What does healthy snacking mean? Mintel asks

Most people consider fresh fruit and raw vegetables healthy snack choices, according to a recent survey from market research organization Mintel, but a surprising number think cookies and ice cream are also healthy snacks.

Senior wellness analyst at Mintel Molly Maier said: “Eating healthy snacks can offer many benefits to consumers, such as increased energy and feeling fuller longer, so there is a big opportunity for the makers and marketers of snacks to leverage these connections to maximize health positioning. The number of snackers who only consume healthy treats is a relatively small one, but one that shouldn’t be ignored by snack-food manufacturers.”

According to a recent survey, 86% of Mintel respondents consider eating fresh fruit to be healthy snacking, followed by raw vegetables at 73%, and nuts and seeds at 71%. However, 12% said they thought ice cream was a healthy snack, and cookies were rated as healthy by 9% of respondents.