Snacking: Which countries have the best snacks?
- InsightTrendsWorld
- 1 day ago
- 13 min read
Why it is the topic trending:
New research reveals that a significant portion of Americans have traveled or would consider traveling specifically for food, indicating a strong interest in culinary experiences, including snacks.
The survey highlights a curiosity about international flavors, with 80% of Americans interested in trying new global snacks, suggesting a trend of exploration and openness in food preferences.
The ranking of specific countries like Italy, Mexico, and Japan as having the best snacks is a topic of interest and potential discussion among food enthusiasts and travelers.
The findings provide insights for the food industry and retailers regarding consumer preferences for international snack flavors and potential market opportunities.
Overview: The article presents the results of a survey of 2,000 U.S. adults conducted by Talker Research on behalf of HI-CHEW, which explored Americans' preferences and behaviors related to international snacks. The survey revealed that many Americans are willing to travel for specific foods and have a strong interest in trying snacks from other countries. It also identified the top countries perceived to have the best snacks, with Italy, Mexico, and Japan leading the list, along with favorite international flavors like mango and coconut.
Detailed findings:
22% of U.S. adults have crossed state lines for a specific food or snack, and 10% have traveled to another country for their cravings.
34% have considered traveling for food.
56% would leave room in their suitcase to bring back snacks, and 41% might buy another suitcase.
The average American would spend $180 to try their favorite international food in its country of origin.
Favorite international flavors include mango (42%), coconut (39%), dragon fruit (27%), and dulce de leche (20%).
These flavors are most enjoyed in desserts (51%), drinks (39%), or candy (32%).
Italy (23%), Mexico (21%), and Japan (15%) are considered the top three countries for best snacks.
80% of Americans are interested in trying a new global snack.
81% of international travelers discovered new favorite treats during their trips.
46% believe the United States is not in the top 10 for best global snacks.
Key success factors of product (trend):
Flavor Appeal: The identified top flavors (mango, coconut, etc.) resonate with American consumers.
Cultural Interest: The allure of experiencing authentic snacks from different countries is a significant draw.
Novelty and Variety: International snacks offer a departure from everyday choices and satisfy a desire for new tastes.
Accessibility: While travel is a motivator, the availability of international snacks in local markets also contributes to the trend.
Key takeaway: There is a significant and growing interest among American consumers in exploring and enjoying snacks from around the world, with certain countries and flavors being particularly appealing, indicating a potential opportunity for the food industry and retailers to cater to this demand.
Main trend: Increasing American Consumer Interest in Global Snack Flavors and International Snack Products.
Description of the trend: "Global Munchies: The American Palate's International Snack Adventure." This trend describes the rising curiosity and demand among American consumers for snack products and flavor profiles originating from countries around the world. Fueled by travel experiences, exposure to diverse cultures through media, and a general desire for culinary exploration, Americans are increasingly seeking out and enjoying snacks from countries beyond their borders. This trend is evident in their willingness to travel for specific treats, their openness to trying new global flavors, and their perception of certain countries as having superior snack offerings.
What is consumer motivation:
Desire for Variety: Consumers seek to diversify their snack choices beyond typical American options.
Culinary Adventurousness: Many are interested in exploring new and exciting tastes from different cultures.
Nostalgia for Travel: Those who have traveled internationally may want to relive their experiences through familiar snacks.
Flavor Discovery: There's a desire to discover unique and appealing flavor combinations found in international snacks.
What is driving trend:
Globalization and Exposure to Other Cultures: Increased travel and media coverage of international foods have broadened palates.
Availability of International Foods: Local markets and online retailers are making global snacks more accessible.
Social Media Influence: Platforms can highlight unique and interesting snacks from around the world.
What is motivation beyond the trend:
Seeking Novel Sensory Experiences: Consumers are looking for new and exciting taste sensations.
Connecting with Other Cultures: Food is often a way to learn about and experience different cultures.
Description of consumers article is referring to: This article primarily refers to U.S. adults who:
Have an interest in food and snacking.
Are open to trying new flavors and cuisines.
Some have traveled internationally or are considering it.
Are willing to spend money on unique food experiences.
Shopping preferences:
Desire for Variety and Exploration: Snacking consumers are not content with the same familiar options and actively seek variety in their snacks, showing a willingness to explore flavors and products from different parts of the world.
Openness to International Flavors: They have an adventurous palate and are keen to try snacks with flavors and ingredients that are unique to specific countries, such as mango, coconut, dragon fruit, and dulce de leche.
Value Authenticity and Origin: There's an indication that consumers appreciate the authenticity of international snacks and may be interested in products that genuinely represent the culinary traditions of their country of origin.
Driven by Taste and Sensory Experience: The primary motivation for snacking remains the enjoyment of taste and texture, and international snacks offer a range of novel sensory experiences that appeal to snacking consumers.
Seek Convenience and Accessibility: While some are willing to travel for specific snacks, most prefer to find international options conveniently available at their local grocery stores or online, highlighting the importance of accessibility in their purchasing decisions.
Influenced by Popularity and Recommendations: The identification of top countries for snacks (Italy, Mexico, Japan) and favorite international flavors suggests that popularity and recommendations can play a role in guiding snacking consumers' choices.
Enjoy Both Sweet and Savory Options: The article mentions preferences for snacks in various forms like desserts, candy, and potentially savory options not explicitly listed, indicating that snacking consumers have diverse preferences across sweet and savory categories when exploring international snacks.
Open to Discovery: Snacking consumers are open to discovering new favorite treats through the wide and varied world of international snacks, suggesting that they are not necessarily brand loyal and are willing to try new things.
Conclusions: American consumers have a strong and growing appetite for international snacks and flavors, with Italy, Mexico, and Japan being particularly favored. This trend presents a significant opportunity for the food industry to innovate and cater to this adventurous consumer base.
Implications for brands:
Explore and introduce international flavors and snack formats: Food and beverage brands, especially those already in the snack market, have a significant opportunity to innovate and expand their product lines by exploring popular international flavors like mango, coconut, dragon fruit, and dulce de leche, perhaps even sourcing directly from these regions to ensure authenticity. They can also consider introducing snack formats that are traditionally popular in the top-ranked countries, such as Italian biscotti or pizzelle, or Japanese mochi and senbei.
Highlight the origin and authenticity of global snacks: Marketing efforts should emphasize the cultural heritage and authentic flavors of international snacks to appeal to consumers' desire for genuine culinary experiences. Storytelling around the specific regions the ingredients come from, traditional family recipes, and unique preparation methods can create a stronger emotional connection with consumers and differentiate products from generic offerings.
Consider collaborations with international food brands: Partnering with established and well-respected snack brands from countries like Italy, Mexico, and Japan could provide access to authentic recipes, high-quality ingredients, and valuable brand recognition within those culinary traditions, allowing for co-branded products that resonate deeply with consumers seeking genuine international flavors and quality.
Implication for society:
Increased appreciation and understanding of diverse culinary cultures: As more international snacks become readily available in the American market, consumers will have greater opportunities to learn about and appreciate the diverse culinary traditions, unique ingredients, and flavor profiles from different countries around the world, potentially fostering cross-cultural understanding, respect, and exchange beyond just the realm of food.
Potential growth in the import and distribution of international food products: The rising demand for global snacks could lead to a significant expansion in the import and distribution networks for these products, potentially creating new economic opportunities for businesses involved in international trade and strengthening economic ties between the United States and the countries known for their popular snacks.
Implications for consumers:
Wider variety of snack options available: Consumers will benefit from an expanded selection of snack products, offering more diverse and exciting flavors, unique textures, and varied formats to choose from, catering to a broader range of personal preferences, dietary needs, and adventurous palates, making snacking a more enriching experience.
Opportunity to experience global flavors without traveling: The increased availability of authentic international snacks in local markets, specialty stores, and online platforms will allow consumers to explore the tastes and culinary delights of different countries without the expense or time commitment of international travel, making global culinary experiences more accessible and convenient for a wider audience eager to broaden their food horizons.
Implication for Future:
Continued growth in the demand for international snacks: The trend of culinary adventurism and increasing interest in global flavors is expected to persist and likely grow even stronger in the future, driven by factors such as ongoing globalization, increased media exposure to diverse cuisines, and a persistent consumer desire for novel and exciting food experiences.
More diverse and innovative snack products from around the world: The market will likely see a rise in the introduction of more niche, regional, and innovative snack products from various countries, as brands strive to cater to increasingly sophisticated and adventurous consumer palates seeking authentic and unique tastes. This could include snacks featuring ingredients and flavor combinations not commonly found in the American market.
Consumer Trend:
Name: Global Flavor Exploration
Detailed Description: Consumers are actively seeking out and experimenting with flavors and food products from different countries around the world.
Consumer Sub Trend:
Name: Destination Snacking
Detailed Description: The desire to try and purchase snacks that are specific to certain countries or regions, either through travel or import.
Big Social Trend:
Name: Culinary Adventurism
Detailed Description: A growing societal interest in exploring new and diverse food experiences.
Worldwide Social Trend:
Name: Cross-Cultural Food Appreciation
Detailed Description: The increasing awareness and appreciation of different cultures through their cuisines.
Social Drive:
Name: The Desire for Novelty and Sensory Experience
Detailed Description: Humans are driven to seek out new and exciting tastes and sensations.
Learnings for brands to use in 2025:
Recognize the strong American interest in global snacks: Brands should acknowledge the significant and rapidly growing appetite among U.S. consumers for exploring international snack options as a key market opportunity for product development and overall brand expansion in the coming year.
Highlight the top countries and flavors that appeal to consumers: Brands should pay close attention to the survey findings that specifically identify Italy, Mexico, and Japan as the top-ranked countries for best snacks and strongly consider incorporating popular international flavors like mango, coconut, dragon fruit, and dulce de leche into their new product offerings to align with proven consumer preferences.
Make international snacks easily accessible to consumers: Brands should prioritize ensuring that their international snack products are readily available to consumers through a comprehensive range of retail channels, including major supermarkets, specialty food stores that cater to international communities, and convenient online platforms with efficient shipping options, to effectively cater to diverse consumer shopping habits and preferences.
Strategy Recommendations for brands to follow in 2025:
Expand offerings of international snack products: Brands should actively invest in research and development to explore and introduce new and exciting snack products that authentically feature flavors, ingredients, and formats popular in the top-ranked countries, as well as other regions demonstrating consumer interest, to diversify their portfolios and appeal to a broader range of palates.
Partner with retailers to create dedicated "global snack" sections: Brands should collaborate with retail partners to advocate for and help establish dedicated sections or displays within physical stores and on e-commerce platforms that are specifically curated to showcase a diverse and enticing array of international snacks, making it easier and more appealing for consumers to discover and purchase these global treats.
Market the unique flavors and origins of international snacks: Brands should develop comprehensive and engaging marketing campaigns that effectively communicate the distinctive taste profiles, cultural heritage, and authentic stories behind their international snack products, utilizing compelling visuals, informative descriptions, and potentially partnering with international food influencers or chefs to generate excitement and educate consumers about the unique culinary experiences these snacks offer.
Final sentence (key concept) describing main trend from article and what brands & companies should do in 2025 to benefit from trend and how to do it: The "Global Munchies" trend reveals a strong American consumer interest in international snacks, urging brands and retailers in 2025 to capitalize on this by offering a wide variety of authentic and appealing global snack options to satisfy adventurous palates.
Final note:
Core Trend: American Appetite for International Snacks
Detailed Description: The survey data clearly indicates a significant and growing interest among American consumers in exploring and purchasing snack foods originating from countries around the world, driven by a desire for new taste experiences and culinary variety.
Core Strategy: Expand Global Snack Offerings
Detailed Description: To effectively capitalize on this consumer demand, brands and retailers should proactively broaden their selection of international snack products, ensuring they offer authentic flavors and formats that resonate with American palates, particularly those from top-ranked countries like Italy, Mexico, and Japan.
Core Industry Trend: Growth of International Food Markets
Detailed Description: The increasing enthusiasm for global snacks among American consumers signals a continued expansion and maturation of the international food market within the United States, creating opportunities for importers, distributors, and retailers to cater to this growing segment of adventurous eaters.
Core Consumer Motivation: Seeking Culinary Adventure Through Snacks
Detailed Description: A primary driver behind this trend is the consumer's desire for culinary exploration and the thrill of discovering new and exciting taste sensations through snacking, with international snacks offering a convenient and accessible way to experience different cultures and flavors from the comfort of their own homes.
Final Conclusion: American consumers show a significant and growing enthusiasm for international snacks, presenting a valuable and timely opportunity for the food industry to innovate, diversify their product offerings, and strategically cater to these evolving palates by making a wide array of authentic global snack options readily available.
Core Trend Detailed description:
Increasing American Consumer Interest in Global Snack Flavors and International Snack Products describes a significant shift in the snacking habits of U.S. adults, marked by a growing curiosity and demand for snack options originating from countries around the world. This trend is fueled by factors such as increased global travel, greater exposure to diverse cultures through media, and an adventurous approach to food and flavor exploration. American consumers are not only willing to cross state lines or even travel internationally to satisfy cravings for specific snacks but are also actively seeking out and purchasing international snack products from local grocery stores and online retailers, indicating a broadening of palates beyond traditional domestic offerings.
Key Characteristics of the Trend (summary, detailed description):
Summary: Rising demand among American consumers for snacks with international flavors and from specific countries.
Detailed Description: The key characteristics of this trend include a heightened level of interest in trying new snack flavors and formats from around the globe. American consumers are showing a clear preference for specific international flavors like mango, coconut, dragon fruit, and dulce de leche. Furthermore, there's a discernible perception that certain countries, notably Italy, Mexico, and Japan, offer superior snack options, driving consumers to seek out products originating from these regions.
Market and Cultural Signals Supporting the Trend (summary, detailed description):
Summary: Survey data revealing willingness to travel and spend on international snacks, and a strong interest in trying new global options.
Detailed Description: Market research indicates a strong consumer appetite for international snacks. A significant percentage of Americans have either traveled or would consider traveling specifically for food and snacks. Moreover, a large majority of U.S. adults express interest in trying new global snack options, and many international travelers report discovering new favorite treats during their trips, suggesting a positive association with and openness to international snack offerings.
How the Trend Is Changing Consumer Behavior (summary):
Summary: American consumers are expanding their snack choices beyond domestic options and actively seeking out international flavors and products.
Detailed Description: This trend is leading to a diversification of American snacking habits. Consumers are no longer solely relying on familiar domestic snack brands and flavors but are increasingly exploring the international aisle in grocery stores, seeking out online retailers specializing in imported snacks, and even planning travel itineraries that include opportunities to sample local treats. This demonstrates a more adventurous and globally-oriented approach to snacking.
Implications Across the Ecosystem (For Brands and CPGs, For Retailers, For Consumers, summary)):
Summary for Brands and CPGs: Opportunity to innovate with international flavors and formats; highlight authenticity. Retailers should expand global snack selections. Consumers gain access to diverse and exciting options.
Detailed Description for Brands and CPGs: Food brands and consumer packaged goods companies have a significant opportunity to innovate by introducing new snack products that feature authentic international flavors and formats. Emphasizing the origin, cultural significance, and unique ingredients of these snacks in their marketing can attract consumers eager for genuine global culinary experiences.
Detailed Description for Retailers: Retailers can capitalize on this trend by expanding their international snack food sections, both in physical stores and online. Curating a diverse selection of products from countries identified as having the "best snacks," such as Italy, Mexico, and Japan, and featuring popular international flavors, can cater to the growing demand and enhance the shopping experience.
Detailed Description for Consumers: American consumers stand to benefit from a wider array of snack options becoming available. This allows for greater culinary exploration, the discovery of new favorite flavors and textures, and the opportunity to experience tastes from around the world without necessarily having to travel internationally.
Strategic Forecast:
The increasing American interest in global snacks is expected to continue its upward trajectory. Factors like ongoing globalization, the ease of accessing international products through online platforms, and a growing consumer desire for unique and exciting food experiences will likely fuel this trend further. Brands and retailers that proactively cater to this demand and offer a diverse and authentic selection of international snacks are poised for success in the evolving snack market.
Final Thought:
The American appetite for international snacks reflects a broader trend of culinary curiosity and a desire for global experiences, presenting a significant opportunity for the food industry to innovate and connect with consumers through a diverse and flavorful world of snacking.
Final note:
Core Trend: American Appetite for International Snacks
Detailed Description: The survey data clearly indicates a significant and growing interest among American consumers in exploring and purchasing snack foods originating from countries around the world, driven by a desire for new taste experiences and culinary variety.
Core Strategy: Expand Global Snack Offerings
Detailed Description: To effectively capitalize on this consumer demand, brands and retailers should proactively broaden their selection of international snack products, ensuring they offer authentic flavors and formats that resonate with American palates, particularly those from top-ranked countries like Italy, Mexico, and Japan.
Core Industry Trend: Growth of International Food Markets
Detailed Description: The increasing enthusiasm for global snacks among American consumers signals a continued expansion and maturation of the international food market within the United States, creating opportunities for importers, distributors, and retailers to cater to this growing segment of adventurous eaters.
Core Consumer Motivation: Seeking Culinary Adventure Through Snacks
Detailed Description: A primary driver behind this trend is the consumer's desire for culinary exploration and the thrill of discovering new and exciting taste sensations through snacking, with international snacks offering a convenient and accessible way to experience different cultures and flavors from the comfort of their own homes.
Final Conclusion: American consumers show a significant and growing enthusiasm for international snacks, presenting a valuable and timely opportunity for the food industry to innovate, diversify their product offerings, and strategically cater to these evolving palates by making a wide array of authentic global snack options readily available.
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