Customized report service – Healthy snacks in France and Belgium
May 2020
Executive summary
The French and Belgian snack markets account for large portions of the sector in Western Europe. After the United Kingdom, France was the second-largest snack market in 2019. The French snack market was valued at US$5.6 billion. Belgium was in seventh place with a market valued at US$1.8 billion. In 2019, sales of healthy snacks accounted for 9.8% of total snack sales in France, while in Belgium they accounted for 7.7%. For the selected countries in Western Europe, snack sales increased at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.6% from 2016 to 2019, with sales valued at US$44.7 billion in 2019. Forecasts indicate additional growth for the period from 2020 to 2023, and sales should reach US$51.2 billion in 2023, with a CAGR of 3.5% for this period. This is, therefore, an excellent opportunity for Canadian snack producers who want to introduce their products to an expanding European market.
France and Belgium are well-known for their culinary refinement, in particular Belgian chocolate desserts and French pastries. In recent years, we have witnessed the emergence of a trend: consumers are paying more attention to what they eat, showing a preference for foods that help them maintain a balanced diet. Healthy snacks are seen as helping to reduce the bad habits associated with snacking, for example, which can pose real health risks and which is considered one of the major factors that increases the risk of obesity. Furthermore, the nutritional benefits of snacks can satisfy small bouts of hunger that can occur between meals and promote a balanced diet.
Recently, there has been greater awareness in adopting a healthy lifestyle, in particular through dietary best practices, such as the trend toward eating natural, no-additive or organic products. Two factors can explain this trend. On one hand, the desire to eat a balanced diet, and on the other, to help preserve the environment. This is why a larger proportion of consumers are ensuring that food is produced in environmentally friendly conditions.
While multinational companies are present in the healthy snack market in France and Belgium, many local actors offer varied products, adapt to the growing trend for organic products and reduce the quantity of fat and sugar in food. Opportunities exist for Canadian companies that could distinguish themselves by offering products marketed as having no additives or being organic, which are associated with a healthy lifestyle. Furthermore, with the elimination or reduction of customs duties on products that are involved in snack manufacturing, in particular products that contain fruit or cereals, in the context of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) signed between Canada and the European Union, Canadian exporters have easier access to European markets.
Snack market overviewFootnote 1
The French and Belgian snack markets account for large portions of the sector in Western Europe. According to Global Data 2019, after the United Kingdom, France was the second-largest snack market. Belgium was in seventh place. The French snack market was valued at US$5.6 billion, while the Belgian market was US$1.8 billion. From 2016 to 2019, the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) was positive in both countries, with France recording a growth of 2.9% and Belgium a growth of 2.2%. From 2020 to 2023, the forecast CAGR will be 3.0% in France and 2.3% in Belgium.
Country | 2016 | 2019 | CAGR* % 2016-2019 | 2020 | 2023 | CAGR* % 2020-2023 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
United Kingdom | 10,473.6 | 12,212.1 | 5.3 | 12,720.9 | 14,372.9 | 4.2 |
France | 5,196.2 | 5,666.1 | 2.9 | 5,835.7 | 6,376.3 | 3.0 |
Italy | 4,553.5 | 4,979.4 | 3.0 | 5,142.3 | 5,601.5 | 2.9 |
Spain | 4,514.6 | 4,936.1 | 3.0 | 5,056.2 | 5,498.6 | 2.8 |
Germany | 4,268.3 | 4,714.9 | 3.4 | 4,866.8 | 5,447.3 | 3.8 |
Netherlands | 2,495.2 | 2,712.8 | 2.8 | 2,792.7 | 3,081.9 | 3.3 |
Belgium | 1,706.0 | 1,823.0 | 2.2 | 1,861.6 | 1,995.8 | 2.3 |
Austria | 1,213.4 | 1,314.5 | 2.7 | 1,351.6 | 1,468.9 | 2.8 |
Greece | 1,153.5 | 1,256.5 | 2.9 | 1,298.2 | 1,438.1 | 3.5 |
Denmark | 903.4 | 1,016.6 | 4.0 | 1,062.4 | 1,208.2 | 4.4 |
Sweden | 904.8 | 1,013.2 | 3.8 | 1,056.9 | 1,205.8 | 4.5 |
Portugal | 862.4 | 922.9 | 2.3 | 946.5 | 1,027.0 | 2.8 |
Ireland | 825.9 | 895.1 | 2.7 | 924.0 | 1,017.4 | 3.3 |
Finland | 572.2 | 627.9 | 3.1 | 649.9 | 720.2 | 3.5 |
Norway | 545.0 | 602.4 | 3.4 | 621.2 | 675.2 | 2.8 |
Total snacks | 40,188.0 | 44,693.7 | 3.6 | 46,187.0 | 51,135.3 | 3.5 |
Source: Global Data Intelligence, 2020 *CAGR: compound annual growth rate |
In 2019, the sweet biscuits/cookies category was the most popular, in both France and Belgium. Sales of sweet biscuits/cookies in France were valued at US$2.6 billion, with savoury biscuits valued at US$896.1 million, and potato chips at US$621.7 million. These three categories were also the most popular in Belgium. Sales of sweet biscuits/cookies were US$796.0 million. This category is followed by savoury biscuits (US$525.6 million) and potato chips (US$207.3 million).
In France, total snack sales grew by 2.9% from 2016 to 2019 and should grow at a CAGR of 3.0% for the 2020 to 2023 period. From 2016 to 2019, potato chips were the snack type that experienced the highest growth, with a CAGR of 6.9%. In Belgium, sales grew at a CAGR of 2.2% from 2016 to 2019 and should continue to grow from 2020 to 2023 to reach a CAGR of 2.3%. In Belgium, potato chips, cheese crackers and plain crackers are the snack types that posted the highest rates of increase, with a CAGR of 3.5% in all three cases.
From 2020 to 2023, potato chips will continue to experience the most growth, with a CAGR of 5.8% in France and 3.8% in Belgium.
Category | Type | 2016 | 2019 | CAGR* % 2016-2019 | 2020 | 2023 | CAGR* % 2020-2023 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cereal bars | Other cereal bars | 96.4 | 102.8 | 2.2 | 105.1 | 112.4 | 2.3 |
Granola/muesli/yogurt bars | 48.0 | 51.1 | 2.1 | 52.2 | 56.0 | 2.4 | |
Biscuits (sweet biscuits/cookies) | Other biscuits/cookies | 843.2 | 906.0 | 2.4 | 932.4 | 1,004.6 | 2.5 |
Chocolate-coated biscuits/cookies | 690.8 | 743.9 | 2.5 | 762.4 | 825.2 | 2.7 | |
Sandwich biscuits/cookies | 366.5 | 390.1 | 2.1 | 398.4 | 426.5 | 2.3 | |
Plain biscuits/cookies - other | 199.1 | 207.9 | 1.4 | 210.6 | 217.4 | 1.1 | |
Wafer cookies | 153.1 | 164.3 | 2.4 | 168.2 | 181.6 | 2.6 | |
Chocolate chip cookies | 106.9 | 115.1 | 2.5 | 118.1 | 127.6 | 2.6 | |
Plain biscuits/cookies - better for you | 57.4 | 64.3 | 3.9 | 67.1 | 77.1 | 4.8 | |
Artisanal biscuits/cookies | 26.1 | 27.9 | 2.3 | 28.7 | 30.8 | 2.4 | |
Energy bars | Energy bars | 15.2 | 15.9 | 1.6 | 16.2 | 17.1 | 1.8 |
Ethnic/traditional snacks | Ethnic/traditional snacks | 110.2 | 122.8 | 3.7 | 127.2 | 141.8 | 3.7 |
Meat snacks | Meat snacks | 157.0 | 173.1 | 3.3 | 178.7 | 196.2 | 3.2 |
Nuts and seeds | Other nuts and seeds | 295.4 | 332.7 | 4.0 | 346.3 | 389.6 | 4.0 |
Peanuts | 141.7 | 159.4 | 4.0 | 165.6 | 186.0 | 3.9 | |
Popcorn | Popcorn, ready to eat | 15.8 | 17.7 | 3.8 | 18.4 | 20.5 | 3.8 |
Popcorn, microwave | 2.9 | 3.3 | 3.8 | 3.4 | 3.8 | 3.5 | |
Un-popped corn | 2.1 | 2.3 | 3.1 | 2.4 | 2.6 | 3.1 | |
Potato chips | Potato chips | 509.6 | 621.7 | 6.9 | 659.7 | 781.6 | 5.8 |
Pretzels | Pretzels | 37.5 | 42.4 | 4.2 | 44.1 | 49.9 | 4.2 |
Prepared snacks | Extruded snacks | 353.9 | 386.8 | 3.0 | 398.5 | 436.5 | 3.1 |
Tortilla chips | 55.5 | 61.0 | 3.2 | 62.8 | 68.9 | 3.1 | |
Crackling | 42.9 | 47.0 | 3.1 | 48.5 | 53.3 | 3.2 | |
Corn chips | 9.6 | 10.6 | 3.2 | 10.9 | 12.0 | 3.2 | |
Savoury biscuits | Bread substitutes | 514.9 | 534.4 | 1.2 | 541.8 | 567.7 | 1.6 |
Plain crackers | 141.4 | 148.4 | 1.6 | 151.1 | 160.1 | 1.9 | |
Other crackers | 119.2 | 123.7 | 1.2 | 125.3 | 131.2 | 1.6 | |
Cheese crackers | 83.9 | 89.6 | 2.2 | 91.7 | 98.3 | 2.3 | |
Total - Snack sales in France | 5,196.2 | 5,666.1 | 2.9 | 5,835.7 | 6,376.3 | 3.0 | |
Source: Global Data Intelligence, 2020 *CAGR: compound annual growth rate |
Category | Type | 2016 | 2019 | CAGR* % 2016-2019 | 2020 | 2023 | CAGR* % 2020-2023 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cereal bars | Other cereal bars | 31.2 | 32.7 | 1.5 | 33.2 | 34.9 | 1.6 |
Granola/muesli/yogurt bars | 20.3 | 22.1 | 2.9 | 22.7 | 24.7 | 2.8 | |
Biscuits (sweet biscuits/cookies) | Chocolate-coated biscuits/cookies | 253.5 | 258.2 | 0.6 | 259.6 | 264.8 | 0.7 |
Other biscuits/cookies | 214.8 | 227.8 | 2.0 | 232.1 | 244.6 | 1.8 | |
Sandwich biscuits/cookies | 98.1 | 103.5 | 1.8 | 105.3 | 111.1 | 1.8 | |
Chocolate chip cookies | 66.4 | 68.7 | 1.2 | 69.5 | 71.9 | 1.2 | |
Wafer biscuits/cookies | 64.1 | 67.6 | 1.7 | 68.6 | 71.8 | 1.5 | |
Plain biscuits/cookies - other | 37.7 | 38.3 | 0.6 | 38.5 | 39.3 | 0.7 | |
Plain biscuits/cookies - better for you | 19.8 | 21.3 | 2.5 | 21.9 | 24.0 | 3.1 | |
Artisanal biscuits/cookies | 10.2 | 10.6 | 1.0 | 10.7 | 11.0 | 1.1 | |
Energy bars | Energy bars | 14.3 | 14.9 | 1.3 | 15.1 | 15.7 | 1.4 |
Ethnic/traditional snacks | Ethnic/traditional snacks | 30.5 | 32.6 | 2.3 | 33.3 | 35.7 | 2.3 |
Meat snacks | Meat snack | 18.6 | 19.8 | 2.1 | 20.2 | 21.6 | 2.2 |
Nuts and seeds | Peanuts | 32.4 | 34.5 | 2.1 | 35.2 | 37.6 | 2.2 |
Other nuts and seeds | 26.2 | 28.1 | 2.4 | 28.7 | 30.8 | 2.3 | |
Popcorn | Popcorn, ready to eat | 6.2 | 6.7 | 2.7 | 6.9 | 7.4 | 2.7 |
Popcorn, microwave | 4.6 | 4.9 | 2.4 | 5.0 | 5.4 | 2.4 | |
Un-popped corn | 1.4 | 1.4 | 2.0 | 1.5 | 1.6 | 2.1 | |
Potato chips | Potato chips | 186.9 | 207.3 | 3.5 | 214.1 | 239.7 | 3.8 |
Pretzels | Pretzels | 28.5 | 30.3 | 2.0 | 30.9 | 32.9 | 2.1 |
Prepared snacks | Extruded snacks | 38.4 | 40.7 | 2.0 | 41.4 | 44.5 | 2.4 |
Crackling | 9.4 | 10.1 | 2.5 | 10.4 | 11.2 | 2.4 | |
Corn chips | 9.3 | 10.0 | 2.2 | 10.2 | 10.9 | 2.3 | |
Tortilla chips | 5.0 | 5.3 | 2.2 | 5.4 | 5.8 | 2.2 | |
Savoury biscuits | Plain crackers | 177.9 | 197.0 | 3.5 | 203.1 | 225.5 | 3.6 |
Cheese crackers | 164.8 | 182.9 | 3.5 | 189.1 | 210.5 | 3.6 | |
Other crackers | 90.1 | 98.9 | 3.1 | 101.8 | 112.1 | 3.3 | |
Bread substitutes | 45.3 | 46.8 | 1.1 | 47.4 | 49.1 | 1.2 | |
Total - Snack sales in Belgium | 1,706.0 | 1,823.0 | 2.2 | 1,861.6 | 1,995.8 | 2.3 | |
Source: Global Data Intelligence, 2020 *CAGR: compound annual growth rate |
Healthy snack market
In 2019, the healthy snack market accounted for 7.7% of snack sales in Belgium. In France, this market accounted for 9.8% of snack sales. Sweet biscuits/cookies, cereal bars and potato chips were the largest categories of the healthy snack market. Sales of sweet biscuits/cookies were valued at US$329.3 million, while sales of cereal bars and potato chips were US$153.9 and US$39.6 million, respectively. In Belgium, the categories with the highest sales were sweet biscuits/cookies (US$79.2 million), cereal bars (US$54.0 million) and nuts/seeds (US$6.5 million). In 2019, the Belgian healthy snack market was valued at US$139.7 million, and sales should reach US$153.1 million in 2023.
Sales of healthy snacks in France increased at a CAGR of 2.8% from 2016 to 2019; potato chips experienced the strongest growth with a CAGR of 6.5%. From 2020 to 2023, the CAGR should be 3.0%. Potato chips should continue to see the strongest growth, with a CAGR of 5.8% for 2020 to 2023. In Belgium, sales of healthy snacks increased at a CAGR of 2.2% in 2016-2019. Sales of sweet biscuits/cookies experienced the strongest growth during this period, with a CAGR of 2.4%. According to projections, sales of healthy snacks should increase at a CAGR of 2.3% from 2020 to 2023.
Category | 2016 | 2019 | CAGR* % 2016-2019 | 2020 | 2023 | CAGR* % 2020-2023 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Biscuits (sweet biscuits/cookies) | 304.1 | 329.3 | 2.7 | 339.0 | 370.3 | 3.0 |
Cereal bars | 144.4 | 153.9 | 2.2 | 157.4 | 168.5 | 2.3 |
Potato chips | 32.7 | 39.6 | 6.5 | 42.0 | 49.8 | 5.8 |
Meat snacks | 16.1 | 17.8 | 3.4 | 18.4 | 20.2 | 3.2 |
Energy bars | 15.2 | 15.9 | 1.6 | 16.2 | 17.1 | 1.8 |
Popcorn | 0.0 | 0.0 | 2.7 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 3.1 |
Total | 512.6 | 556.5 | 2.8 | 572.9 | 625.8 | 3.0 |
Source: Global Data Intelligence, 2020 *CAGR: compound annual growth rate |
Category | 2016 | 2019 | CAGR* % 2016-2019 | 2020 | 2023 | CAGR* % 2020-2023 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Biscuits (sweet biscuits/cookies) | 73.8 | 79.2 | 2.4 | 81.1 | 87.3 | 2.5 |
Cereal bars | 50.8 | 54.0 | 2.1 | 55.1 | 58.6 | 2.1 |
Nuts and seeds | 6.1 | 6.5 | 2.2 | 6.6 | 7.1 | 2.3 |
Total | 130.7 | 139.7 | 2.2 | 142.8 | 153.1 | 2.3 |
Source: Global Data Intelligence, 2020 *CAGR: compound annual growth rate |
Benefits and attributes
In France, healthy snacks had been recognized for their benefits not only on general well-being and health management, but also in managing weight and staying in shape. Sales of snacks considered good for general well-being were valued at US$468.4 million, while snacks intended to promote weight management and staying in shape were valued at US$88.1 million. Health management snacks accounted for rather low sales compared with the other benefits listed. Products identified as being naturally healthy, as well as fortified, have experienced higher sales, accounting for respectively 50% and 34% of total sales. Snacks containing vitamins recorded the most sales, at US$188.0 million. In 2019, low-calorie snacks experienced the strongest growth, with a CAGR of 6.5% from 2016 to 2019. This segment should continue to see the highest growth from 2020 to 2023 with a CAGR of 5.8%.
According to Belgian consumers, the benefits of snacks are their effect on general well-being and health management. Sales of snacks considered good for general well-being were valued at US$122.1 million in 2019, which represents a CAGR of 2.4% for 2016 to 2019. Snacks for better health management recorded sales of US$17.6 million. The most popular products in 2019 in terms of sales are those considered to be naturally healthy and functional/fortified. This shows that consumers place particular emphasis on the nutritional benefits and the effects that products could have on their well-being. Sales of naturally healthy snacks accounted for 53% of sales in Belgium, followed by fortified snacks, which accounted for 39% of retail sales. Sales of snacks with health and well-being attributes should reach US$153.1 million in 2023 and a CAGR of 2.3% from 2020 to 2023.
Benefit | 2016 | 2019 | CAGR* % 2016-2019 | 2020 | 2023 | CAGR* % 2020-2023 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
General well-being | 435.6 | 468.4 | 2.5 | 480.9 | 520.8 | 2.7 |
Weight management and staying in shape | 77.0 | 88.1 | 4.6 | 92.0 | 105.0 | 4.5 |
Health management | 0.0 | 0.0 | 2.7 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 3.1 |
Total | 512.6 | 556.5 | 2.8 | 572.9 | 625.8 | 3.0 |
Source: Global Data Intelligence, 2020 *CAGR: compound annual growth rate |
Benefit | 2016 | 2019 | CAGR* % 2016-2019 | 2020 | 2023 | CAGR* % 2020-2023 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
General well-being | 113.8 | 122.1 | 2.4 | 124.9 | 134.2 | 2.4 |
Health management | 16.9 | 17.6 | 1.4 | 17.9 | 18.9 | 1.8 |
Total | 130.7 | 139.7 | 2.2 | 142.8 | 153.1 | 2.3 |
Source: Global Data Intelligence, 2020 *CAGR: compound annual growth rate |
Attribute | Segment | 2016 | 2019 | CAGR* % 2016-2019 | 2020 | 2023 | CAGR* % 2020-2023 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Food intolerance | Gluten-free | 0.0 | 0.0 | 2.7 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 3,1 |
Low in | Low calorie | 32.7 | 39.6 | 6.5 | 42.0 | 49.8 | 5,8 |
Low salt | 28.2 | 30.7 | 2.9 | 31.6 | 35.0 | 3,5 | |
Foods without | Fat-free | 16.1 | 17.8 | 3.4 | 18.4 | 20.2 | 3,2 |
Functional and fortified | Vitamins added | 174.8 | 188.0 | 2.5 | 193.0 | 208.9 | 2,7 |
Protein added | 0.6 | 0.6 | 1.8 | 0.6 | 0.7 | 1,8 | |
Naturally healthy | Other - naturally healthy | 158.0 | 171.2 | 2.7 | 176.3 | 192.6 | 3,0 |
Source of vitamins | 102.2 | 108.6 | 2.1 | 111.0 | 118.5 | 2,2 | |
Total | 512,6 | 556.5 | 2.8 | 572.9 | 625.8 | 3.0 | |
Source: Global Data Intelligence, 2020 *CAGR: compound annual growth rate |
Attribute | Segment | 2016 | 2019 | CAGR* % 2016-2019 | 2020 | 2023 | CAGR* % 2020-2023 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Food intolerance | Gluten-free | 4.7 | 5.0 | 1.6 | 5.1 | 5.4 | 2.2 |
Low in | Low salt/sodium | 6.1 | 6.5 | 2.2 | 6.6 | 7.1 | 2.3 |
Functional and fortified | Nutritional contribution | 42.1 | 44.5 | 1.9 | 45.3 | 48.0 | 2.0 |
Vitamins added | 8.7 | 9.5 | 2.8 | 9.8 | 10.6 | 2.8 | |
Naturally healthy | Other - Naturally healthy | 63.0 | 68.1 | 2.6 | 69.8 | 75.5 | 2.6 |
Source of fibre | 6.1 | 6.2 | 0.4 | 6.2 | 6.4 | 0.9 | |
Total | 130.7 | 139.7 | 2.2 | 142.8 | 153.1 | 2.3 | |
Source: Global Data Intelligence, 2020 *CAGR: compound annual growth rate |

Description of above image
- Naturally healthy: 50%
- Functional and fortified: 34%
- Low in: 13%
- Food without: 3%
- Food intolerance: 0%
Source: Global Data Intelligence, 2020

Description of above image
- Naturally healthy: 53%
- Functional and fortified: 39%
- Low in: 5%
- Food intolerance: 3%
Source: Global Data Intelligence, 2020
Trends
French and Belgian consumers are increasingly aware of the risks that certain dietary habits can have. A survey by the European Food Safety Authority shows that food hygiene is a concern for 39% of French consumers. Furthermore, this study states that 43% of French consumers are concerned about the use of additives or preservatives in food and drink. In Belgium, food hygiene represents 38% of concerns, while the use of additives in food and drink is a subject of concern for 31% of consumers (EFSA, 2019).
A trend is emerging regarding aspects that link the pleasure of eating and healthy balance. Consumers do not want to sacrifice their dietary preferences for a healthy lifestyle. Fortunately, there are snacks on the market that link the two.
For people who are more physically active, snacks are essential elements of their diet, particularly snacks rich in fibre or protein, which are in high demand. To satisfy this clientele, more and more products based on organic ingredients, plants or fruits, as well as vegan products, have appeared on the market in France and Belgium. Gluten-free, colouring-free or preservative-free products are also increasingly popular. Snacks marketed as being energizing, protein-rich and that are purported to aid digestion are increasingly popular, in particular because their format makes them easy to transport.
Companies' presence on social media also allows them to promote a lifestyle through suggested foods with which snacks could be accompanied or to make a link between the food consumers eat and personal identity. Companies put increasing emphasis on packaging format and visual elements along with nutritional contributions, and the benefits that the products allegedly bring to consumers' well-being. Many companies present in the Belgian and French markets print the logos of the most popular social media to incite consumers to follow them to extend their experience. They also use various certifications to distinguish their products, in particular, by affixing the "Green Leaf" logo to organic products' packages within the European Union. Under the European Union - Canada Organic Equivalency Arrangement (EUCOEA), Canadian certified organic products can bear the EU organic logo.
Healthy snack companies in France and Belgium
In 2018, Mondelez International Inc is the company that recorded the highest volume of healthy snack sales, in both France and Belgium. The company's sales were US$92.8 million in France and US$33.0 million in Belgium. In Belgium, the company is followed by Kellogg Company, which recorded sales of US$13.5 million and Cereal Partners Worldwide S.A. with sales valued at US$4.5 million. Yildiz Holding AS and PepsiCo are the second- and third-largest companies in terms of sales in France with sales of US$33.8 million and US$24.2 million respectively.
Company | 2018 |
---|---|
Mondelez International, Inc | 92.8 |
Yildiz Holding AS | 33.8 |
PepsiCo | 24.2 |
Cereal Partners Worldwide S.A. | 18.7 |
Overstim.S | 4.9 |
Link Snacks, INC | 3.8 |
Nutrition & Sante | 2.7 |
Post Holdings, Inc | 2.6 |
The Kellogg Company | 2.2 |
General Mills, Inc. | 1.6 |
Other | 351.9 |
Total | 539.2 |
Source: Global Data Intelligence, 2020 |
Company | 2018 |
---|---|
Mondelez International, Inc | 33.0 |
The Kellogg Company | 13.5 |
Cereal Partners Worldwide S.A. | 4.5 |
Yildiz Holding AS | 2.5 |
PepsiCo | 1.5 |
Autres | 81.8 |
Total | 136.8 |
Source: Global Data Intelligence, 2020 |
Launch of healthy snacks
According to Mintel, 2,140 nut-free healthy snacks were launched on the French market, and 320 on the Belgian market from January 2016 to January 2020. These products range from potato chips to vegetable and grain snacks, or dried fruits, to gluten-free or no-preservative products.
Products launched in France include fruit-based snacks or energy bars. Products labelled as organic were the most commonly introduced to the French market from January 2016 to January 2020, followed by no additive/preservative snacks. Most of the products introduced to this market were new products or new varieties of existing products. Intersnack is the company that launched the most snacks, followed by PepsiCo.
In Belgium, energy bars were the most-introduced products on the market. Products labelled as low/no/reduced allergens were the most numerous launches, followed by gluten-free snacks. The vast majority of products launched were new to the Belgian market. PepsiCo was the company that launched the most new products.
Attributes | Based on a sample of 2,140 launches |
---|---|
5 main sub-categories | |
Energy and cereal bars | 513 |
Fruit-based snacks | 512 |
Potato chips and potato-based snacks | 344 |
Snack mixes | 161 |
Hors d'œuvres/canapés | 150 |
5 main commercial claims | |
Organic | 741 |
No additives/preservatives | 738 |
Low/no/reduced allergens | 629 |
Gluten-free | 609 |
Ethical–environmentally friendly package | 483 |
5 main flavour groups | |
Unflavoured/plain | 151 |
Apple | 107 |
Salted | 80 |
Chocolate | 53 |
Apple and strawberry | 33 |
5 main types of launch | |
New product | 815 |
New variety/extension of range | 633 |
New packaging | 545 |
Relaunch | 134 |
New formulation | 13 |
5 main companies | |
Intersnack | 92 |
PepsiCo | 80 |
Marks & Spencer | 43 |
Materne | 37 |
Kellogg | 36 |
Source: Mintel, 2020 |
Attributes | Based on a sample of 356 launches |
---|---|
Top 5 sub-categories | |
Energy and cereal bars | 129 |
Fruit-based snacks | 65 |
Potato chips and potato-based snacks | 49 |
Snack mixes | 15 |
Pea-based snacks | 15 |
Top 5 commercial claims | |
Low/no/reduced allergens | 146 |
Gluten-free | 142 |
Organic | 115 |
Vegan | 104 |
No additives/preservatives | 96 |
Top 5 flavour groups | |
Strawberry | 9 |
Unflavoured/plain | 9 |
Fleur de sel | 8 |
Paprika | 8 |
Salt | 7 |
Top 5 types of launch | |
New product | 229 |
New variety/extension of range | 98 |
New packaging | 16 |
Relaunch | 111 |
New formulation | 2 |
Top 5 companies | |
PepsiCo | 14 |
Nutrition & Santé | 11 |
Kettle Foods | 11 |
Carrefour | 10 |
Croky | 9 |
Source: Mintel, 2020 |
France
Example, organic snack: Brousse Vergez dried organic mango slices

Company | Brousse Vergez |
---|---|
Manufacturer | Brousse Vergez |
Brand | Brousse Vergez |
Category | Snack |
Market | France |
Store name | Carrefour |
Type of distribution | Supermarket |
Date of publication | November 2019 |
Type of launch | New variety/Extension of range |
Price in local currency | €4.40 |
Price in US dollars | 4.85 |
This organic snack contains no sugar or additives. The mango slices are healthy snacks that can be eaten by themselves or accompanied by other types of snacks such as yogurt or cereal. This product reportedly contributes to a healthy diet and is rich in fibre and potassium. The EU Green Leaf logo (organic) is on the plastic packaging.
Ingredients (on the package): Organic mango slices
Example, organic, gluten-free snack: Nature Snacks dried organic bananas

Company | Nature Snacks |
---|---|
Manufacturer | Nature Snacks |
Brand | Jua |
Category | Snack |
Market | France |
Store name | lagrandeepicerie.com |
Type of distribution | Internet/mail order |
Date of publication | January 2020 |
Type of launch | New product |
Price in local currency | €1.70 |
Price in US dollars | 1.89 |
Jua launched gluten-free, sugar-free dried organic bananas. This vegan product is described as rich in fibre. This snack is sold in a 25 gram flexible plastic package with the EU Green Leaf logo (organic), as well as the Facebook and Instagram logos. This product is not available in stores. Consumers can buy this snack online.
Ingredients (on the package): Dried organic bananas (100%)
Example, GMO-free snack: Jeff de Bruges popcorn

Company | Jeff de Bruges |
---|---|
Brand | Le Pop-Corn de Jeff de Bruges |
Category | Snack |
Market | France |
Place of manufacture | France |
Store name | Jeff de Bruges |
Type of distribution | Direct sales |
Date of publication | September 2019 |
Type of launch | New product |
Price in local currency | €4.50 |
Price in US dollars | 5.02 |
Jeff de Bruges' dark chocolate-coated caramel popcorn is made with cocoa and contains no GMOs, palm oil or additives. This snack is sold in a partially recyclable esthetic package.
Ingredients (on the package): Popcorn (10%) (contains corn), salted caramel butter (30%) [sugar, PDO Montaigu butter (contains milk), glucose, Noirmoutier sea salt], dark chocolate (60%) [cocoa, sugar, cocoa butter, emulsifier (soy lecithin), natural vanilla extract].
Example, organic snack: Bioteam dried, sweetened cranberries

Company | Bioteam |
---|---|
Manufacturer | Bioteam |
Brand | 1.2.3 Bio |
Category | Snack |
Market | France |
Store name | E. Leclerc |
Type of distribution | Mass Merchandise/Hypermarket |
Date of publication | November 2019 |
Type of launch | New variety/Extension of range |
Price in local currency | €4.39 |
Price in US dollars | 4.90 |
The Bioteam dried, sweetened cranberries product has arrived on the market. This individual-format organic snack is packaged in a flexible plastic sachet and bears the AB logo and the EU Green Leaf logo (organic).
Ingredients (on the package): Cranberries (60%), cane sugar, sunflower oil
Belgium
Example, vegan gluten-free snack: Marks & Spencer winter berry and prosecco potato chips

Company | Marks & Spencer |
---|---|
Brand | M&S Food Collection |
Category | Snack |
Market | Belgium |
Store name | Delhaize |
Type of distribution | Supermarket |
Date of publication | January 2020 |
Type of launch | New formulation |
Price in local currency | €2.99 |
Price in US dollars | 3.32 |
These potato chips and red berries are a new formulation. This vegan snack is gluten-free and allergen-free and is packaged in a flexible metallized film.
Ingredients (on the package): Potatoes, sunflower oil, sugar, acid (malic acid, citric acid), dried prosecco, sodium bicarbonate, rice flour, sea salt, dried raspberry juice, dried currant juice, colouring (E171, E172), flavouring.
Example, organic snack: Smaakspecialist sultana raisins

Company | De Smaakspecialist |
---|---|
Manufacturer | De Smaakspecialist |
Brand | Smaakt |
Category | Snack |
Market | Belgium |
Store name | Carrefour |
Type of distribution | Supermarket |
Date of publication | November 2018 |
Type of launch | New product |
Price in local currency | €2.29 |
Price in US dollars | 2.61 |
These organic raisins are handmade. This new product is sold in a plastic package that bears the Ekos logo and the EU Green Leaf logo (organic).
Ingredients (on the package): Raisins (99.5%), sunflower
Example, gluten-free snack: Adyy Dried Pineapple Snack

Company | Adya |
---|---|
Manufacturer | Adya |
Brand | Adya |
Category | Snack |
Market | Belgium |
Store name | Bio Planet |
Type of distribution | Health food store / organic store |
Date of publication | July 2018 |
Type of launch | New package |
Price in local currency | €3.61 |
Price in US dollars | 4.22 |
This snack can be eaten with yogurt, cereal or a drink. It is made of pineapples from Île Maurice and is gluten-free. This product’s packaging bears the organic EU Green Leaf logo (organic).
Ingredients (on the package): Freeze-dried pineapple
Example, no-additive vegetarian snack: PespiCo Sea Salt Pea & Pinto Bean Snacks

Company | PepsiCo |
---|---|
Manufacturer | PepsiCo |
Brand | Off the Eaten Path |
Category | Snack |
Market | Belgium |
Store name | Carrefour |
Type of distribution | Supermarket |
Date of publication | April 2019 |
Type of launch | New product |
Price in local currency | €2.34 |
Price in US dollars | 2.65 |
This new product made from legumes is a source of fibre. This snack, made of peas, pinto beans and white beans, contains no additives.
Ingredients (on the package): Pinto bean biscuits [pinto bean flour (18%), potato starch, salt, powdered beet, potassium chloride], pea biscuits [pea flour (18%), potato starch, salt, potassium chloride, powdered spinach], white bean biscuits [white bean flour (18%), potato starch, salt, potassium chloride], sunflower oil, sea salt.
Conclusion
Snacks are a way to satisfy small bouts of hunger between meals, but they are also seen as bad dietary habits that present health risks. They are eaten when consumers are bored and in social situations. It is common to see bags of potato chips or nut snacks during parties or gatherings of friends. Healthy snacks are considered to reduce these health risks while still providing the enjoyment of potato chips or energy bars made of chocolate. In both the French and Belgian markets, a trend is emerging with respect to consuming products that have health benefits, made in environmentally friendly conditions. Organic, gluten-free, no-preservative fruit- or vegetable-based snacks are becoming increasingly indispensable in consumers' dietary habits.
Resources
- European Food Safety Authority. Food safety in the EU, 2019
- Global Data Intelligence Center, 2020
- Global Data. Top Trends in Savory Snacks, 2019
- Global Data. Opportunities in the Western Europe Savory Snacks Sector, 2019
- Mintel Global New Products Database, 2020
- Mintel. A year of innovation in salty snack & fruit mixes, 2020
- Mintel Market Sizes. Snack Food – Belgium, 2018
- Mintel Market Sizes. Snack Food – France, 2018
Customized report service – Healthy snacks in France and Belgium
Global Analysis Report
Prepared by: Saidouba Camara
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