How Private Label Snacks Are Outselling Big Brands (and How to Join Them)

In recent years, private label snack brands have evolved from budget-friendly alternatives into serious competitors on the snack aisle. No longer seen as second-tier, these brands are capturing market share, driving consumer loyalty, and reshaping expectations, all while offering premium taste and tailored product experiences.

The Private Label Rise: Beyond the Basics

Once relegated to the bottom shelf, private label snacks are now making top-shelf headlines. According to NielsenIQ, private label products in Europe are growing at more than double the rate of branded products and snacks are leading the charge.

Why? Retailers are investing in quality, creativity, and customisation. They're ditching generic formulations and working with partners who understand consumer flavour trends, texture preferences, and clean-label expectations.

Innovation is the New Differentiator

From plant-based crisps to global flavour fusions and functional indulgences (think protein-packed popcorn or adaptogenic bars), private label brands are delivering what today’s snackers crave: bold, unexpected, and better-for-you options.

Unlike legacy brands with fixed portfolios, retailers have the agility to experiment and win. But they need the right partner to scale those innovations from concept to shelf.

This is Where Essencis Comes In

At Essencis, we specialise in collaborative flavour development, custom seasoning systems, and ingredient solutions tailored to your private label vision. Whether you are looking to refresh your existing range or launch a category-disrupting snack line, we offer:

• Flexible production scaling
• Fast-track R&D
• Global sourcing of premium ingredients
• Clean-label and vegan options
• Customised sensory experiences

By combining innovation with operational agility, we help private label brands compete not just on price, but on taste, quality, and brand storytelling.

Explore how our Snack Seasoning Solutions can support your private label goals.

Don’t Just Keep Up — Lead the Snack Game

As consumer expectations rise, the real winners in the snack market will be those who offer quality, authenticity, and flavour-forward innovation, without compromise. With a partner like Essencis, you are not just responding to trends. You're shaping them.