ISM 2026 preview: Protein-packed, gut-friendly snacks set to dominate

Snacks go beyond satisfying hunger and abating cravings. Traditionally indulgence‑led, the snacking segment is increasingly influenced by health and wellness priorities. This shift is driving demand for health‑focused snacks with no artificial additives, sugar, or high fat, as well as snacks with a sharpened focus on functional and nutritional ingredients.

As ISM 2026 approaches, Food Ingredients First takes a closer look at the healthy snacking solutions dominating innovation pipelines. We also caught up with Brenntag, Valio, and SternVitamin, who will attend the tradeshow (Feb 1–4) in Cologne, Germany, to showcase prototypes and products. 

A dedicated “ISM Functional Sweets” section has been introduced for 2026 — spotlighting products that emphasize health, functionality, and innovative wellness concepts within confectionery and snacks.

We take a deeper look at what consumer trends and market dynamics are influencing healthy snacking, which now includes products targeting well-being, boosting energy levels, improving mood, and, crucially, optimizing nutrient intake.

Clean labels and short ingredient lists

Clean label has become more important in healthy snacking, pushing F&B manufacturers toward shorter, more recognizable ingredient lists while still meeting high demands for texture and processing performance, notes Niina Gerritsen, customer development manager at Valio.

“This is particularly challenging in indulgent snacking categories such as better-for-you desserts, where recipe adjustments can quickly compromise mouthfeel and flavor. Brands are increasingly turning to inherently functional ingredients, including dairy-based solutions, that can deliver texture and taste naturally,” she says.

“At the same time, consumers are demanding less sugar without artificial sweeteners, which is driving interest in natural sweetness strategies. All of this is unfolding within the broader permissible indulgence trend and the rise of ‘little treat culture.’”

“Consumers want snacks that deliver indulgent taste and texture, but with improved nutritional benefits such as reduced sugar, higher protein, or digestive comfort,” Gerritsen adds.

Snack manufacturers are currently focusing on benefits that consumers can feel immediately. High protein density remains the strongest driver, as it supports satiety and helps snacks deliver more than just empty calories, while sugar reduction is equally important.

Interest in digestive-friendly positioning is accelerating, with lactose-free and gut-comfort cues becoming more mainstream even in indulgent snacking categories, notes Gerritsen.

“What is especially exciting is how these benefits are now being layered together: protein, reduced sugar, and digestive comfort combined in formats like chocolate, biscuits, and frozen desserts. This reflects the core of permissible indulgence — snacks that still feel like treats, but deliver clear nutritional value with every bite.”Rising demand for high-protein snacks is reshaping the market, as consumers seek nutritious, satisfying options that fuel energy and support wellness.

Functional nutrition in the snacking segment

Brenntag will present its market insights and tailored ingredient solutions for the sweets, snacks, and bakery sectors, focusing on helping manufacturers with efficient, innovative formulation and production processes.

Nadia D’Incecco, director of strategic marketing at Brenntag Specialties Food & Nutrition EMEA, emphasizes that consumers increasingly seek simple, natural, minimally processed ingredients with fewer additives and preservatives. At the same time, they want healthy snacks that offer functional benefits, such as boosting immunity, supporting digestion, optimizing nutrition, enhancing energy, and supporting mood.

Growth in healthy snacking is also being driven by reduced-sugar and plant-forward products, as well as protein-enriched ingredients.

“In line with these trends, at our Brenntag booth at the ISM tradeshow, we are showcasing a biscuit enriched with Omega 3. Also in the confectionery segment, we are presenting several gummies with added ‘good-for-you ingredients,’ such as creatine and electrolytes.” 

“Protein remains the core satiety driver, linked to weight management, energy, and strength. Plant proteins (peas, lentils, nuts, seeds) continue to diversify, while dairy stays strong, with Greek yogurt consumption rising significantly among GLP-1 users seeking high-protein options. Our technical team at ISM will present bread rolls that are high in protein and protein-enriched croissants.” 

Booth visitors will also have the opportunity to taste Brenntag’s gut tonic beverage containing prebiotics and an in-house solution packed with nutritional ingredients.

Dairy protein snacks

Valio will also flag protein-enriched concepts, particularly highlighting the benefits of dairy proteins in snacking. 

Katriina Leigh, customer development manager at Valio, says: “Consumer demand has also shifted toward guilt-free indulgence, where high-quality protein is combined with reduced sugar and digestive well-being benefits without compromising taste or texture. Many F&B manufacturers favor dairy protein because it offers a complete amino acid profile alongside a familiar, well-liked taste.” 

“In addition, dairy proteins deliver excellent functionality, clean flavor, and a smooth mouthfeel across indulgent applications such as chocolate, biscuits, puddings, beverages, and frozen desserts. This makes them a strong foundation for permissible indulgence products that successfully combine pleasure with real nutritional benefits.” 

Energy-boosting snacks

Snacks that boost energy levels and performance will be unveiled on the ISM show floor.

Aligning with healthy snacking trends, SternVitamin’s focus is on micronutrient premixes and ingredient concepts for healthier snacks and confectionery.

The company has developed two new products that it will highlight at the event. In collaboration with SternEnzym, OlbrichtArom, and Sternchemie, it has created a raspberry-coconut wafer containing the Stern PowerUp premix, which contains vitamins B1, B3, B6, B12, C, and pantothenic acid, supporting mental and cognitive function.

The second is a double chocolate brownie-flavored protein bar, developed together with Herza, SternLife, and other brands of the Stern-Wywiol Group, which contains a premix that provides B vitamins and other nutrients for long-lasting performance and immune health. 
Healthy and nutritional snacks are gathering pace as food innovators target products that offer functional benefits.

How does GLP-1 influence snacking?

Another major theme at the show and a key driver reshaping F&B innovation currently is the rising use of weight management medications like GLP-1s among consumers.

Valio is already seeing a shift underway in the snacking space: smaller portions paired with higher expectations per serving.

“As appetite suppression and portion awareness become more common, snacks are expected to deliver satiety, clear nutritional value, and convenience in more compact formats. This places new emphasis on protein quality and sensory performance, because enjoyment and comfort remain essential even when people eat less,” says Leigh.

“Throughout 2026, we expect to see more nutrient-dense snack concepts, clearer ‘value-per-bite’ communication and portfolios that make it easy to choose high-protein, lower-sugar options without feeling restrictive.” 

“Importantly, GLP-1 will not replace broader wellness-focused mindsets in snacking – consumers still gravitate toward familiar, natural building blocks such as protein and fiber. The most successful products will combine portion-smart design with real nutrition and indulgent taste.” 

Brenntag sees the evolution of healthy snacking over the next two to three years centering on a convergence of clean label, protein functionality, and GLP-1-driven nutrition, leading to nutrient-dense micro portions, protein and fiber foundations, and metabolic-friendly formulations.

“GLP-1 users are pushing brands toward portion-controlled, high-protein, high-fiber, and nutrient-dense mini formats. Looking to 2026, expect expanded GLP-1 aligned ranges, menu icons, and bundled retail ‘support sets,’ as GLP-1 adoption continues rising,” D’Incecco concludes.