Snack formulations are getting more complex as consumers view snacking as more than a filler between meals. Susan Larson, Associate Researcher at the Wisconsin Center for Dairy Research at the University of Wisconsin – Madison, says that even though more consumers snack throughout the day, formulators shouldn’t rush to put product on the shelves without first considering the claims that consumers want most. Successful snacks offer what consumers want for each meal occasion.

In the latest Dairy Detective column from Dairy Foods magazine, Larson highlights three items that lead to meaningful snacks:

• Diverse Eating Occasions: Consumers focus less on benefits and more on healthier indulgence as they day progresses.Energy boosts or increased protein are wanted in the morning, convenience and portability midday, and more comforting in the evening.
• Creating Flavor Variety: Flavor preferences differ across age groups and experience range, so having personalized options for audiences is ideal. Since high-quality S. dairy proteins have a mild flavor, they are a great platform for flavor experimentation.
• Adding Premium Claims: Consumers make their snack decisions based on packaging claims and they no longer settle for standard ingredients. Claims, such as premium ingredients, no additives, no added sugar and fewer preservatives are product differentiators.

With each of these ideas for improved snacks, U.S. dairy proteins can add the highest quality available to meet your formulation check list. Visit ThinkUSAdairy.org for details U.S. milk and whey dairy ingredients and how they can enhance your snack items.