When it comes to consumers and their favorite crackers brands, certain flavors and ingredients will always be in demand. However, specific sensory attributes — how a product feels, tastes, or smells — can also significantly influence purchase decisions. And as we move into 2023, we’re seeing a few key sensory trends growing within the cracker category.
We leveraged our AI tools to determine which sensory attributes should ultimately come out on top in 2023 for cracker consumers. Keep reading to see our insights below.
Nourish
Claiming the only very high total score on our list, “nourish” is a sensory attribute trend we’re predicting will be huge in 2023. Crackers that are marketed as nutritious and nourishing are sure to be a hit with health-conscious consumers. To stand out in this category, consider using unique packaging that highlights the health benefits of your product. You could also use stunning food photography to showcase how your crackers can be incorporated into a healthy diet for nourishment throughout the day.
Mouthful
With nourish and mouthful taking the top two spots, that tells us that people are looking for both nutritious and satisfying crackers. “Mouthful” is a sensory attribute describing how filling a food is, and it’s something people consider when choosing a snack. To appeal to this trend, focus on creating crackers that are filling but not too heavy. Consider using whole grains and seeds in your recipe to add bulk without making the crackers too dense. You could also experiment with marketing labels to find the perfect balance of satisfaction and portability.
Pure
With consumers increasingly aware of the ingredients in the food they’re eating, it’s no surprise that “pure” will be a trending sensory attribute for crackers. People will look for crackers free from artificial ingredients, preservatives, and other unsavory additions. To appeal to this trend, use all-natural ingredients in your recipe and highlight that on your packaging. You could also consider using a clean, minimalist design for your packaging to convey the purity of your product.
While pure holds onto some negative consumer passion, it still scores high in overall demand. This means that there is still an opportunity for brands to tap into this trend and offer a product that consumers will love.
Want more data insights and predictions? Check out our recent blog posts here.
Zesty
Zesty is a flavor that brands can achieve through various means, so there’s plenty of room for experimentation in this trend. Whether you use spices, herbs, cheese, or citrus, include a zesty element in your crackers to appeal to this trend. You could also consider using fun and vibrant packaging to show off the zestiness of your product.
Smoky
Very low competition for this sensory attribute means that there’s a lot of room for brands to experiment with smoky flavors. For example, you could try cold smoking your crackers or using different types of wood to achieve different flavor profiles, like these smoked quinoa crackers. Be creative and have fun with it!
Toasty
Toasty, with medium demand and low competition, is another attribute with a lot of potential. You could experiment with different toasting techniques or use peanut butter or cheese flavorings to give your crackers a toasty twist. No matter how your brand approaches toastiness, keep the sensation consistent throughout the cracker, packaging, and marketing campaigns.
Tender
Words like tender can often describe how a cracker melts in your mouth, so paying attention to textures and flavors is essential. Tender crackers are usually delicate and have a light, flaky texture. Your brand must stay on top of the unique ways consumers describe their ideal cracker-eating experiences. Plus, leveraging terms like tender can put your brand at the forefront of the latest flavor and texture trends.
Chewy
While chewy holds very negative consumer passion, that’s probably because it’s not a term often used to describe crackers. In fact, it’s an attribute that’s more associated with candy. However, with the right approach, your brand could leverage this trend to create a new category (or an entirely new product altogether) of chewy and savory crackers. Test different labels and marketing messages to see what resonates with consumers.
Golden
Golden is another word often used to describe the toastiness of a cracker, found in products like these from Hickory Farms. As with the other toasty trend, you’ll want to experiment with different marketing techniques to speak to this trend. You could also try using different types of flour or butter to achieve a golden color, and highlighting those ingredients prominently on packaging. Who doesn’t love a golden brown and delicious cracker?
Delectable
Consumers will be very passionate about their crackers in 2023, so making sure your product is delicious is important. The word delectable often describes a level of deliciousness above and beyond what’s expected, so aim to make your crackers truly crave-worthy. Be sure to let your target market know that your crackers are delectable, whether through word-of-mouth marketing or other campaigns.
Conclusion
There you have it! These are the top cracker trends for 2023, along with some ideas on how your brand can capitalize on them. Consumers are looking for new and exciting flavors, textures, and sensations, so be sure to experiment with different approaches and marketing strategies. Be sure to stay ahead of the curve by examining these trends and experimenting with different ways to appeal to them. And most importantly, don’t forget to have fun! After all, crackers are meant to be enjoyed.
Simporter is dedicated to helping brands succeed in the ever-changing world of e-commerce, and we’re always here to offer guidance and support. Check out the latest cracker trends for 2023 on our blog.
If you’re ready to see Simporter AI in action and learn what it can do for you, request a demo on our website for more insights on key flavored water trends. Predicting need trends is just one way Simporter can help brands grow their business, so to learn more about how we can help you, please visit us at simporter.com.