Conagra Says AI Tools Reshape US Snacking Toward Protein, Health Goals

Americans are increasingly using AI tools to decide what to snack on, Conagra Brands said on September 23, 2026, a shift the company says is driving demand for higher-protein, nutrient-dense foods over traditional cookies and salty snacks. Conagra, maker of Slim Jim and Hunt's ketchup, worked with research firm Circana to analyze more than 53 million shopping transactions covering 17,000 products. The US snacking sector generates $198.2 billion in annual retail sales and is growing about 1.4 times faster than the broader food market. Bob Nolan, Conagra's senior vice president of growth science, said shoppers now ask AI for snacks meeting specific needs, such as higher protein or fiber content, rather than searching for specific products. He cited weight-loss drugs and the White House's "Make America Healthy Again" initiative as partial drivers. Gen Z consumers are also fueling demand for bolder flavors, from sweet-and-spicy to tangy and briny snacks, Conagra said.