Companies
Calbee Launches Personalized Granola Based On Gut Type
Calbee’s Body Granola is a personalized breakfast concept that customizes prebiotic toppings based on a customer's gut microbiome. A self-testing kit identifies one of 57 possible gut types. Six prebiotic options, such as inulin and super barley, are matched to the results. Calbee Managing Executive Officer and CTO Masae Nakano said more than 50,000 people in Japan used the service since its April 2023 launch. Body Granola recently launched in Singapore, priced at S$248 for the test kit with no granola included. Calbee acknowledges cost and consumer education remain barriers to wider adoption.
Joey Nordic Seed Crisps, A Seven-Seed Clean-Label Cracker Brand
Founder Joseph Chen launched Jöey Nordic Seed Crisps after a 2019 trip to Sweden inspired him to develop a gluten-free alternative to traditional wheat-based crispbreads. Each bag contains seven seeds and delivers 22g of protein and 13g of fiber. Products carry USDA Organic, gluten-free, vegan, nut-free and kosher certifications. They are made without seed oils and contain premium ingredients including blue salt, truffle and saffron. Retail distribution in Canada includes Loblaws, Whole Foods, Farm Boy and Eataly, as well as foodservice and direct-to-consumer channels.
Consumers
India Snacking Report Highlights Protein And Transparency Demand
Farmley's third Healthy Snacking Report surveyed more than 6,000 respondents and found protein has moved beyond fitness circles into mainstream snack expectations. Nearly 86% said protein matters when choosing snacks, and 32% would pay a premium for protein-rich options. Ingredient transparency ranked as the leading factor for 62% of respondents, outweighing celebrity or influencer endorsements. Natural sweeteners are gaining favor too. Parents are shifting habits, with nearly 60% saying they would pay more for healthier children's snacks. Farmley co-founder Akash Sharma said the findings show consumers are "seeking snacks that offer functionality, transparency and convenience."
Ocado Survey Finds Snacking Replacing Traditional Mealtimes
Traditional mealtimes are giving way to snacking, according to Ocado research conducted by Clariti among over 2,000 UK adults. 51% of Brits now view breakfast, lunch and dinner as no longer necessary in their routines, a shift most pronounced among younger consumers, with 60% calling snacks essential. Searches for high-protein snacks on Ocado.com rose 220% year over year, while searches for energy snacks climbed 133%. Two-thirds of Gen Z said they prefer grazing, with smaller meals during the day.
Market News
Mexico Snack Market Expansion Meets Growing Health Scrutiny
Mexico's salty snack sector is projected to grow from $19.7 billion in 2024 to $27.2 billion by 2030, with corn-based products remaining favorites among shoppers. Health officials continue to raise alarm over sodium intake, which the World Health Organization links to widespread hypertension among Mexican adults, as well as fats and added sugars. Nutritionists suggest nixtamalized corn tortilla snacks as a better-for-you option during high-consumption periods like the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Chef Yolcan Coronado said tortillas could serve as a base for snacks blending grains, plant proteins and healthy fats.
Asian Trade Show Spotlights Protein And Functional Snacks
Food Taipei Mega Shows 2026 highlighted functional, clean-label trends across Asian snacks and drinks. Protein dominated, showing up in chips, powders and coffee products. Ming Chyi Biotechnology marketing manager Richard Wang said whey remains Asia's leading protein source, though pea protein is gaining traction as prices rise. Camellia oil, pressed from a plant native to China and Japan, drew interest as a seed-oil alternative with a fat profile close to olive oil.
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