The growth of seaweed snacks in the US presents brand owners with a rare opportunity to be involved with a new growth market from the very beginning, according to New Nutrition Business.
Sales of seaweed snacks in the US have overtaken those of kale, with market growth at around 30% in 2014 following a surge in the number of product launches in the last two years. The foodstuff’s “naturally functional” advantages such as its low-calorie source of protein and fibre, and the fact that it is richer in trace minerals and vitamins than kale, are increasing its appeal among health-conscious consumers.
In response to growing interest, snack brands have started to include seaweed in a range of products, such as seaweed-flavoured rice chips, New Nutrition Business said.
New Nutrition Business director Julian Mellentin said: “Launches of seaweed snack products are proliferating and sales outstrip those of kale, the trendy green vegetable that has benefited from a huge degree of hype since 2010 and has been embraced by young health-conscious urban consumers. Seaweed’s transition from the food fringes to mainstream will be propelled by snack products.
“Seaweed is a naturally healthy plant-based ingredient, with a range of natural nutritional advantages and impeccable sustainability credentials. These features are gaining it growing media coverage, and the attention of health-conscious consumers who are looking for an interesting new snack.”
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