The growing influence of GLP-1 drugs, higher food costs and the trend towards replacing meals with snacks are all leading consumers to be increasingly selective about their snack choices. They expect snacks to deliver more: quality, freshness, convenience, health benefits and a great taste and texture experience.1 It’s no coincidence that the healthy snacks industry, already valued at over $100 billion, is growing at a rate of 6.2% a year.2

Gen Z and Millennials, especially, are seeking that perfect blend of health and indulgence, with their food choices balancing health benefits with flavors that excite their senses and also reduce undesired ingredients.3 Add to these needs demand for sustainability and cleaner labels. These factors all increase the challenge of sourcing the right ingredients for snacks and other food formulations.

For food manufacturers, U.S.-grown high oleic sunflower oil can be part of the answer to meeting function, flavor and sustainability challenges in a wide range of food formulations, including plant-based products, snacks, sauces, spreads, dips, dairy-free drinks and gluten-free and vegan baked goods and pastries.

In particular, high oleic sunflower oil can be a key ingredient in food formulations that address two of the hottest nutritional trends – demand for more protein and fiber.

Protein pleaser

According to Innova Market Insights, nearly 60% of global food and beverage consumers report actively incorporating more protein into their diets.4 Growth of protein-fortified snacks is one outcome of this demand with more than half (55%) of Americans saying protein is the most important nutrient when selecting a snack.5

High oleic sunflower oil is an excellent choice for protein-rich snack foods, including plant-based protein product innovations, since it can help with the texture and mouthfeel of these types of products and supports extended product shelf life.

A fiber priority

Another huge nutrition trend is the demand for fiber-rich foods, especially to support gut health. Witness the fibermaxing trend on TikTok where enthusiasts offer ways of incorporating fiber-rich ingredients into your diet to hit or exceed the daily recommended intake. According to Datassential, over half of consumers say that, when thinking about their health in 2026, consuming more foods and beverages for gut health will be important.6 High oleic sunflower oil contains antioxidants that help stabilize fiber-rich ingredients like grains, seeds and nuts which are perfect for use in a range of snack foods.7,8

Many reasons to choose high oleic sunflower oil

There are many reasons to feel confident choosing U.S.-grown high oleic sunflower oil in serving up tasty, healthier options and cleaner labels for your food formulations:

• It is non-GMO and supports cleaner ingredient lists
• It is grown sustainably
• Flavor neutral so the true taste of foods comes through
• Supports extended product shelf life – longer than other oils
• Contains healthier, unsaturated fats
• It is Kosher and Halal Certified

For more information on the possibilities of high oleic sunflower oil in various food formulations and how it can differentiate your products from the competition, download the sunflower oil white paper and other information here.

Sources:

1. SPINS – The Evolution of Snacking: From Impulse to Intention
2. TNA: Feeding the future of snacking from end to end: Five trends reshaping the sector
3. Innova Market Insights’ Global Flavor Trends for 2026
4. Innova Market Insights
5. Trax: From Protein-Packed Snacks to Fresh Fruit: National Snack Day Data Reveals America’s Health-Conscious Shift
6. Datassential 2026 Trends Report
7. Harvard Health Online
8. Sunflower Oil Whitepaper