Raising the bar on better snacking
Snacks that do more: where delicious meets nutritious
The snacking world is evolving—and it’s full of opportunity. Today’s consumers want more than convenience; they’re looking for snacks that energize, satisfy, and bring joy. They want protein and fiber, but they also expect bold flavors and textures that make every bite an experience. This evolution is redefining the “Better For You” snacks category, proving that nutrition and indulgence aren’t opposites—they’re partners in creating something extraordinary.
Why texture matters: Mouthfeel as a differentiator
Mouthfeel is the new frontier. It’s not just a sensory detail—it’s what sets snacks apart. From hyper-crunch to multi-layered structures, texture transforms snacks into experiences. But delivering that experience while fortifying with protein and fiber demands precision. You need to balance taste, mouthfeel, texture, and nutrition—without tipping the scales on carbs.
At Tate & Lyle, we help brands meet this challenge head-on. Our ingredient solutions enable the creation of snacks that satisfy both health goals and sensory expectations. From crackers to snack bars, we empower our partners to innovate with confidence.
Crafting snacks that fuel your body and delight your senses
Snacking isn’t static—it’s shaped by hunger, energy needs, and emotional triggers. As motivations shift throughout the day, snacks need to keep pace. That means format, flavor, texture and mouthfeel that hit the spot in every moment.
Crackers, often overlooked, offer a powerful opportunity. With familiar flavors and clean labels, brands can transform them from convenience foods into nutrient-rich favorites. By adding protein and fiber, brands can surprise and delight consumers with snacks that feel good and taste even better.
Fiber and protein deliver powerful benefits—satiety, digestive health, and sustained energy. But here’s the challenge—these additions influence dough behavior, alter texture, and reshape mouthfeel. Every technical decision, from ingredient selection to processing conditions, becomes an opportunity to create products that truly win with consumers.
Precision in formulation: from concept to cracker
Creating high-protein, high-fiber snacks means rethinking the fundamentals of formulation. Wheat flour and gluten deliver viscoelasticity—something alternative proteins often lack. To replicate texture and maintain dough integrity, we turn to resistant starches, soluble fibers, and strategic fat inclusion.
Sweetness plays a functional role too, masking off-notes from certain proteins and fibers. Sweeteners and flavor modulators help preserve taste while keeping carbs in check. Protein balances nutritional completeness with solubility and mouthfeel.
Dairy-based crackers present unique formulation challenges. Replacing wheat with dairy proteins affects dough elasticity and how easy it sheets. Film-forming starches and fiber blends restore extensibility, while soluble fibers act as plasticizers in low-absorption doughs.
The result? Crackers that are light, crisp, and nutritionally rich—crafted through science and inspired by a passion for better snacking.
Dough rheology: the science behind the crunch
Machinability and texture start with dough rheology. Non-gluten proteins impact gas and steam retention—critical for expansion and mouthfeel. By adjusting extensibility and oven settings, you can dial in the exact texture you want, from dense bites to airy crisps.
Soluble fibers like polydextrose and fructooligosaccharides influence firmness, cohesiveness, and browning. Their selection shapes the chewing experience, creating textures that range from satisfyingly hearty to delicately crisp.
By understanding ingredient interactions, manufacturers can design snacks that meet nutritional goals and excite consumers. It’s not just about adding fiber and protein—it’s about crafting experiences that resonate.
Innovation that inspires
The future of snacking is functional, familiar, and full of flavor. As consumer expectations evolve, you need to deliver benefits in formats they love. With clear benefits and sensory appeal, you can turn a first bite into lasting loyalty.
Our solutions help partners create snacks that are healthier, tastier, and more satisfying. Together, we’re shaping a snacking experience that’s as joyful as it is nourishing.
Ready to create something extraordinary? Let’s make it happen.