Conagra and General Mills track rising demand for protein-rich snacks

Major food companies are responding to a shift in consumer behavior toward nutrient-dense, protein-focused snacking. Conagra Brands reports that Americans are increasingly using AI tools to guide purchasing decisions, seeking snacks that meet specific health goals such as high protein or fiber content. This trend is driven by a desire for functional nutrition, influenced by the rise of weight-loss drugs and health-focused initiatives.

In response to these evolving preferences, General Mills is expanding its EPIC brand with a new collection of portable meat sticks. The lineup features grass-fed beef and free-range chicken in flavors such as Wagyu Beef and Hot Honey Chicken. These products are designed to meet various dietary needs, being gluten-free, dairy-free, and Paleo-friendly. The snacking sector is currently growing approximately 1.4 times faster than the broader food market.