ADM highlights portfolio solutions as study reveals opportunities in healthy indulgence snacking

U.S.A – A new ADM study highlights how consumers increasingly want snacks that feel indulgent but also offer functional health benefits, and how ADM’s ingredient portfolio and technical solutions can help brands meet this demand. 

Shoppers are more informed about tailored wellness solutions, with 59% seeking products that meet individual nutritional needs. 

At the same time, nearly 70% turn to snacks for comfort and 57% value indulgence as a form of self-care. 

This evolving mindset is creating opportunities to position snacks as convenient tools for active lifestyles, meal replacements, and nutritional support for users of anti-obesity medications (AOMs).

Cost remains a factor with 41% of consumers being price-conscious, but they also seek convenience (43% want easier-to-eat formats) and novelty (33% want unique flavors). 

ADM has identified four major drivers for functional snacking innovation:

Life Stage and Lifestyle
Nutritional needs vary across generations, yet many consumers now view snacks as a source of supplementation rather than just treats. 

Protein and low sugar rank as top snack attributes, with 34% of shoppers prioritizing protein. 

Plant-forward eating is rising, with 73% of vegetarians, vegans, and flexitarians consuming plant-based proteins in snacks. 

Many aim for 30 grams of protein per meal, so functional snacks delivering 10–20 grams can help bridge that gap. 

Beyond protein, people want snacks that support gut health, weight management, mood, stress, and sleep, all while maintaining excellent flavor and texture. 

ADM’s TasteSpark® flavor modulation helps manufacturers keep sensory quality high while integrating functional ingredients.

The GLP-1 Effect
The growing use of AOMs such as GLP-1 receptor agonists is influencing the snacking sector. 

These consumers scrutinize labels, preferring snacks with natural ingredients, lower sugar and sodium, and improved digestive tolerance. 

Portion control (60%) and high protein/fiber content (64%) are especially valued. 

ADM’s HarvestEdge® Gold Digestive Support Flour Blend, containing Bifidobacterium longum ES1 postbiotic and Fibersol® prebiotic fiber, helps manufacturers meet demand for snacks that taste good while promoting digestive wellness.

Mood and Joy, or “Soft Health”
Functional snacks must do more than nourish; they must also delight. “Soft health” attributes such as appealing colors, flavors, and textures play as significant a role as protein or fiber content. 

Younger consumers, 91% of whom demand quick, convenient options, appreciate snacks that combine clean-label ingredients with sensory pleasure. 

ADM’s Colors from Nature® and its clean plant protein portfolio enable high-protein sweet or savory snacks that feel indulgent yet wholesome.

Evolving Eating Habits
Cultural shifts such as “girl dinner”, building meals from snacks, and rising snack frequency, especially among younger generations, are reshaping eating patterns. 

Functional snacks are now influencing breakfast and lunch as well, seen in the growth of high-protein yogurts and drinkable formats. 

ADM’s resilient postbiotics, spore-forming probiotics, and microbiome solutions maintain effectiveness during snack production while supporting wellness goals such as stress relief, mood balance, and sleep improvement.

ADM concludes that while functional snacking offers vast potential, it also brings formulation challenges. 

With its broad ingredient portfolio and technical expertise, ADM is helping brands deliver snacks that combine health benefits, convenience, affordability, and indulgent taste, making functional snacking a powerful growth opportunity.

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