Market Trends of Pretzel Industry
This section covers the major market trends shaping the Pretzel Market according to our research experts:
Consumers Looking for Convenient Healthy Snack Options
The increasing popularity of snacks among the young population has boosted the necessity for healthy and convenient eating habits and is likely to drive the demand for pretzels. Problems like obesity and being overweight are on the rise among consumers. The World Obesity Atlas 2022, published by the World Obesity Federation, predicts that one billion people globally, including 1 in 5 women and 1 in 7 men, will be living with obesity by 2030. Thus, consumers are engaging with healthy foods to gain a healthier lifestyle. Pretzels are considered a healthier alternative due to the presence of healthier ingredients. For healthy snacking purposes and reduced use of artificial starch, ingredients such as tapioca, potato, sweet potato, wheat, and corn are used in the pretzel market based on the availability of raw materials. The increasing use of ingredients that absorb less oil is meeting the demand for healthier snacking and driving the global market studied. Growing demand from developing countries is also a factor boosting the global market.
North America is the Largest Market
North America is the major region in the global pretzel market, as pretzels are considered a healthier snack alternative compared to other traditional snacks in the region. They have low fat content and are high in nutrients. The majority of the flour used is fortified with vitamins and iron, which helps stimulate the digestion process and boost metabolism. The United States is one of the leading countries in terms of the consumption and production of pretzels in North America. The introduction of healthy variants of pretzels in a wide range of flavors has been a key factor driving the growth of the market in this region. Trust for America's Health's (TFAH) 19th annual report on the nation's obesity crisis found that 19 states have obesity rates over 35 percent, up from 16 states in 2021. Therefore, the trend of replacing meals with healthy snacks is growing in the region due to changes in lifestyles. Considering the trends and consumer requirements, companies are launching new products with added nutrients. Hormel Foods, for example, introduced Hormel Pretzel Bites and Cheese Tray in February 2021. The tray comes with 4 ounces of soft pretzel bites, 4 ounces of cheddar cheese sauce, and a packet of sea salt.
