Ideas testing rooted in behavioral science is an essential component of the product development and marketing processes.

Thanks to early immigrants from Germany and the Netherlands, hard pretzels today continue as a quintessential American snack. In their most-basic forms, they are a study in beautiful simplicity. Adorned, they can carry a world of flavors. 

Growth in the popcorn category is being driven by new flavor innovations and new packaging sizes and formats. Hot and spicy microwave popcorn and cheddar jalapeño popcorn in family-size bags are just two examples. Expect to see more innovation in the near future.

The tortilla chip category enjoyed a healthy boost in sales during the past year, in spite of the fact that the numbers of bags placed in shopping carts barely budged—thanks to the price increases seen throughout the grocery store and elsewhere.

Flavorchem began building its Sensory Department after the 2020 opening of the SRS Center for Taste Innovation at their Downers Grove campus. 

Consumers go beyond just flavors, look to companies' promises when choosing a snack.

Packaging can be used to enhance products, improve the overall consumer experience, and make sales.

Fruit ingredients and nutritional bar products are a natural fit.

Sales of cake, pie, and cheesecake products are up, and formulators need ingredients that deliver on functionality.

As a food writer, SF&WB Editor-in-Chief Doug Peckenpaugh is continually making notes about interesting products hitting the market.