Snacks are convenient treats that satisfy our taste buds with a variety of flavors. They are quick and easy to enjoy in everyday life. In addition to being a quick bite, they serve multiple purposes such as stress relief and energy replenishment. According to At Food Information Statistics System (FIS) statistics, the global snack market size reached USD 507.5 billion in 2022, an increase of 7.5% over the previous year. It is expected to reach USD 539.3 billion in 2023, indicating a continuous growth trend. This rapid growth is attributed to factors such as the convenience of snacking, the launch of diverse products tailored to consumer tastes and preferences, and the emergence of healthier snack options. The introduction of products that offer unique flavors, textures and indulgence has become a trend in the snack market. Collaborations between renowned restaurants or food companies have led to the creation of snacks with specific menu items or flavors, and products with unconventional textures to relieve stress and boredom. In particular, Nongshim, a leading snack company in Korea, introduced "Muktaekkang," which sold over 6 million units within just three months of its release, proving its popularity. In addition, Lotte Mart collaborated with HBAF (nut processing company) and seafood processing specialist 'Sunhae Marine' to launch three varieties of HBAF Alaska Fish Snacks. Crown's potato snack "Awesome" capitalized on its unique texture, presenting a distinctive taste with its geometrically shaped triangles and showcasing the crispy texture of potatoes in a new and differentiated way. With the growing interest in health and wellness, consumers are increasingly choosing snacks that align with their healthy lifestyles. As a result, a new trend known as "healthy pleasure" has emerged, leading to the release of various health snacks that offer high protein, low calorie and sugar-free options. High-protein snacks include Pulmuone's Tofu Chips, Haitai's Snapea Chips made from peas, and Chong Kun Dang's Tastyn Protein Chips. For those who want to maintain a healthy diet while on a diet, products such as Orion's "Oat Digestive" oat cookies and Daesang's "O'food Seaweed Chips" are made from seaweed. Many snacks are being developed to satisfy consumers' tastes, enjoyment, health, and unique characteristics. Therefore, consumers need to make informed choices, consider nutrition, and consume healthy snacks in moderation. As the trend toward healthier eating habits continues, snacks that emphasize nutrition and healthy ingredients are gaining popularity. Embracing the concept of "healthy pleasure," snacks that feature quality protein sources are making their debut. High-protein snacks include Pulmuone's Tofu Chips, Haitai's Snapea Chips made from chickpeas, and Jonggaegnang's Tastyn Protein Chips. The snack market is evolving to meet the tastes of diverse consumers by satisfying their desires for taste and enjoyment while taking into account health, consumer trends, and the use of high-quality ingredients.

Generation Alpha, the largest consumer group in human history, comprises individuals aged 0-13 in 2023 who were born after 2010. Generation Alpha is projected to account for one-third of total consumption in the next decade. By 2025, the global Alpha population is expected to exceed 2.2 billion people. Already emerging as a dominant market force, this generation uses digital media platforms such as ZEPETO and TikTok, distinguishing itself from Generation Z's reliance on Instagram and TikTok. Generation Alpha embodies a unique consumer profile characterized by a quest for intuitive satisfaction. How does the way Generation Alpha consumes affect the food industry? This generation blends the familiarity of their parents' era with their novelty, fostering an "experiential consumption" tendency. A discernible trend has emerged in which they seek to enjoy new products free from traditional constraints. Examples include the recent rise of the "grand millennial" trend, which combines elements of grandmotherly nostalgia with the preferences of the millennial generation, and the marketing of character stickers that cater to the tastes of Generation Alpha. A variety of food products were introduced in line with the experiential food trend. In 2023, Coca-Cola's Minute Maid, leveraging the nostalgic Qoo character, launched two variations of "Minute Maid Qoo," echoing the character's popularity in Korea in 2001. Harim reintroduced the discontinued 'Spicy Franks', a nostalgic snack sausage, and Pulmuone Olga Whole Foods introduced the traditional dessert 'Baked Korean Rice Jeonbyeong (Crepe)' to capitalize on the grandmother trend. Dunkin' made Honey Glazed Yakgwa (honey cookie), previously a limited-time offer, a regular menu item, while Nongshim introduced a new snack product, Powdered Soybean Corn Snack. The advent of the social media era in 2010, coinciding with the emergence of Generation Alpha, has naturally shaped a culture of navigating between the digital realm and everyday life. Accustomed to sharing information and expressing themselves on online platforms such as ZEPETO, Generation Alpha individuals possess a dual role as consumers and content creators, which influences their solid tastes in food consumption. Recognizing the Alpha Generation's affinity for the digital world, the food industry has begun using the metaverse to connect with them. For example, Nongshim established the "Shin Ramyun Cafeteria" on the ZEPETO metaverse platform in 2022, while Pulmuone introduced the Pulmuone Tofu Factory on ZEPETO.