Popcorn explosion drives growth in UK savoury snacks market

Hungry but health-conscious Britons are munching their way through variety nibbles such as popcorn, lentil crisps and kale chips, which are growing faster than the overall savoury snacks market.

UK consumers spent £3.3bn on bagged snacks last year, 30pc higher than in 2010, driven by a 35pc growth over the five-year period to £1.6bn spent on alternative snacks.

Purchases of potato crisps and savoury nuts increased by 26pc each to £1.4bn and £269m respectively, according to the market research firm Key Note.

The bagged snacks market has grown as busier lifestyles drive consumers away from three square meals a day towards grab-and-go foods and pre-prepared packaged nibbles that can be eaten while at work or commuting.
 

But increasingly-health conscious consumers are opting for popcorn, which is perceived as less fattening than potato crisps, and protein-rich snacks such as lentil crisps, rather than the traditional savoury snacks.

Snacks that fall outside of the potato crisps or nuts categories have also benefitted from the introduction of new products and brands, such as kale chips, and better flavour innovation, while popcorn has reinvented itself as a premium product rather than a cinema munch.