Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weenie

Bigger isn't always better. If you've paid close attention to food and beverage CPG trends during the past few years, you've noticed snacks have gone mini. From 100-calorie packs of cookies and chips to calorie-controlled ice cream cups, food manufacturers are churning out bite-size snacks for consumers to get a taste of their favorite treats without overindulging.

Pillsbury Sweet Moments are some of the newest minis on the market. The European-inspired desserts premiered last summer, launching a new category for the brand – refrigerated desserts. These bite-sized brownies are bursting with smooth caramel or velvety cheesecake, giving sweet-toothed shoppers an opportunity to enjoy a few chocolaty bites without wrecking their diets.

Hostess has been offering smaller portions for quite some time. The company's 100-calorie packs miniaturized cakey childhood favorites, including Chocolate Cupcakes, Strawberry Cupcakes, and Twinkie Bites. In addition, Hostess sells four flavors of Mini Muffins in Chocolate Chip, Blueberry, Banana Walnut, and Brownie Bites varieties. These controlled-portion snacks are perfect to pop morning, noon, or night.

When it comes to ice cream, dairy lovers need no longer sit with a spoon and a pint. In recent months, several brands have introduced single-serving cups. Ben & Jerry's, Edy's/Dreyer's, Häagen-Dazs, Skinny Cow, and Starbucks all offer decadently indulgent frozen delights without excess fat and calories.

Even restaurants have jumped on the mini craze. Houlihan's menu includes small plates with items like sliders and frites bars, and mini desserts with items such as reasonably priced ice cream flights. At Orlando-based Seasons 52, mini indulgences featuring high-impact flavors and top quality ingredients boast all of the pleasure and none of the guilt.

At places like Starbucks, you can find the company's new line of petites in the bakery. Cake pops and peanut butter mini cupcakes are just two little pastries on the menu. Walk in Dairy Queen and order any Blizzard, only smaller! Since last summer, the six-ounce Mini Blizzard has provided customers with a taste of their favorite DQ frozen confection.

So, call it what you will – miniature, snack size, or fun size – these smaller portions are helping to satisfy cravings and curb binges, and they're cute to boot! Personally, Mini Nilla Wafers and Mini Fruit-Flavored Marshmallows are choice treats that take me right back to my childhood! What are some of your favorite itty-bitty eats?

Nibble on This: It's National Snack Food Month!

If you've been in the mood for a bite to eat in between meals lately, take full advantage this month! February is National Snack Food Month, a chance to celebrate potato chips, pretzels, popcorn, nuts, fruit snacks, cookies, and everything in between for a full 28 days.

In February 1989, the Snack Food Association joined forces with the National Potato Promotion Board to increase snack food consumption and build awareness of snacks during a month when snack food consumption was traditionally low.

According to The Food Channel, chips and dip topped the top ten snack trends of 2010. From Frito-Lay to all-natural popchips, named one of America's hottest brands by Advertising Age, potato chips are always the perfect way to snack.

Of course, nuts are also a popular salty choice as consumers look for healthier ways to snack. Emerald Nuts offers a line of breakfast pouches to enjoy on the go, while Planters introduced its Flavor Grove varieties last year in taste sensations like Chili Lime and Cracked Pepper with Onion and Garlic.

For sweet eaters, yogurt has gained in popularity as Greek yogurts like Chobani, FAGE, and Yoplait have become more prominent in stores. Probiotic yogurts for those seeking to improve their digestive health have also become more prevalent with brands like Activia and Yo-Plus lining grocery shelves.

And finally, no discussion of snack foods would be complete without paying homage to snack cake legends like Hostess (now with Strawberry CupCakes!), Little Debbie, and Tastykake.

Every year, the Snack Food Association hosts SNAXPO, the world's largest, most comprehensive trade show devoted exclusively to the international snack food industry. This year's event will take place March 20-23. Be on the lookout next month for articles and information regarding new snacks and innovative flavors that will hit grocery stores in the coming year.

How will you honor National Snack Food Month? Drop me a line and tell me about your favorite snack!