SNACKING SOLUTIONS WITH INTERNATIONAL FLAIR

Portable, convenient and cost-effective, snacks are playing an influential role in the dining habits of many consumers. With 20% of consumers saying that they snack more often than they did prior to the pandemic1 and 77% snacking at least once a day,2 it’s important for foodservice operators to consider how they can satisfy consumer needs with snackable options.

Many snacks are impulse purchases, so offer items that are special enough to draw in patrons when they’re craving a pick-me-up. This is where on-trend global flavors come into play. Popular international street foods like bao buns, empanadas and Korean corndogs are delicious, satisfying and not easily found on a retail shelf or prepared at home. Another way to change up snack offerings is through trending ingredients that can differentiate an already popular item. Popcorn, trail mixes and fries, for example, can be easily transformed with the addition of gochujang, matcha or chile-lime salt seasonings.

Get inspired to elevate your snack offerings by adding a global twist!

PUT A SPIN ON GLOBAL SNACKING

Conagra Foodservice is here to help you step up your snack offerings! Bite into some interesting snack facts, consumer insights and menu ideas with our free infographic.

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By the Numbers

By the Numbers

42%

of consumers agree that any food can be a snack if the portion size is small3

31%

of consumers consume 3 to 4 snacks per day4

64%

of consumers indulge themselves often when snacking5

51%

of consumers are looking for snacks that can be eaten on the go6

The Quick Dish

Global street foods bring a world of possibility to menus across the US. Take a look at some popular offerings that have grown in popularity over the past four years:

200% GROWTH OF KHACHAPURI (Georgian cheese bread)

92% GROWTH OF ELOTE (Mexican corn on the cob)

75% GROWTH OF MANDU (Korean dumplings)

72% GROWTH OF TAKOYAKI (Japanese octopus balls)

42% GROWTH OF CHURROS (Latin American fried dough)

Datassential MenuTrends, U.S. menu penetration growth 2018-2022.

Brand Focus

Versatile products from Conagra Foodservice help to ground your globally inspired snack offerings in popular formats, for the greatest consumer appeal.

  • ACT II
  • Angie's
  • DAVID
  • Gardein
  • Orville Redenbacher
  • RO*TEL

Chef Tips

Unique snacks can be a great addition to your repertoire, as all-day treats are in high demand. Find some new snack inspiration with these tips and tricks from the Conagra Foodservice culinary team.

    • A BOOST AT THE BAR.

      Whether your operation offers a full bar or you’re just looking to capitalize on demand for happy hour options, salty snacks provide an opportunity to boost beverage sales and can be executed in tandem with existing menu items. For example, utilize rendered pork fat from a crispy pork belly dish to pop Orville Redenbacher’s® Original Gourmet Popping Corn on the stovetop, then toss with herbs and spices.

    • CHIPS AND DIP, REMIXED.

      Housemade touches take classics to the next level, so consider ways to add new texture and flavor experiences to chips and dip. DAVID® Sunflower Kernels bring appealing crunch to authentic salsa macha, a nutty salsa made with chiles, aromatics, herbs and sesame seeds.

    • WHERE NEW MEETS FAMILIAR.

      With consumers showing interest in both crafted snacks and international flavors, a treat that brings authenticity into a familiar format is a great way to find balance. For example, take inspiration from traditional takoyaki to create Umami Popcorn—ACT II® Butter Popcorn dressed with bonito flakes and furikake seasoning.

    • SWEETEN UP SNACK TIME.

      Sweet and salty flavor combinations always pique consumer interest, so create a fun sweet corn sundae by topping vanilla ice cream with Angie’s BOOMCHICKAPOP® Sweet & Salty Kettle Corn and caramel sauce.

Instagram

You’ll find even more delicious recipe ideas on our Instagram, @conagrafoodservice

Operator Spotlight

Operators everywhere are bringing excitement to menus through bold global flavors. Check out how some successful eateries are adding international flair to their snack-sized bites.

  • The Falcon, Delray Beach, FL

    This elevated gastropub showcases several plant-based street food options, including corn-chip-encrusted Fried Oaxacan Cheese with ranchero sauce and Curry Cauliflower served with cucumber-coriander yogurt.

  • Sonic

    The national QSR chain has added a Mexican spin to their summer snacking menu with warm, crispy churro bites dusted with cinnamon sugar.

  • Take a Bao, Chicago

    This delivery and carryout-only menu focuses on bao buns: the perfect mini meal. Savory options include Teriyaki Chicken Bao filled with grilled chicken, pickled cabbage, red cabbage, carrots and sesame, while sweet treats include the Gimme S’more Bao-Nut filled with chocolate and marshmallow.

  • Chungchun Rice Dog

    Korean corndogs have caused a social media sensation, and this international chain brings excitement to the trend. Patrons can choose from beef, chicken or plant-based sausages, customized with toppings such as sugar dust, crispy fried ramen, cubed sweet potato fries and squid-ink-infused batter.

  • Mopho, New Orleans

    A fusion of Creole and Vietnamese cuisines, this lively restaurant serves up craveable snacks with plenty of choice for adventurous patrons. Their Crispy Chicken Bites are tossed in one of the following glazes: Lemongrass and Ginger Nuoc Mam Caramel, Spicy Vindaloo with Coconut Ranch, or Yellow Curry with Spicy Lime Yogurt.