Worth a packet
Ryan Brennan examines how brands in the Snacking category are balancing indulgence and wellness to meet evolving consumer preferences
Print26 May 2026
Snacking has evolved significantly in recent years, with health-conscious consumers trading up within the category and seeking greater quality, variety, and convenience, from portable fresh chicken and berries to a wider range of nutritious, on-the-go options.
The snacks category remains a strong performer in Ireland, driven by both indulgence and better-for-you innovation. While classic crisps continue to dominate, there is growing demand for healthier alternatives, including baked, high-protein, low-fat, and plant-based options. Sharing formats and premium snack lines are also gaining traction, particularly during the summer social season.
As consumer habits evolve, brands are expanding flavour profiles, experimenting with global influences and offering more premium ingredients to stand out on the shelf.
Convenience remains key, with single-serve and on-the-go formats continuing to perform strongly, particularly in forecourts and convenience stores. At the same time, retailers are benefitting from strategic merchandising, including linking snacks with drinks and meal deals to drive basket spend.
Sustainability is also becoming more prominent, with packaging innovation and responsible sourcing increasingly influencing purchasing decisions.
Tayto drives growth with bold innovation
Tayto range
Tayto, Ireland’s leading crisp and snacks brand, has delivered a strong start to 2026, with Q1 marked by standout innovation, high-profile media support and robust shopper engagement. As Q2 progresses, the brand is set to build further momentum through an exciting limited-edition launch, high-impact campaigns and compelling taste credentials.
January reinforced Tayto’s leadership across both core and emerging snacking segments.
The launch of Treble Crunch Sweet Chilli strengthened the brand’s Better For You offering, delivering bold flavour at under 100 calories per pack. Activity was supported by PR, influencer partnerships and on-street sampling to drive awareness and trial.
Seasonal interest was also boosted with the return of Tayto Hearts for Valentine’s Day, enhanced this year with an on-pack consumer competition that increased engagement.
Innovation continues to sit at the heart of Tayto’s strategy with the introduction of Tayto Crunchy, a new range designed specifically to maximise the sharing occasion and broaden appeal within the growing sharing segment.
The launch of the Big Cheese and Hot & Spicy variants delivers distinctive texture and bold flavour credentials, offering shoppers a compelling reason to trade up while reinforcing Tayto’s leadership in taste and quality.
The launch is supported by a fully integrated ATL and BTL campaign spanning OOH, audio, social and PR, delivering strong awareness and consumer pull-through from day one.
Looking ahead, Tayto will continue to energise the category with a highly anticipated limited-edition launch landing in June.
Tayto Candy Floss is set to drive novelty appeal and social conversation, supported by a full PR and influencer rollout.
Meanwhile, Tayto Cornados will build on its strong performance with renewed TV and VOD support from mid-June through July, alongside social activity across Meta, TikTok and Snapchat, ensuring sustained visibility during the summer snacking peak.
With a robust pipeline of innovation and brand-building activity ahead, Tayto remains well-positioned to drive category growth and shopper excitement.
Retailers are encouraged to stock up early to maximise the opportunity from strong consumer demand.
Source: Based in part on data reported by NIQ through NielsenIQ Database for Crisps & Snacks MAT period ending 26th Mar 2026, for Ireland Multiples and Retail Channels. Copyright © 2026.
Tayto Crunchy – The crunch you’ve been ‘craving’
Tayto Crunchy Hot & Spicy Flavour
Tayto Crunchy Big Cheese Flavour
Introducing Tayto Crunchy, the latest innovation from Ireland’s No.1 crisps and snacks brand.
Tayto Crunchy combines irresistible texture with two crowd-pleasing flavours — Hot n’ Spicy and Big Cheese flavour.
Consumer testing shows 75% purchase intention, making this launch one of Tayto’s most anticipated of the year.
Designed for those who demand maximum texture and bold flavour in every bite, Tayto Crunchy is a texture-led sharing snack that delivers a seriously satisfying crunch.
Available in a 130g share bag and backed by an ATL and BTL campaign, including OOH, audio, social, and PR, Tayto Crunchy is set to dominate the sharing segment and is the perfect snack to enjoy on the couch in the evening or to share with your crew.
Prepare for peak demand, stock up on Tayto’s new product to drive sales.
Tayto is Ireland’s favourite crisps and snacks brand. Source: Based in part on data reported by NIQ through NielsenIQ Database for Crisps & Snacks MAT period ending 25th Jan 2026, for Ireland Multiples and Retail Channels. Copyright © 2026.
O’Donnells celebrates award-winning crisp success
O’Donnells of Tipperary Mature Cheese & Red Onion
O’Donnells crisps are proudly celebrating another year with the title of Ireland’s Most Awarded Crisp.
With the remarkable achievement of 19 awards in 2025, O’Donnells attained:
4 Irish Quality Food and Drink Awards
2 Blas na h-Éireann awards
6 Free From Food Awards
7 Great Taste Awards
These accolades highlight O’Donnells’ leadership in the premium crisp category and underscore the craftsmanship and flavour excellence that continue to set the brand apart.
Now celebrating 16 years in business, O’Donnells Crisps were the original hand-cooked crisps in Ireland, using local food producers for great flavours.
Backed by a farming tradition spanning seven generations and more than 300 years, the O’Donnell family has truly perfected the art of potato cultivation to bring exceptional tasting crisps to consumers.
Building on this success, O’Donnells’ latest flavour sensation, O’Donnells Hot Honey Fusion, has made a huge impact on the crisps market.
O’Donnells Hot Honey Fusion taps into the growing popularity of the hot honey flavour trend, expertly blending fiery spice with smooth, natural honey sweetness.
Each crisp offers a bold, tantalising kick followed by a rich, mellow finish of honey, creating a truly memorable flavour experience.
Designed for sharing, this snack brings friends and family together with every satisfying, crunchy bite.
O’Donnells’ “It Starts with an O” campaign can be heard across national airwaves on Today FM, bringing fun and flavour to Fridays with an exciting line-up of activity across Louise Cantillon and The Friday Mix with Ray Foley.
With live mentions, on-air competitions and playful brand moments throughout the schedule, O’Donnells will be front and centre as Ireland gears up for brighter, lighter weekends.
O’Donnells crisps remain proudly gluten-free and vegetarian-friendly, made without artificial colours, flavours, MSG, or GM ingredients.
Hunky Dorys spices up snack aisle
Go Hunky Dorys Or Go Home
Hunky Dorys, Ireland’s No.1 crinkle-cut crisp brand, has made a strong start to 2026 with the launch of a Golden Rugby Ball promotion across sharing and multipack formats.
The activity combined standout on-pack promotions with eye-catching in-store theatre, engaging shoppers around a key snacking occasion and delivering real momentum in Q1.
Renowned for its big, bold flavours, Hunky Dorys has also expanded its portfolio with the launch of the new Street Food range, bringing globally inspired taste profiles to the aisle.
Exciting new variants such as Thai Beef and Chilli Cheese Fries introduce a fresh dimension to the category.
The launch is supported by a nationwide campaign spanning VOD, digital, social and OOH, complemented by PR activations and immersive food truck experiences designed to spark excitement, generate buzz and drive trial.
Further strengthening its impulse offering, Hunky Dorys has introduced a new upweighted 45g Big Eat pack, reinforcing the brand’s big flavour, big value credentials.
By delivering more product for the same RSP, the enhanced pack offers clear value for shoppers while driving an improved rate of sale for retailers.
With continued innovation and strong marketing support, Hunky Dorys is set to drive further growth within the crinkle cut segment.
Retailers are encouraged to ensure availability across both the core and new Street Food ranges to fully capitalise on the momentum.
Go Hunky Dorys or Go Home.
Source: Based in part on data reported by NIQ through NielsenIQ Database for Crisps & Snacks MAT period ending 26th Mar 2026, for Ireland Multiples and Retail Channels. Copyright © 2026.
PROPER drives savoury snacking innovation in 2026
PROPER Prawn Cocktail Flavour Lentil Chips
PROPER Crispy Chilli Oil Crunch Corn
PROPER Barbeque Crunch Corn
PROPER Maple Bacon Flavour Crunch Corn
As competition intensifies within the savoury snacking aisle, brands that can bring fresh energy to established formats are increasingly driving category growth.
PROPER is continuing that strategy in 2026 with two launches designed to deliver incremental value for retailers:
PROPER Crunch Corn
PROPER Prawn Cocktail Lentil Chips
Crunch Corn represents PROPER’s renewed push into the roasted corn and nut snack space, where it is positioning itself as a modern challenger brand.
The range has been rebooted with bolder flavours, improved taste and standout packaging, aimed at refreshing a category traditionally dominated by a small number of players.
Made from whole corn kernels, Crunch Corn offers a nut-free alternative that delivers big crunch and flavour while aligning with growing demand for variety within family and sharing snacking occasions.
Available in flavours such as Maple Bacon, Crispy Chilli Oil and Barbecue, Crunch Corn is designed to appeal to younger, flavour-forward shoppers while giving retailers a differentiated option that sits comfortably alongside both nuts and crisps.
Strong shelf presence and vibrant pack design are intended to encourage trial and trade-up, bringing new shoppers into the fixture rather than simply switching between brands.
Complementing this, PROPER Prawn Cocktail Lentil Chips rework one of the most iconic flavours in the crisps category through PROPER’s lentil-based format.
Prawn cocktail continues to deliver broad consumer appeal, and the brand’s lentil chips provide a familiar taste in a format that reflects ongoing interest in lighter, plant-based snacking alternatives.
Together, these launches underline PROPER’s focus on contemporary formats, recognisable flavours and purposeful innovation — supporting retailers in keeping the savoury snacks aisle relevant, dynamic and appealing to today’s shopper.
Eat Real
Eat Real selection range
Eat Real has cemented its position as a leading brand in the better-for-you savoury snacks sector, offering shoppers delicious alternatives to traditional crisps without sacrificing taste or enjoyment.
The brand’s philosophy is simple: use real ingredients to create snacks full of flavour.
Rather than relying on potatoes, Eat Real crafts its products from pulses, grains and vegetables — including lentils, chickpeas and quinoa, paired with bold, globally inspired seasonings.
This ingredient-first approach resonates strongly with today’s shoppers, who are increasingly seeking snacks that align with more conscious eating habits while still delivering on crunch and flavour.
Eat Real’s portfolio spans lentil chips, hummus chips and quinoa chips, making it suitable for a wide range of snacking occasions, from family sharing to lunchboxes and on-the-go consumption.
Importantly, the brand has proven its ability to grow the category by attracting new and younger shoppers, rather than simply driving brand switching within the fixture.
Part of the PROPER Snacks family, Eat Real benefits from strong innovation credentials, consistent quality and a clear point of view on modern snacking.
Its clean packaging, clear dietary cues and strong flavour profiles ensure it stands out in a competitive category.
With continued consumer interest in plant-based ingredients, gluten-free options and permissible indulgence, Eat Real remains well placed to support retailers in meeting evolving shopper needs while delivering sustained value growth within savoury snacks.
Green Farm refreshes Chicken Breast Bites range with new pot format
Green Farm Chargrilled Chicken Breast Bites
Green Farm Cajun Chicken Breast Bites
Green Farm helps consumers make better food choices every day, whatever the occasion — from breakfast and lunch to dinner and snacking.
Made with 100% natural ingredients and packed with real protein, Green Farm offers simple, convenient options to fit into busy lives.
Green Farm has recently refreshed its popular Chicken Breast Bites with the introduction of a new pot format, designed to better align with familiar snacking cues.
Consumers can enjoy the same great product, now presented in a convenient on-the-go format.
Made from premium quality chicken breast, Green Farm Chicken Breast Bites deliver 20g of protein per pack.
Made with 100% natural ingredients and allergen-free, they are available in two flavours:
Chargrilled
Cajun
The new pot format enhances visibility and reinforces the product’s role as a convenient, savoury snack choice for busy lifestyles, whether at work, commuting or post-workout.
Launched in April 2026 across Dunnes Stores, Tesco, SuperValu, Centra, and convenience retailers nationwide.
Forest Feast collaborates with PerfectTed to launch Matcha Chocolate Almonds
Forest Feast Matcha Chocolate Almonds
UK leading premium snack brand Forest Feast continues to blaze a trail in category innovation with its first-ever brand collaboration, launching Matcha Chocolate Almonds made with PerfectTed.
Forest Feast has been dedicated to disrupting the category and delighting consumers with mouth-watering snacks for 30 years, with innovation firmly at the heart of the brand.
This latest launch reflects the brand’s ongoing mission to redefine permissible indulgence through premium snacks that combine quality ingredients with creative confectionery techniques.
Leona McCaugherty, head of marketing at Forest Feast, said:
“We’re always on the lookout for opportunities to translate exciting flavours and ingredients into crave-worthy innovation. Matcha isn’t just one of the fastest-growing flavours, it’s part of a broader cultural shift.”
She added:
“With data showing that as many as a fifth of UK adults and two fifths of Gen Z are swapping their usual tea or coffee for matcha, it felt like the perfect territory to explore and a meaningful way to engage younger consumers.”
The new product offers a uniquely indulgent experience by enveloping handcrafted almonds in velvety white chocolate blended with high-quality PerfectTed matcha.
The result is a deliciously moreish snack which combines crunch, creaminess and the distinctive character of matcha.
Marisa Poster, co-founder of PerfectTed, said:
“This partnership with Forest Feast is a big yes for us because it’s rooted in the same idea as PerfectTed: modern energy should feel good and so should modern snacking.”
She added:
“Not chaotic, not artificial, not overcomplicated. Just great ingredients, great flavour, and something you actually want to come back to every day.”
The brand has launched:
A 120g sharing format
A 40g on-the-go pack
For more information, contact:
hello@forestfeast.com
www.forestfeast.com
Keogh’s proudly supporting Cancer Fund for Children
Keogh’s at Daisy Lodge
Keogh’s has announced a new partnership with Cancer Fund for Children, unveiling a special edition of its iconic Mature Irish Cheese & Onion crisp pack to help raise awareness and support for children and young people impacted by cancer across Ireland.
The limited-edition packaging features a daisy-inspired redesign, symbolising hope and resilience while also shining a spotlight on Daisy Lodge, Cancer Fund for Children’s therapeutic centre for families affected by cancer.
As part of the initiative, Keogh’s will donate €50,000 to Cancer Fund for Children.
This reflects their commitment to supporting meaningful causes and raising awareness around important issues affecting families today in Ireland.
Cancer Fund for Children provides vital emotional, social and therapeutic support to children and young people impacted by cancer, helping families navigate the challenges that come with a diagnosis.
Through services delivered across Ireland, the charity works to ensure that no child faces cancer alone.
The limited-edition packs will launch at Bord Bia Bloom over the June Bank Holiday weekend before rolling out nationwide for a limited time.
Keogh’s hopes to encourage consumers to support a cause that continues to make a meaningful difference to families across Ireland every day.
Blanco Niño unveils smoky Asado flavour
Tipperary-based Blanco Niño has launched a bold new tortilla chip flavour: Meaty Asado.
The premium Mexican tortilla chips brand is launching the new flavour in independent stores before a wider nationwide rollout later in the year.
Inspired by the asado tradition of Northern Mexico’s Sonoran Desert, Meaty Asado draws on an open-fire barbecue technique where meat and vegetables are grilled over flame on a charcoal grill to develop deep smoky richness.
Blanco Niño says asado is more than a cooking method — it is a celebration of community, flavour and togetherness, where people gather around the fire to share food and stories.
The company says the new flavour is designed to bring that spirit of sharing to Irish consumers.
Crafted in Ireland at the brand’s tortilleria in Clonmel, Co. Tipperary, Meaty Asado is made using the ancient Aztec process of nixtamalisation.
Whole regeneratively farmed corn is slow-cooked, steeped overnight and stone-ground into masa over a three-day process.
This traditional method creates tortilla chips with exceptional depth of flavour and texture.
Philip Martin, founder of Blanco Niño, said:
“Meaty Asado is inspired by one of the most iconic food traditions in Northern Mexico.”
He added:
“We wanted to create a flavour that feels bold, smoky and deeply satisfying, while staying true to the authenticity and quality that define Blanco Niño.”
About the Product
Inspired by Northern Mexico’s asado tradition
Rich, citrus-kissed and savoury flavour profile
Bold umami core with peppery finish
Made using the Aztec nixtamalisation process
170g pack format
Cuisine de France launches Indulgent cookie range
Cuisine de France cookie range
Cuisine de France Freshly Baked Cookies are an indulgent treat designed to deliver premium bakery quality.
The generously sized soft-baked cookies are loaded with decadent chunks of premium chocolate.
Currently, the range includes two flavours available in packs of four.
Double Chocolate Chunk Cookies
A generously sized chocolate cookie loaded with decadent dark and creamy white chocolate chunks for the perfect sweet bite every time.
Chocolate Chunk Cookies
A beautiful golden oversized cookie bursting with indulgent chocolate chunks, baked to perfection for a deeply satisfying bite.
ACTI-SNACK Packs a Protein Punch Across Breakfast and Snacking
ACTI-SNACK Keto Trail Mix Salt & Apple Cider Vinegar
ACTI-SNACK Trail Mix Salted Dark Chocolate
ACTI-SNACK Trail Mix Smoky Chipotle
ACTI-SNACK Trail Mix Smoky Chipotle
ACTI-SNACK is tapping into growing demand for functional, convenient nutrition with a protein-led range designed for time-poor, health-conscious consumers.
Made using 100% natural ingredients, the range is positioned as “Real Food Fuel” for active lifestyles while also being vegan and gluten-free.
Spanning breakfast and on-the-go occasions, the range combines protein-rich granolas with convenient trail mixes.
Alongside protein to support muscle maintenance, the products also provide a source of fibre to support digestive health and satiety.
The range additionally contains essential nutrients including:
Potassium
Magnesium
Iron
Taste remains central to the proposition, with flavours including peanut butter and salted dark chocolate balancing nutrition with indulgence.
The granola range carries an RRP of €5 for 350g packs, while 40g trail mixes retail at €1.65.
For more information:
hello@acti-snack.com
www.acti-snack.com
Naturally sweet, high fruit content
Made from 100% fruit with no added sugar, preservatives or colourants, the Bob Snail range delivers a naturally sweet flavour profile with significantly higher fruit content than many alternatives. This clean and reassuring ingredient story has made it a favourite for families seeking simple, honest snacks that still feel fun.
The brand’s colourful packaging and extensive assortment — including the bestselling Fruit Rolls and Stripes, multipacks and playful Eat & Play formats — offer retailers exceptional versatility across shopper missions. These formats have performed particularly well as lunchbox additions and after-school treats, where parents look for convenience, natural ingredients and a sense of novelty.
As the focus on healthier choices continues to shape the snacking category, Bob Snail stands out as a must-stock line for 2026. With its broad range, strong international presence across over 39 countries and clear alignment to family trends, the brand brings both variety and a strong point of difference to shelves.
For retailers building a forward-looking mix, Bob Snail offers natural credentials, colour, and proven appeal.
For further information or to explore the full assortment, retailers can contact Ampersand on 01 4130100.
‘Breaking Out of the Tube’: Pringles launch new lunchtime essential
Pringles Ireland is targeting growth in the impulse and lunchbox occasions with the launch of Pringles Minis.
Rolling out nationwide from early May 2026, the range introduces the brand’s first multipacks.
Available in six x 20g multipacks across:
Original
Sour Cream & Onion
BBQ
Pringles Minis delivers the brand’s signature flavour in a compact, portable format designed for lunchboxes and everyday consumption.
A 40g grab-and-go range featuring Original and Sour Cream & Onion will launch from July, targeting impulse and food-to-go missions.
With evolving lunchtime habits and growing demand for flexible snacking, Pringles Minis gives retailers a versatile new line to capitalise on growth across convenience, travel and on-the-go occasions.
Nutri-Grain Bakes are back
Kellogg’s Nutri-Grain Bakes Chocolate
Kellogg’s Nutri-Grain Bakes Raisin
From the number one cereal snack bar manufacturer, Kellogg’s Nutri-Grain Bakes have returned permanently following strong consumer demand.
As busy lifestyles continue to drive demand for convenient and satisfying snacks, Nutri-Grain Bakes are designed to meet evolving shopper needs.
Soft baked and made with wholegrain oats, the range delivers on both taste and functionality.
Convenience continues to rank as a key purchase driver for snack bar consumers.
The brand’s performance is already proven:
Nutri-Grain Bakes generated over €2 million in value during 2024
Supported by a highly loyal shopper base
Research also shows that three in four cereal and snack bar shoppers decide what to buy before entering the store, making availability critical.
Available in:
Raisin
Chocolate
The products come in both four-pack and single formats, catering to wholesome and indulgent missions alike.
The range is designed to help retailers drive repeat purchase and incremental sales.
Fruitful Fun for Everyone!
Made from 100% fruit with no added sugar, preservatives or colourants, the Bob Snail range delivers naturally sweet flavour profiles with significantly higher fruit content than many alternatives.
This clean and reassuring ingredient story has made Bob Snail a favourite for families seeking simple, honest snacks that still feel fun.
The colourful packaging and extensive assortment — including bestselling Fruit Rolls and Stripes, multipacks and playful Eat & Play formats — offer retailers versatility across multiple shopper missions.
The formats perform particularly strongly as lunchbox additions and after-school treats.
As healthier choices continue shaping the snacking category, Bob Snail stands out as a must-stock line for 2026.
The brand is currently sold across more than 39 countries and offers retailers:
Natural credentials
Colourful shelf presence
Strong family appeal
Clear differentiation
For further information or to explore the full assortment, retailers can contact Ampersand on 01 4130100.
Indie Bay targets healthier snacking demand
Indie Bay Pretzel Thins Lightly Salted
Indie Bay Pretzel Thins combine the punch of a pretzel with the crunch of a crisp while containing less fat and fewer calories.
The baked snacks are designed as feel-good, taste-good alternatives within the healthier snacking space.
The range is:
Great Taste Award winner
Baked, never fried
Contains 70% less fat than crisps
Source of fibre
As snacking continues to grow in popularity, Indie Bay says consumers are increasingly demanding healthier and more innovative options.
Pretzel Thins are positioned to satisfy that demand while delivering a unique crispy texture and strong flavour experience.
The range is available in:
35g impulse packs
150g sharing packs
The company says the formats ensure consumers can enjoy the product across multiple snacking occasions while giving retailers flexibility across impulse and sharing missions.
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