Recession Spurs Potato Chip Sales

CHICAGO—A new report from Mintel reveals that salty snacks experienced recession-fueled sales as more Americans turned to the comfort food to calm their financial woes. Potato chip sales grew 22 percent, while the tortilla chip market increased by 18 percent since 2007. Smaller segments like popcorn and cheese snacks saw similar gains, 17 percent and 20 percent, respectively.

As the economic recovery begins, Mintel predicts sales increases to taper. Over the next five years, potato chip sales are expected to rise just above 3 percent annually, while tortilla chip sales should increase just above 4 percent.

"Salty snacks are clearly embedded in American's style of eating and they're used by all ages as a way to curb off hunger between meals or after dinner," said Chris Haack, senior analyst at Mintel. "But at the same time, there is growing interest in healthier snack options."

Mintel's survey showed 65 percent of adults are interested in healthier snacks, such as grain or baked varieties, while another 57 percent are interested in healthier alternatives to salty snacks, like pita chips or crackers. Half of survey respondents think lower fat/sodium snacks don't taste as good as the originals.