chicken sandwiches.

• Pretzel Sausage Buns are ideal for bratwurst, braised beef cheesesteaks, or savory breakfast omelet sandwiches.

• Pretzel Baguettes are perfect for upscale subs, dipping boards, or served warm with comfort dishes.

• La Brea Bakery emphasizes the use of real ingredients and proven techniques in their pretzel line to deliver delicious flavor and texture.

Key success factors of product (trend):

• Nostalgic Comfort Food Appeal: Pretzels are a classic snack that evokes feelings of comfort and familiarity for many consumers.

• Versatility in Usage: Pretzels can be enjoyed on their own as a snack or used as a base for various meals, as highlighted by La Brea Bakery's product line.

• Potential for "Better-For-You" Options: Brands like Uncle Jerry's demonstrate that pretzels can be made with simple, natural ingredients, appealing to health-conscious consumers.

• Adaptability to Different Formats: From traditional twists to buns and baguettes, the pretzel format can be adapted to suit various eating occasions and preferences.

• Premiumization Opportunities: La Brea Bakery's approach suggests that there is room for a higher-quality, artisan take on the classic pretzel.

Key takeaway:

Despite changing snacking trends, classic pretzels maintain their popularity due to their comfort food appeal and versatility. There is also a growing demand for higher-quality, "better-for-you" options within the pretzel category, presenting an opportunity for brands to innovate and cater to evolving consumer preferences.

Main trend:

The "Enduring Appeal of Classic Snacks with a Modern Twist" or "Pretzel Renaissance."

Description of the trend (please name it):

The "Enduring Appeal of Classic Snacks with a Modern Twist" trend describes the phenomenon where traditional snack foods, despite competition from healthier alternatives and new products, maintain their popularity by tapping into nostalgia and comfort while also adapting to meet modern consumer preferences for quality ingredients and versatile usage. This often involves brands offering "better-for-you" versions of classics or reimagining them in new formats to suit contemporary lifestyles.

What is consumer motivation:

Consumers are motivated by:

• Comfort and Familiarity: Seeking out classic snacks that evoke positive memories and provide a sense of comfort.

• Versatility in Snacking and Meals: Appreciating snacks that can be enjoyed on their own or incorporated into meals.

• Desire for Higher Quality Ingredients: Looking for snacks made with real, simple, and recognizable ingredients.

• Balancing Indulgence with Health Consciousness: Choosing options that offer a satisfying snack experience while also aligning with their health goals (e.g., lower calorie, all-natural).

• Value for Money: Seeking out affordable snack options that offer good quality and quantity.

What is driving trend:

• Nostalgia for Traditional Foods: Classic snacks often hold sentimental value and are associated with positive childhood experiences.

• Flexibility of Snack Consumption: Modern lifestyles often involve snacking throughout the day, creating a demand for versatile options.

• Increased Awareness of Food Ingredients: Consumers are more informed and concerned about the ingredients in their food.

• Innovation in Food Manufacturing: Advances in food production allow brands to create healthier or more premium versions of classic snacks.

• Demand for Both Healthy and Indulgent Options: Consumers often seek a balance between healthier choices and occasional treats.

What is motivation beyond the trend:

Beyond the specific pretzel trend, these motivations reflect broader consumer preferences:

• The Timeless Appeal of Comfort Food: Certain foods provide emotional comfort and satisfaction that transcends trends.

• The Growing Importance of Food Quality: Consumers are increasingly prioritizing higher quality ingredients and production methods.

• The Desire for Convenience and Versatility: Modern consumers value food options that are easy to consume and can fit into various eating occasions.

Description of consumers article is referring to:

• Age: Likely a broad age range of snack consumers, as pretzels are a widely enjoyed snack across generations. The mention of nostalgia suggests appeal to older demographics as well, while the focus on convenience and new formats might attract younger consumers.

• Location: Primarily American consumers, as the article references US market trends and brands.

• Lifestyle: A diverse range of lifestyles, from those seeking quick and easy snacks to those more focused on health and quality. Includes both individuals who might be impacted by weight-loss drugs and those looking for satisfying and versatile snack options.

• Shopping preferences: Value both traditional favorites and healthier alternatives. They are likely to look for snacks that offer a good balance of taste, quality, and value. They might shop at grocery stores and specialty food stores.

• Are they low, occasional or frequent category shoppers: Likely a mix of occasional and frequent snack shoppers, as pretzels are a versatile snack consumed at various frequencies.

• What are their general shopping preferences-how they shop: Likely a combination of in-store and online shopping, paying attention to product ingredients and nutritional information. They might be influenced by brand reputation and positive reviews.

Conclusions:

The sustained popularity of classic pretzels, coupled with the emergence of higher-quality and more versatile options like those from Uncle Jerry's and La Brea Bakery, illustrates the enduring appeal of traditional snacks when they can adapt to meet evolving consumer preferences for quality, convenience, and even healthier ingredients. This indicates a "Pretzel Renaissance" where a beloved classic is being reimagined for the modern palate.

Implications for brands:

• Don't Underestimate the Power of Classics: Traditional snacks with strong consumer recognition can still thrive in the market.

• Focus on Quality Ingredients: Consumers are increasingly looking for snacks made with real and simple ingredients.

• Innovate with Format and Usage Occasions: Consider how classic snacks can be adapted to fit modern lifestyles and eating habits.

• Offer Both Indulgent and Healthier Options: Cater to a range of consumer preferences by providing choices that satisfy both cravings and health goals.

Implication for society:

• Balance Between Health Trends and Comfort Foods: Highlights the ongoing coexistence of health-conscious eating with the desire for familiar and comforting foods.

• Evolution of Snacking Culture: Snacking continues to be a significant part of American diets, with consumers seeking a variety of options to suit different needs and occasions.

Implications for consumers:

• Wider Variety of Pretzel Options: Consumers can expect to see a greater selection of pretzels available, from traditional twists to buns and baguettes, and options made with higher quality ingredients.

• More Choices for Health-Conscious Snacking: Brands are responding to the demand for "better-for-you" versions of classic snacks.

Implication for Future:

The future of snacking will likely involve a blend of innovative, healthier options alongside reimagined classics that cater to evolving consumer needs and preferences. Brands that can successfully balance these demands will thrive in the market.

Consumer Trend (name, detailed description):

• Name: Elevated Comfort Snacking

• Detailed description: Consumers are increasingly seeking out familiar and comforting snack foods but with an emphasis on higher quality ingredients, better nutritional profiles, and more versatile usage occasions.

Consumer Sub Trend (name, detailed description):

• Name: Classic Snack Revival

• Detailed description: Traditional snack categories are experiencing a resurgence as brands innovate and offer updated versions of beloved classics that appeal to both nostalgia and modern preferences.

Big Social Trend (name, detailed description):

• Name: Health and Wellness Influencing Food Choices

• Detailed description: Consumer awareness of health and wellness continues to significantly impact food and beverage choices, driving demand for options with better ingredients and nutritional benefits.

Worldwide Social Trend (name, detailed description):

• Name: The Global Snacking Culture

• Detailed description: Snacking has become a prevalent eating pattern worldwide, with consumers seeking diverse and convenient options to fit their lifestyles.

Social Drive (name, detailed description):

• Name: The Desire for Comfort and Quality in Everyday Foods

• Detailed description: Consumers seek foods that provide not only sustenance but also emotional comfort and are made with high-quality ingredients that they can trust.

Learnings for brands to use in 2025 (bullets, detailed description):

• Don't Neglect Established Categories: Even classic snack categories can offer significant growth opportunities through innovation and quality improvements.

• Highlight Real and Simple Ingredients: Transparency about ingredients is increasingly important to consumers.

• Explore New Formats and Uses for Familiar Snacks: Think creatively about how traditional snacks can be adapted for different eating occasions.

Strategy Recommendations for brands to follow in 2025 (bullets, detail description):

• Invest in Research and Development for Classic Snack Innovation: Explore ways to improve the quality, nutritional profile, and versatility of traditional snack offerings.

• Communicate Ingredient Quality and Sourcing Clearly: Be transparent with consumers about the ingredients used in your products and their origins.

• Develop Product Lines that Cater to Different Consumer Needs: Offer a range of options, including both indulgent and healthier versions of classic snacks.

Final sentence (key concept) describing main trend from article (which is a summary of all trends specified): The enduring popularity of classic pretzels, coupled with innovations focused on quality and versatility, exemplifies the "Enduring Appeal of Classic Snacks with a Modern Twist," where consumers seek comfort and familiarity alongside improved ingredients and contemporary usage options.

What brands & companies should do in 2025 to benefit from trend and how to do it: Brands should recognize the sustained demand for classic snacks by investing in innovation that focuses on higher quality ingredients, improved nutritional profiles where possible, and versatile product formats, while clearly communicating these benefits to consumers to capitalize on the "Elevated Comfort Snacking" trend.

Final note:

• Core Trend:

  • Name: Enduring Appeal of Classic Snacks with a Modern Twist

  • Detailed description: Traditional snacks maintaining popularity through nostalgia and adaptation to modern preferences.

• Core Strategy:

  • Name: Quality-Driven Classic Snack Innovation

  • Detailed description: Focusing on improving the quality, ingredients, and versatility of traditional snack offerings.

• Core Industry Trend:

  • Name: The Evolution of Snacking Towards Healthier and Premium Options

  • Detailed description: A continued shift in the snacking market towards options that offer better nutrition and higher quality.

• Core Consumer Motivation:

  • Name: Comfort, Familiarity, and Quality in Snacking

  • Detailed description: Seeking snacks that provide emotional comfort while also meeting desires for better ingredients and versatility.

Final Conclusion:

The ongoing popularity of pretzels, even amidst changing snacking trends, showcases the power of familiar and comforting foods. La Brea Bakery's foray into this category with a focus on quality and new formats indicates a smart move to capitalize on this enduring appeal while also catering to the modern consumer's desire for better ingredients and diverse usage options, signaling a bright future for well-executed classic snack revivals.

Core Trend Detailed: Enduring Appeal of Classic Snacks with a Modern Twist

• Description: This trend highlights the sustained popularity of traditional snack foods that have been beloved by consumers for generations. Despite the ever-evolving landscape of food and beverage trends, these classic snacks maintain their appeal by tapping into feelings of nostalgia and comfort. Simultaneously, brands are adapting these classics to meet modern consumer preferences by offering "better-for-you" options with improved ingredients, innovative flavor variations, and versatile formats that suit contemporary lifestyles and eating habits. This trend represents a balance between the familiar and the new, ensuring the longevity of well-loved snacks in the market.

• Key Characteristics of the Trend (summary):

  • Nostalgic Connection: Taps into consumers' fond memories and associations with traditional snacks.

  • Resilience Amidst Trends: Maintains popularity despite the emergence of newer snack options.

  • Adaptation and Innovation: Brands are updating classic recipes and formats to meet modern demands.

  • "Better-For-You" Options: Focus on cleaner ingredients, lower calories, or more natural formulations.

  • Versatile Usage: Offering formats that can be enjoyed as snacks or incorporated into meals.

• Market and Cultural Signals Supporting the Trend (summary):

  • Consistent Sales Figures for Classic Snacks: Despite newer trends, established snack categories often show steady demand.

  • Consumer Search Interest in Comfort Foods: During times of stress or change, consumers often gravitate towards familiar and comforting foods.

  • Brand Investment in Classic Snack Revitalization: Major food companies are innovating within traditional snack categories to maintain market share.

  • Demand for Transparency and Quality Ingredients: Consumers are increasingly scrutinizing ingredient lists and seeking out higher-quality options, even in snacks.

  • Snacking as a Dominant Eating Occasion: With busy lifestyles, snacking continues to be a prevalent way for consumers to fuel themselves.

• How the Trend Is Changing Consumer Behavior (summary):

  • Seeking Healthier Indulgences: Consumers are looking for ways to enjoy their favorite snacks without compromising their health and wellness goals.

  • Supporting Brands That Offer Both Familiarity and Innovation: Loyalty towards brands that respect tradition while also evolving to meet modern needs.

  • Increased Experimentation with Classic Snacks in New Formats: Willingness to try familiar flavors and textures in different product types (e.g., pretzel buns vs. pretzel twists).

  • Mindful Snacking: Consumers are becoming more conscious of portion sizes and calorie counts, even with traditionally indulgent snacks.

• Implications Across the Ecosystem (summary):

  • For Brands and CPGs: Opportunity to leverage the established recognition of classic snacks while innovating to attract new and existing consumers. Focus on ingredient quality and versatile formats.

  • For Retailers: Need to stock a balance of both traditional snack offerings and newer, healthier or innovative versions of classics to cater to diverse consumer preferences.

  • For Consumers: Wider variety of choices within familiar snack categories, including options that align with health and lifestyle needs. Opportunity to enjoy nostalgic favorites in new and exciting ways.

• Strategic Forecast: The "Enduring Appeal of Classic Snacks with a Modern Twist" trend is expected to remain robust. As consumers navigate evolving dietary trends and seek both comfort and healthier choices, brands that can successfully bridge this gap within traditional snack categories will thrive. Innovation in ingredients, formats, and flavor profiles will be key to sustaining this trend.

• Final Thought: The enduring popularity of classic snacks, as exemplified by the continued appeal of pretzels, showcases the power of familiarity and comfort in food. By strategically incorporating modern twists that address contemporary consumer needs and preferences, brands can ensure these beloved staples remain relevant and exciting for generations to come.

Source: https://www.bakemag.com/articles/20296-classic-pretzels-remain-popular-with-consumers