Growth and Trends in Australia’s Savoury Snacks Market 2034

The Australia savoury snacks market is an essential segment of the country’s larger snack food industry. Valued at AUD 3.20 billion in 2024, the market is poised for consistent growth over the next decade. With a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.90% from 2025 to 2034, the market is expected to reach approximately AUD 4.69 billion by 2034. This growth is driven by evolving consumer preferences, rising demand for convenient snack options, and increasing innovations in the product offerings.

In this article, we’ll explore the factors driving growth in the Australian savoury snacks market, emerging trends, key challenges, and future projections for the sector.

1. Overview of the Australia Savoury Snacks Market

The savoury snacks market in Australia includes a wide range of products such as chips, crackers, pretzels, nuts, popcorn, and savory baked goods. These snacks are particularly popular for their convenience, taste, and ability to cater to on-the-go consumption. As more Australians lead fast-paced, busy lives, the demand for these products is on the rise.

1.1 Market Size and Growth Projections

• Market Size in 2024: AUD 3.20 billion
• Projected Market Size by 2034: AUD 4.69 billion
• CAGR (2025–2034): 3.90%

The Australian savoury snacks market is expected to continue its upward trajectory with steady growth driven by changing consumer preferences, advancements in product innovation, and the introduction of healthier snack options.

2. Key Drivers of Growth in the Australian Savoury Snacks Market

Several factors are contributing to the growth of the savoury snacks market in Australia. These include health-conscious consumer choices, product diversification, and changing lifestyles.

2.1 Increasing Demand for Healthier Snack Options

The growing demand for healthier food alternatives is a prominent trend in the savoury snacks industry. Australian consumers are becoming more health-conscious, seeking snacks that are not only tasty but also nutritious. As a result, manufacturers are focusing on developing products that offer lower fat, lower sodium, and higher protein content.

• Baked Chips and Low-Fat Snacks: Traditional fried chips are gradually being replaced by baked or air-popped alternatives that contain fewer calories and less fat. Health-conscious consumers are increasingly choosing snacks with better nutritional profiles.
• Plant-Based Snacks: Plant-based ingredients are gaining popularity in the snack market, as consumers seek out vegetarian, vegan, and dairy-free options. Snacks made with plant-based proteins, such as chickpea chips or lentil crisps, are growing in demand.
• Functional Snacks: Snacks fortified with vitamins, minerals, and probiotics are becoming more popular as consumers look for products that offer added health benefits beyond basic nutrition.

2.2 Busy Lifestyles Driving Snack Consumption

With the fast-paced lifestyle of modern Australians, consumers are looking for convenient and portable food options. Savoury snacks provide a quick, easy, and on-the-go solution for busy professionals, students, and families.

• Snack Bars and Portion-Controlled Packs: Convenience-focused products such as snack bars and individually portioned packs are increasingly popular. These products offer convenience without compromising on taste.
• Ready-to-Eat and Grab-and-Go Snacks: As more consumers seek ready-to-eat snacks, companies are offering more grab-and-go options such as single-serving packs of chips, crackers, and other savoury snacks. This trend has further accelerated with the increased demand for home delivery services.

2.3 Product Innovation and Flavor Diversification

Innovation in flavour offerings has played a crucial role in attracting new customers and retaining existing ones in the savoury snacks market. Companies are constantly introducing new, bold flavours, keeping up with consumer cravings and regional taste preferences.

• Exotic Flavours: Savoury snacks are increasingly being infused with unique and bold flavours, such as truffle, sriracha, and spicy Asian-inspired seasonings, which appeal to adventurous taste buds.
• Premium Snacks: Premium product lines featuring high-quality ingredients, such as artisanal popcorn or gourmet chips, are also gaining traction among consumers willing to spend a little more for a superior snack experience.
• International Flavours: As Australia becomes more multicultural, food trends from other parts of the world, such as Asian or Mediterranean flavours, are becoming popular in the local snack market.

2.4 Growing Popularity of Vegan and Plant-Based Snacks

Veganism and plant-based diets are gaining significant popularity in Australia. As consumers seek plant-based alternatives, the demand for vegan-friendly savoury snacks has surged. Snacks made from plant-based ingredients such as peas, beans, and lentils are being developed to meet the needs of this growing segment.

• Vegan Chips: Snacks such as vegan chips, crisps, and plant-based crackers are becoming increasingly available in supermarkets and health food stores across the country.
• Nut-Based Snacks: There is also an increase in the consumption of roasted nuts and mixed nuts as a convenient and healthy savoury snack alternative.

2.5 E-commerce and Online Shopping for Snacks

The growth of e-commerce is reshaping the retail landscape, providing consumers with easy access to a wide range of snack products. Consumers are increasingly purchasing savoury snacks online, driven by convenience, easy comparisons, and the ability to access niche and specialty products not available in physical stores.

• Subscription Models: Subscription boxes offering curated assortments of snacks have become a popular way to discover new products and enjoy regular deliveries of preferred snacks.
• Online Grocery Delivery: The rise of grocery delivery services such as Woolworths and Coles has made purchasing savoury snacks more convenient for consumers.

3. Key Trends in the Australian Savoury Snacks Market

3.1 Focus on Clean Label Products

Consumers are becoming more concerned about the ingredients in their food, which has led to a shift towards clean label products. Savoury snacks made without artificial additives, preservatives, and unnecessary chemicals are gaining traction.

• Transparency: Brands are focusing on providing clear, honest labeling that highlights natural ingredients and better transparency in sourcing.
• Allergen-Free Snacks: The demand for allergen-free snacks, such as gluten-free, nut-free, and dairy-free options, is also on the rise.

3.2 Sustainable Packaging

As environmental awareness grows, many snack companies are adopting sustainable packaging solutions. Recyclable, biodegradable, and eco-friendly packaging is becoming a standard offering as consumers seek out brands that are committed to reducing their environmental impact.

3.3 Social Media and Influencer Marketing

With the rise of social media platforms, influencers and digital marketing strategies have become essential tools for promoting savoury snack brands. Companies are leveraging social media platforms to engage with consumers, create awareness about new products, and increase brand visibility.

4. Challenges in the Australian Savoury Snacks Market

4.1 Health Consciousness vs. Traditional Indulgence

While health-conscious snack options are growing, there remains a significant demand for indulgent, comfort-oriented snacks. Balancing these two consumer preferences presents challenges for brands, which need to offer both healthy and indulgent options to cater to diverse tastes.

4.2 Price Sensitivity

Despite the growing demand for healthier snacks, price remains a key factor for many consumers. Offering high-quality snacks at competitive prices while maintaining profitability can be a challenge for manufacturers, especially with the increasing cost of natural ingredients.

Here’s some additional information to provide further insights into the Australia savoury snacks market:

1. Consumer Behavior and Preferences in Australia

• Taste Preferences: Australians have a broad range of tastes when it comes to savoury snacks, but popular flavours include classic salty options, cheese-based snacks, and spicy varieties. The rise in demand for bold, unique flavours such as peri-peri, jalapeno, and sriracha shows that Australian consumers are becoming more adventurous in their snacking habits.
• Snack Occasions: Snacking is no longer just limited to specific times during the day, such as mid-morning or afternoon. It is becoming more integrated into everyday activities, such as while watching TV, working, or commuting. This trend is further boosting the demand for portable snack options.
• Snacking as a Meal: Many consumers are moving away from traditional meal patterns and opting for snacks as a replacement or supplement to meals. This shift is contributing to the increase in demand for snacks with higher nutritional content, such as protein-rich snacks like nuts and seeds.

2. Regional Variations and Preferences

• Urban vs. Rural Markets: Urban areas tend to drive a significant portion of the snack consumption, with busy city dwellers seeking convenient and on-the-go options. In contrast, rural areas may lean more toward traditional snacks such as chips, crackers, and nuts. However, in both segments, there is a rising demand for healthier snacks and new, innovative flavours.
• Flavour Preferences by Region: Certain regions of Australia have shown distinct flavour preferences. For instance, more tropical areas may show a preference for exotic flavours such as mango, coconut, and chili, while colder climates gravitate towards heartier, comfort food-like snacks such as cheese-flavoured chips or meat snacks.

3. Emerging Product Segments in the Savoury Snacks Market

• Plant-Based and Vegan Snacks: Beyond traditional potato chips and crackers, there has been an increase in the popularity of plant-based snacks in the Australian market. Products such as vegan chips, vegetable crisps, and seaweed snacks are gaining traction as plant-based diets become more mainstream.
• Gourmet and Artisanal Snacks: Many Australian consumers are willing to pay a premium for high-quality, small-batch, artisanal savoury snacks. This includes gourmet popcorn, premium nuts, and exotic-flavoured chips. Local producers are capitalizing on this trend, offering unique, region-specific products.
• Baked vs. Fried: While fried snacks continue to dominate the market, there is a noticeable shift towards baked versions of chips and crackers, which are perceived as a healthier alternative due to their lower fat content.

4. Impact of COVID-19 on Snacking Habits

• The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on how Australians approached snacking. During lockdowns, with more people staying at home, there was an increased consumption of packaged snacks. However, as a result of the lockdowns and more time spent at home, there was also a surge in homemade snack preparation and an interest in healthy, homemade alternatives to traditional savoury snacks.
• The rise of online grocery shopping during the pandemic has also influenced the way Australians purchase snacks. Consumers are now more accustomed to shopping for snacks online, where they have access to a broader range of products, including niche and gourmet snacks.

5. Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Trends

• As part of a broader sustainability movement, there is an increasing emphasis on eco-friendly packaging and responsible sourcing in the savoury snacks sector. More manufacturers are shifting to biodegradable, recyclable, or compostable packaging to reduce their environmental footprint. Companies like Smith’s and Red Rock Deli are already exploring such sustainable packaging options.
• Consumers are also more conscious of ingredient sourcing. Snack brands are seeking to highlight their use of ethically sourced ingredients, such as palm oil-free products, and are turning to more natural flavourings and preservatives to attract eco-conscious consumers.