Archive · 23 Sep 2026
AI-driven snack choices push Americans toward personalized, healthier foods
Many Americans are asking AI to help them decide what snacks to buy.
They may ask for foods with more protein, fiber or energy.
Conagra says this is increasing demand for snacks designed for specific needs.
People are also paying closer attention to ingredients.
Younger shoppers especially like strong and unusual flavors.
Cookies and some salty snacks have faced pressure as these newer foods grow.
Weight-loss drugs and a government health initiative are also influencing food choices.
Researchers studied millions of shopping transactions to understand these changes.
Conagra says Americans are increasingly using AI to choose snacks matching specific health goals.
The company links growing demand to higher-protein foods, bold flavors and nutrient-dense products.
Conagra and Circana analyzed more than 53 million transactions covering 17,000 U.S. snack products.
The U.S. snacking sector generates $198.2 billion in annual retail sales and is growing 1.4 times faster than the broader food market.
Younger consumers, especially Gen Z, are driving interest in sweet-and-spicy, tangy and briny flavors.
- Who
- Americans, particularly younger consumers and Gen Z, according to research by Conagra Brands and Circana.
- What
- Consumers are increasingly using AI and health goals to guide snack purchases, boosting demand for protein-rich, nutrient-dense and boldly flavored products.
- When
- The findings were presented on Wednesday; Conagra described changes occurring over the six years since the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Where
- Across the United States.
- Why
- Consumers are seeking healthier, more personalized snacks, influenced partly by weight-loss drugs, the White House’s “Make America Healthy Again” initiative and greater attention to ingredients.
- Research partners
- Conagra Brands and Circana
- Transactions analyzed
- More than 53 million shopping transactions
- Products covered
- 17,000 products across the U.S. snacking sector
- Annual sector sales
- $198.2 billion in annual retail sales
- Growth rate
- The snacking sector is growing about 1.4 times faster than the broader food market
- Growing preferences
- Higher protein, fiber, bold flavors and snacks tailored to specific health goals
- Products under pressure
- Cookies and salty snacks