Conagra Brands reports shift in US snacking toward AI-driven nutritional needs

Consumers in the United States are increasingly utilizing artificial intelligence to guide their food choices, shifting the focus from brand loyalty to specific nutritional requirements. According to the ‘Future of Snacking 2026’ report by Conagra Brands, shoppers are using AI to identify snacks that meet precise criteria, such as specific protein levels, fiber content, calorie counts, or recognizable ingredients.

The US snacking market is valued at approximately $198.2 billion annually. Within this sector, products offering functional benefits like energy, digestion, and hydration have reached $19 billion in retail sales, with high-protein snacks alone accounting for $12.1 billion. This trend suggests that manufacturers must move beyond competing on taste and price to meet the personalized nutritional objectives of consumers.