Consumer expectations for snacks are rapidly evolving, driven by a growing emphasis on health, convenience, and sustainability. The surge in GLP-1 medication use has influenced how people snack, with many now seeking fresher, higher-protein foods like yogurts, cheese bites, and snack kits. This shift is inspiring brands to rethink packaging design to support portion control, preserve freshness, and maintain food safety. 

For manufacturers, the intersection of convenience and sustainability is top of mind. Packaging that’s easier to open, reseal, and recycle is becoming a shared priority across the value chain. “Dairy processors and other packaging industry stakeholders are seeking improved openability and resealability, and upstream suppliers like CNG are innovating to bring these elevated properties to market,” said Jeff Hopp, Marketing Director – Food at Charter Next Generation. 

Sustainability remains a defining factor in those innovations. Many food manufacturers are turning to recycle-ready designs and exploring how to integrate post-consumer recycled (PCR) content into flexible packaging. These efforts align with expanding extended producer responsibility (EPR) policies across the U.S., which encourage brands to take greater ownership of packaging recovery and life cycle impacts. 

“At CNG, we’re partnering with customers to advance the next generation of snack packaging,” Hopp said. “As GLP-1 users and other health-minded consumers seek fresher, protein-rich snacks, we expect continued growth in formats that combine functionality, performance, and sustainability.” 

Read more in the January–February issue of Dairy Processing magazine.