US Consumers Rely on AI for Snack Recommendations, Driving High-Protein Food Demand

Conagra Brands reported that American consumers are increasingly turning to AI tools for personalized snack recommendations tailored to specific health goals. This emerging habit is fueling strong demand for high-protein, fiber-rich foods as well as bold flavor combinations. The study demonstrates how conversational AI is transforming product discovery, shifting consumer shopping habits from brand-focused searches to goal-oriented nutritional prompts. Consequently, traditional packaged snacks like cookies are facing sales pressure while targeted, nutrient-dense products experience rapid growth. The analysis, conducted with market research firm Circana, examined more than 53 million retail transactions across roughly 17,000 products in the $198.2 billion US snack market. The report also highlights that Gen Z consumers are driving market preference toward bold flavor profiles, such as sweet-and-spicy or tangy-and-savory pairings.