How many times do you snack on a daily basis? Are you typically grabbing for old standards like potato chips, or do you prefer apple chips?

IFT16 will take place July 16–19 at McCormick Place in Chicago. This year’s theme is “Where Science Feeds Innovation,” and the event is hosted by the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT).

Mamee Stacked Crisps are light and crispy potato crisps stacked in canisters.

Snacks are ingrained within U.S. consciousness. We’re a snacking culture. It’s built into our DNA.

American takeout standbys like pizza and Chinese food should watch their backs, because Mexican cuisine is close behind, says the “Global Palates 2015” report from the National Restaurant Association.

The appeal of snacking continues unabated. According to Jeff Manning, chief marketing officer, Cherry Marketing Institute, Dewitt, MI, consumers are snacking more than ever.

The puffed and extruded snack segment combines the best elements of tradition and forward-thinking better-for-you innovation.

While overall growth is minimal, classic pretzel products are clearly alive and well in today’s snack foods market.

According to findings by Rabobank, outlined in its Jan. 2015 report “The Popcorn Blockbuster,” popcorn is experiencing a renaissance. Once considered an unhealthy movie-time junk food, popcorn is now considered among consumers—especially choosy millennials—to be an appealing, healthy snack.

The frozen snacks and appetizers category is seeing growth as consumers ask for—and brands attempt to deliver—bold, international flavors to complement traditional, tried-and-true favorites. As always, millennial consumers remain vital to the success of this segment of frozen foods.