Hamburg, September 2026 – “Made for Moments” is one of the current Top Ten Trends by which Innova Market Insights describes the rising demand for snacks and mini meals. Increasingly, consumers want healthy solutions that make it convenient for them to reach their individual health goals, and according to market researchers many people are therefore turning to snacks instead of complete meals. This is especially the case for younger consumers, with over half of Millennials and Gen Z choosing snacks at least four times weekly. Most eat mini meals daily, some even more than once a day. In this context, meat snacks are one of the fastest-growing subcategories worldwide. Hydrosol has developed stabilizing and texturing systems especially for this subcategory, directly addressing the varied expectations of consumers.
Protein-Rich, Fat-Reduced, and Cleaner Label
With a system from the Hydrosol Naturom line, manufacturers can make protein-rich meat snacks that need no phosphates, thus offering nutritional advantages while aligning with the growing “free from” trend.
This flexible system can be used to make declaration-friendly chicken jerky as well as crispy, protein-rich chips from various kinds of meat. In combination with a system from the PLUSstabil series, the result is fat-reduced meat chips with improved texture and nutritional value. They combine an intensive flavor experience, for example a strong, smoky paprika taste, with a special crunch.
Hybrid Snacks: Meat Meets Veg
Trendy meat snacks with high vegetable and fiber content are possible with a stabilizing system from the Hydrosol HydroTOP VE CL line. This system is based on plant proteins and fiber, which can be claimed as benefits on the packaging. Another advantage is that the system supplies the basis for protein-rich formulations with less saturated fatty acids and reduced fat, which likewise can be communicated as marketing claims.
It’s also ideal for clean label products. The range of applications is broad, including ground meat products enriched with vegetables, meat snacks such as sticks, and popcorn made of chicken and cauliflower. Special children’s products are also possible. With the right micronutrient premix from SternVitamin, manufacturers can make snacks for kids that deliver not only an extra serving of vegetables, but also B-vitamins, zinc, and iron to support growth, the immune system, and cognitive development.
Yogonaise with Snacks
For a dip to go with their snack products, manufacturers can offer nutritionally optimized Yogonaise. This creamy mayo sauce contains 20 percent thermized and fat-reduced yogurt, giving it an appealing freshness and acidity. The enriched calcium contributes to healthy digestion and gut functioning. It also has a reduced fat content of 18 percent and is high in fiber, both of which can be claimed on the packaging, as well as the added calcium, which can be communicated using EU Health Claims.