Mintel's 'Global New Products Database' confirms the impression of orginality in the market at present, with consumers driving an increasingly adventurous approach to the snack market.
The company reports a host of new exotic products such as lemon flavoured crisps, pumpkin flavoured ketchup, vanilla flavoured cola and even ice cream flavoured corn snacks.
One of the more noticeable trends in the snacks industry is that of introducing spice into chocolate based foods- Mintel reports on the Plamil organic cayenne chocolate tablet and Chili Red ice-cream from Purbeck Dairy Ice Cream.
The food and drink industry is becoming more innovative in its approach, with several analysts identifying the development of new products and brands as crucial to the snack industry's success.
Mintel produce over 600 reports each year, covering an extensive number of sectors and focusing on topical marketing issues. Divided between European, UK-specific (incorporating Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland) and US consumer intelligence reports, Mintel reports analyse market sizes and trends, market segmentation, along with consumer attitudes and purchasing habits.