A range of freeze dried fruit packs from Schoonbee Landgoed in Limpopo.
Image: Supplied
The global snacking landscape is undergoing a transformation, with consumers increasingly prioritising health and wellbeing in their food choices. According to GlobalData, a leading intelligence and productivity platform, the freeze-dried snack market is gaining traction as individuals seek convenient and nutritious options to enhance their daily diets.
This shift is largely influenced by the rise of GLP-1 medications, which have reportedly led users to experience diminished appetites and a greater focus on nutrient density. A recent Q4 2025 consumer survey from GlobalData reveals that 67% of respondents frequently prioritise health impacts when selecting food products. As a result, an elevated demand for snacks that are not only light and tasty but also functional has emerged.
Among these snacks, freeze-dried fruits are rapidly becoming popular, hailed for their convenience and nutritional benefits. With a long shelf life that can extend for years, freeze-dried fruits offer consumers a practical solution to reduce food waste and mitigate the hassle of frequently replacing spoiled fresh produce. In the same survey, 45% of consumers defined "good value for money" by attributes like longevity, time-saving qualities, and larger portion sizes when purchasing snacks.
Jessica Butler, Consumer Analyst at GlobalData, emphasises the importance for brands to adapt to these changing preferences: “As cost-of-living pressures persist, brands should combine affordable formats, bold value messaging, generous pack sizes, and products with long best-before dates to stay competitive.” She further advises brands to highlight convenience-related features such as long shelf lives and resealable packaging, ensuring they appeal to consumers looking for practical on-the-go options.
The market's evolution is also marked by a growing preference for clean-label products. In a recent launch, Vancouver-based OHME! introduced three new freeze-dried fruit flavours - Apple Fries, Crunchy Banana, and Passion Fruit Protein Crunch - featuring no added sugar and made with organic ingredients, while each 15g bag contains 6g of protein. This addition aligns with the rising demand for snacks that combine convenience with nutritious, guilt-free indulgence.
According to GlobalData's Q3 2025 survey, a significant majority - 77% - of consumers express that simple ingredients are either essential or at least a desirable product feature. Butler suggests that clear, straightforward labelling is crucial for brands looking to effectively connect with health-conscious consumers: “Claims such as ‘100% fruit’, ‘no added sugar’, and ‘no additives’ can significantly influence purchasing decisions.”
In the UK, Arbuckle’s Farm Shop is one of the brands innovating within this space, recently unveiling chocolate-covered freeze-dried strawberries, honeyberries, and raspberries coated in various types of chocolate to appeal to health-conscious snackers. GlobalData's Q1 2026 survey found that over half (56%) of global consumers find sweet or fruity flavours particularly appealing in snacks, highlighting the potential of freeze-dried fruits to attract those with a sweet tooth while maintaining a fruit-forward, health-focused approach.
“The surge in demand for healthier foods, even in indulgent categories like snacks, positions freeze-dried fruit as a valuable option poised for growth,” concludes Butler. She recommends that brands focus on innovation through clear labelling, credible health claims, and appealing formats to satisfy a cost-conscious market looking for both indulgence and nourishment.