A Crunchy Challenge for a Greener Future
July 2025, By MM-Eye
The production and packaging of savoury snacks contribute to several environmental concerns. Many savoury snacks rely on ingredients that often require intensive farming practices, including high water usage, synthetic fertilisers, and monocropping, which can lead to soil degradation and biodiversity loss.
Snack production involves multiple stages of processing, such as washing, frying or baking, flavouring, and packaging – all of which consume significant energy. Transporting raw ingredients and final products adds to the carbon footprint.
Most savoury snacks are sold in multi-layered plastic or foil packaging that is difficult to recycle. This non-biodegradable waste contributes to growing landfill problems and marine pollution.
Moving Toward Sustainable Snacking
In recent years, manufacturers have responded to consumer demand for more sustainable options by rethinking how savoury snacks are made and marketed:
- Sustainable Sourcing of Ingredients: Brands are increasingly partnering with farmers who use regenerative agriculture practices. This includes crop rotation, reduced tillage, and integrated pest management, all aimed at preserving soil health and biodiversity.
- Plant-Based and Upcycled Ingredients: There’s a shift towards using legumes, pulses, and even vegetables like beetroot or seaweed, which often require fewer resources to grow. Upcycled ingredients made from food waste or byproducts are also gaining traction, reducing pressure on agricultural systems.
- Greener Packaging Innovations: Companies are experimenting with compostable, recyclable, and biodegradable packaging materials. Some, like paper-based wraps or bio-based plastics, offer hope for reducing landfill waste, though infrastructure for recycling these materials remains limited in many regions.
- Local and Low-Impact Production: Regional sourcing and localised production facilities can help cut down on transportation emissions. Some artisanal or small-scale snack brands prioritise shorter supply chains and transparent sourcing.
The Conscious Consumer
Consumers play a critical role in the push for sustainability. More people are scrutinising product labels, looking for certifications like Fair Trade or Organic, and supporting brands with a clear environmental mission. The trend toward mindful snacking with smaller portions, ingredient awareness and less waste is encouraging manufacturers to keep up or risk losing market share.
Understanding consumer behaviour is crucial for brands aiming to thrive in the increasingly sustainability-conscious snacks market. MM-Eye’s latest Say Do Sustainability Study (SDSS) offers valuable insights into UK consumer perceptions of leading savoury snack brands and their sustainability efforts. The study explores how these perceptions shape consumer behaviour and highlights key opportunities for brands to better align with evolving customer expectations.
At MM-Eye, we specialise in uncovering meaningful consumer insights that help brands forge stronger connections with their audience. Whether you’re looking to refine your sustainability messaging, develop products that truly resonate, or gain a deeper understanding of what your customers care about, our expertise will ensure your brand stays relevant and competitive. Discover how our insights can support your brand’s journey toward a more sustainable future.
We’d love to talk more, so contact us today at info@mm-eye.com or use the form below to book a consultation.