Growth of healthy snacks rose by 7% between 2014 and 2015 compared to conventional snacks, which only increased by 5%, according to Euromonitor International.

The war on sugar has dented the potential demand of sweet snacks as consumers have greater awareness of ingredients used in food production and are more cautious on their consumption, the global market research company says. According to its survey, 47% of global respondents look for foods with limited or no added sugar.

"The demonisation of sugar inevitably created a change in the type of ingredients used in snacks," says John George, ingredients analyst at Euromonitor International.

In 2015, global sweetener use in conventional snacks amounted to 15.5 million tonnes, while in comparison, new snacks included less than a fifth of this at three million tonnes.

The health trend doesnt only foster ingredients shift, but also new pack sizing strategies: "Weve seen an increasing polarisation of pack sizes in conventional snacks, as larger formats are marketed for a shared consumption, and smaller sizes, more commonly launched as calorie packs. The aim of these new formats are to convey greater portion control and lower the guilt of buying a treat while still boosting impulse purchase," adds Karine Dussimon, senior packaging analyst at Euromonitor International.

New products are predicted to take a larger slice of the snacking market, resulting in further acquisitions. In western Europe, the Netherlands and UK record the fastest growth of snack replacements. Jack Skelly, food analyst at Euromonitor International, suggests that "conventional snacks are losing share in favour of healthier snacks, like yogurt."

Skelly continues, "Snack companies such as Mondelez may think their biggest rivals are Mars or PepsiCo but the reality is different, as the blurring of categories continues. Brands such as Yili and Lactalis may be the real future competitors, and Danones acquisition of WhiteWave is a sign on the companys direction towards more nutritious products."

Ewa Hudson, head of health and wellness research at Euromonitor International, says, "Consumers are also increasingly aware of the importance of healthy weight in prevention of diabetes and many other related diseases, so minimising sugar and calorie intake is high on consumers agenda.

"Big food companies will continue on a health drive as demand for healthy food will transform the industry."