Americans continue to snack more than ever, but which foods they consume throughout the day continues to change as traditional junk food falls out of favor. With more price-conscious consumers, new weight-loss drugs and a desire to eat snacks with better-for-you-ingredients, consumers are forcing snack companies to adapt. 

For some companies like PepsiCo, which makes the cereal brand Life, it means launching a new multigrain cereal that is healthier to eat as sales slump. For others like Hershey, it has begun acquiring smaller food companies such as LesserEvil, the maker of organic snacks that prioritizes bold flavors with better-for-you ingredients. 

While consumers' preferences are changing, traditional snack sales are also sliding because of new weight loss drugs. A study released in January found GLP-1 drug use cuts grocery spending by 6%. Purchases of calorie-dense, processed items such as chips, baked goods and cookies were the most affected.

The shift towards healthier snacks is not a surprise to Misty Skolnick, co-owner of Uncle Jerry’s Pretzels, who has seen her company’s sales soar by 35% through the first two months of the year. She credits her company's success to its commitment to making high-quality, hand-twisted pretzels that are free of oil, sugar, preservatives, and artificial dyes. 

In fact, her company’s all-natural pretzels only include water, flour, yeast, sourdough starter and salt. For years her company has also been selling two pretzel snack packs, which contain less calories and are cheaper for cost-sensitive consumers. The two pretzels, which are about the size of your first, are 160 calories per pack.  In comparison, a mass-produced medium size pretzel can often be more than 400 calories. 

Soft pretzels

Leading artisan bread brand La Brea Bakery is looking to redefine the pretzel category with the debut of its new Soft Pretzel line. The lineup delivers a premium, better-for-you take on a classic category that continues to gain popularity.

La Brea Bakery’s new artisan Pretzel Buns, Pretzel Sausage Buns and Pretzel Baguettes bring the rich flavor of traditional Bavarian pretzels to customers nationwide. Each variety is made with simple, clean ingredients, and features a crisp golden-brown crust, a soft, chewy interior and a buttery finish.

The new line is expected to hit store shelves later this year and includes:

Pretzel Buns – Provide a mouth-watering base for grilling season favorites, such as a homemade smash burger, hot roast beef dip or Nashville hot chicken sandwich

Pretzel Sausage Buns – Ideal for grilled bratwurst, braised beef cheesesteaks or a savory breakfast omelet sandwich

Pretzel Baguettes – Perfect for upscale subs, dipping boards or served warm with hearty comfort dishes

“Our pretzel line offers a new take on a beloved classic that uses real ingredients and proven techniques to deliver delicious pretzel flavor and texture,” says Brie Buenning, senior director of marketing at La Brea Bakery.