Snacking innovations at Sial Food Fair

At the International Food Fair (Sial) in Paris, manufacturers from Switzerland, the United States, and Taiwan showcased innovations aimed at transforming the snacking market. The event, held every two years at the Villepinte exhibition center, brings together global manufacturers and buyers to explore emerging food trends.

Swiss company wins innovation award

Viktoriia Fishych, head of the Swiss brand Nükt, which won one of the Sial Innovation awards for the 2026 edition, emphasized the need to change the snack market. Nükt's potato and sweet potato chips, fried in water and containing only 0.5% fat, use technology from another Swiss company, Zeen Tech. These chips are described as crunchy and free of grease on the fingers after consumption.

Snacking market growth and consumer habits

The global snacking market, valued at over 600 billion dollars (535 billion euros), is projected to grow by an average of 4.6% annually between 2024 and 2029, according to a study by ProtéinesXTC for Sial Insights. Two-thirds of consumers worldwide snack at least twice a day, defined as any food intake outside of main meal times.

Healthier and more profitable snacking options

Nükt aims to enter the mass market with products that are healthier and more profitable due to the absence of oil in production. Prices are close to traditional chips, and the brand seeks to differentiate itself from major competitors.

Taiwanese brand presents vacuum-fried chips

In hall 6A, the Taiwanese brand Kenji presented vacuum-fried vegetable chips, including mushrooms, zucchini, carrots, and sweet potatoes. Joyce Kao, assistant manager for Taiwan Mayumi, noted interest from visitors, particularly in zucchini chips, and aimed to expand into European markets.

Protein-rich snacks gain popularity

The "protein mania" in snacks is evident, with many manufacturers highlighting high-protein content. The Polish brand Pop Crop claims up to 33% protein in its legume chips. In Italy, Bejerky Snack introduced meat chips, such as salami and speck, targeting consumers seeking natural protein sources. Matteo Manzini, marketing director of Carpano Speck, explained the process involved in preparing these meat-based snacks, which are baked without oil.

Traditional chips remain popular

Classic potato chips remain popular, with the Breton manufacturer Brets winning an award for its new sweet crepe chips. A giant balloon shaped like a "Jura Cheese" flavored chip bag greeted visitors at Brets' stand. The brand has risen to the top of the French market but remains largely unknown outside of France.