Guilt-Free Indulgence is What Consumers Want, Says Report

According to a FoodNavigator.com article, snack manufacturers need to develop convenient products that offer a mix of indulgence and health benefits in order to meet changing consumer demands, says a new Datamonitor report. The global survey of 5,000 consumers suggests that 60 percent of European and U.S. consumers had sought convenient and healthy food and drinks in 2006, and more than a third had looked for indulgent snacks more regularly than in previous years. The Datamonitor survey suggested more than 20 percent of consumers in Europe and the U.S. were seeking more healthy snacking options than previously, but they want products that are convenient to their hectic lifestyles. The analyst suggested that consumers are seeking snacks that are healthy, convenient and indulgent, causing difficulty for manufacturers as the term "healthy" is not often linked to convenience or indulgence. Datamonitor said that consumers are more in control and better educated in health issues, and more aware of what they should or should not eat. This has led to an increasing demand for snacks with functional benefits, such as added vitamins or antioxidants, as well as so-called "low and lite" foods.