Crunch, crunch: Snack food sales drop as consumers cut back; CP industry eyes Ozempic effect

Snack aisles aren’t what they used to be. In this episode—based on the article Crunch, Crunch: Snack food sales drop as consumers cut back—we explore the reasons behind a surprising trend: the decline of snack food sales among U.S. consumers. Major brands like General Mills, Smucker’s, PepsiCo, and Campbell’s are seeing dips in sales as shoppers respond to economic pressures, prioritize health, and adjust their habits in response to GLP-1 medications like Ozempic. But this isn’t just a challenge—it’s a moment of reinvention. Hear how the consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry is doubling down on affordability, flavor innovation, and AI-powered consumer insight to adapt to a new era of snacking.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:1. The Forces Behind the Snack SlumpEconomic anxiety and inflation are driving down discretionary purchasesConsumers are gravitating toward private-label snacks for affordability2. Health & Wellness Trends Reshape the AisleDemand for healthier snacks has “skyrocketed” per NIQ’s 2024 reportPlant-based, high-protein, and low-sugar snacks are on the riseMajor brands like PepsiCo are investing in cleaner-label reformulations3. The Ozempic Effect: Appetite, AlteredGLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy are curbing cravingsConsumers on these medications are snacking less—and buying more health foodsEY predicts a potential $12 billion impact on snack sales over the next decade4. How the Industry Is RespondingEmphasis on affordability: value packs, portion control, and pricing strategiesProduct innovation: reformulating existing favorites and launching wellness-first lines72% of execs are prioritizing product mix strategy, per Deloitte5. Tech as a Competitive AdvantageAI and predictive analytics help forecast consumer trends and optimize operationsCloud-based platforms and data tools enable agile innovation and supply chain resilienceKey Takeaways:The decline in snack food sales reflects a deeper shift in consumer values and prioritiesHealth and economic pressures are driving more mindful, value-focused purchasing behaviorGLP-1 drugs could be a long-term disruptor—but their ultimate impact remains to be seenBrands are adapting through smarter pricing, better ingredients, and innovation at scaleThe future of snacking will be shaped by both human habits and machine intelligenceSubscribe to our podcast for weekly insights on how commerce, culture, and technology are intersecting. Visit The Future of Commerce for expert coverage on emerging trends in consumer behavior. Share this episode with teams working in CPG, retail, or health & wellness strategy