Biscuits with minimal levels of saturated fat, trans fat, and sugar are considered healthy. These biscuits are made from different ingredients, such as wheat, oats, multigrain, and others. Based on type, the healthy biscuit market is divided into digestive, gluten-free, and others. Healthy biscuits are generally preferred due to fast-paced lifestyles and individuals' increasing snack consumption.
Market Growth and Drivers
According to OMR Research, the global
healthy biscuits market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.4% during the forecast period (2023-2029). Rising health and fitness awareness, as well as a demand for nutritious snack products, are driving market expansion, particularly among working professionals and millennials. Low pricing, simple availability, rapid consumption, and high nutritional content are just a few of the elements that are likely to lead to an increase in the acceptability of healthy biscuits. It is widely preferred to produce a commercially viable biscuit that is appealing to both children and adults, has a large decrease in fat and sugar, fewer calories, and contains nutrients aimed to minimize the risk of coronary heart disease.
According to an article published by the British Food Journal in 2007, a study was conducted to check the biological evaluation of biscuits meant to lower certain risk factors for coronary heart disease, including serum homocysteine and glucose. One of the country's leading jam sandwich biscuits was extensively modified in this study, with special emphasis devoted to sugar, fat, and salt concentrations. A typical biscuit was transformed into a functional food by the inclusion of vitamin B12, folic acid, vitamin C, and prebiotic fiber, while salt and sugar were reduced. The research found that when the modified product and the conventional biscuit were compared, serum homocysteine and blood glucose levels were considerably lower (P < 0.05). These findings demonstrate that a health-promoting biscuit with similar organoleptic qualities to the typical high-fat, high-sugar, and salt product may be created commercially.
Moreover, multigrain as well as digestive biscuits are also becoming more common among individuals. Digestive biscuits are more nutritious than other types of biscuits. The fiber in digestive biscuits works as a prebiotic for the gut microorganisms, assisting in appropriate meal digestion. Since they contain sodium bicarbonate, these biscuits function as an antacid and may have a laxative impact on the body. Due to all such factors and advantages of healthy biscuits, the market’s demand is increasing.
Recent Developments
The key companies in the market include Aunt Gussie's Cookies & Crackers, Burton’s Biscuit Co., Fat Snax, Ferrara Candy Co., Galletas Gullón S.A., General Mills Inc., IFFCO Group, Krunchy Melts, Lakanto, Mondelez Global LLC, Nairn’s Oatcakes Ltd., Pladis Foods Ltd., Still Sweet, LLC (Good Dee's), and others. These companies are assisting in the market’s growth through various mergers and acquisitions, new product launches, and collaborations. Some of the recent developments in the market include-
• In February 2023, Azista Industries introduced the Taste Good Karela Biscuits, a unique diabetic-friendly biscuit with no sugar and a low glycemic index. It is India's first Tasty and Healthy biscuits aimed at health-conscious consumers. The nutritious on-the-go snacking option contains 20 g of karela that has been dried to 2 g to keep its advantages and reduce its bitterness.
• In June 2022, McVitie’s launched its new healthy digestive biscuits. Its new non-HFSS digestive biscuit, Wholesense Digestives, is said to deliver 30% less sugar and 50% more fiber than its normal equivalent, while preserving "the unique, salty-sweet flavor.”
• In June 2022, Parle Products expanded the portfolio of its flagship brands, Parle G and Kismi, with two new offerings - Parle G Oats & Berries and Parle G Kismi Cinnamon biscuits. With a focused distribution approach, the company is strengthening its foothold in the biscuit industry with innovative offerings at affordable rates to tap newer consumers.
• In May 2022, Prodigy, a natural confectionary business located in the UK, announced the debut of a new chocolate
biscuit collection called “Phenomenoms,” which comes in two low-sugar, wheat-free flavors- Prodigy Phenomenoms Chocolate Oaties and Prodigy Phenomenoms Chocolate Digestives. The new cookies are also plastic-negative; for every product sold, Prodigy eliminates five ocean-bound plastic wrappers from the environment.