According to a survey conducted in December 2023 in the United States, those aged between 18 and 29 years were by far the most likely to use emojis in messages multiple times per day among adults, with 34 percent of respondents of this age group doing so. Overall, emojis usage decreased as age increased, and up to 15 percent of those aged 65 and above reported never using emojis, compared to only three percent of respondents aged between 18 and 44.

According to an online survey conducted in the U.S. in April 2022, Generation Z respondents reported using emojis in their online communications ** percent of the time. Millennials included emojis in their texts and instant messages 55 percent of the time. Overall, Baby Boomers were the least likely age group to include emojis in their texts and online messages.

Emoji-shaped Packaged Food (Snacks) Market Outlook

The global emoji-shaped packaged food (snacks) market is set to expand substantially, with a market size valued at approximately USD 2.1 billion in 2023, projected to reach around USD 4.3 billion by 2032, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.3%. This impressive growth trajectory is largely driven by evolving consumer preferences towards innovative, fun, and engaging snack options, particularly amongst younger demographics. The appeal of emoji-themed snacks lies in their visual attraction, which is increasingly resonating with social media-savvy consumers who enjoy sharing their experiences online, thereby bolstering market visibility and growth.

The growth of the emoji-shaped packaged food market is significantly influenced by the increasing demand for novelty and fun in food products, especially among children and teenagers. The incorporation of emojis, which are widely recognized and used across digital platforms, taps into a universal language that resonates across various age groups. This trend is further amplified by the rise of social media platforms where the visual appeal of products can significantly boost their popularity. Brands are leveraging these platforms to create viral marketing campaigns, which not only bolster brand recognition but also encourage consumer interaction and engagement. Additionally, these snacks often become a staple in events and gatherings, adding a playful element to social occasions, thus increasing their demand.

Furthermore, the trend towards convenience snacks is another critical growth factor for this market. With the fast-paced lifestyle of modern consumers, there is an increased preference for grab-and-go snack options that do not compromise on quality or fun. Emoji-shaped packaged snacks fit perfectly into this niche, offering not only convenience and portability but also a delightful eating experience. Manufacturers are continuously innovating with flavors, textures, and packaging to enhance the appeal of these snacks. This constant innovation is crucial in maintaining consumer interest and expanding the market reach. Moreover, the ability to customize these snacks for different cultural and regional preferences offers a significant opportunity for market growth.

The packaging of emoji-shaped snacks also plays a pivotal role in driving market growth. Creative and attractive packaging not only preserves the product quality but also serves as a critical marketing tool that influences consumer purchasing decisions. As consumers become more environmentally conscious, there is a growing demand for sustainable packaging solutions, which is pushing manufacturers to innovate with biodegradable and recyclable materials. This shift towards sustainability in packaging not only meets consumer demand but also aligns with global environmental goals, making these products more appealing to the eco-conscious consumer. Moreover, packaging innovations such as resealable pouches and portion-controlled packs are enhancing the convenience and usability of these snacks, further fueling their popularity.

Regionally, North America and Europe have been at the forefront of the emoji-shaped packaged food market, owing to a high acceptance of novel food products and strong purchasing power. However, the Asia Pacific region is emerging as a significant contributor to market growth, driven by a large youth population and increasing disposable incomes. In countries like China and India, where snacking is an integral part of the culture, the introduction of emoji-shaped snacks is garnering positive consumer response. As these regions continue to urbanize and witness economic growth, the purchasing power and inclination towards unique and entertaining food products are expected to rise, presenting significant growth opportunities for market players.

Product Type Analysis

The emoji-shaped packaged food market is segmented into various product types, including chips, crackers, cookies, gummies, and others. Among these, chips have traditionally held a significant market share due to their widespread popularity and versatility in flavors. Emoji-shaped chips offer a unique twist on this classic snack, attracting consumers looking for both familiarity and novelty. The introduction of emoji shapes to chips not only enhances their visual appeal but also allows brands to differentiate themselves in a saturated market. The growing trend of healthier snack options has also led to the development of baked or air-popped emoji-shaped chips, catering to health-conscious consumers without compromising on the fun factor.

The global market for emoji-shaped packaged food (snacks) is experiencing significant growth, driven by evolving consumer preferences and the increasing popularity of emojis in digital communication. While precise market size data for 2025 is unavailable, considering the robust growth in the broader snack food market and the novelty factor of emoji-shaped products, a reasonable estimation for the 2025 market size would be around $500 million. This is based on a projected CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of 15% from 2019 to 2025, assuming a smaller base in 2019. Key drivers include the appeal to younger demographics, social media trends fueling product demand, and innovative product development by major food companies. The market is segmented by product type (frozen snacks, ready-to-eat snacks), application (household, commercial), and geographic region. North America and Europe are currently leading the market, but Asia-Pacific is projected to witness substantial growth due to its large population and rising disposable incomes. The growth is tempered by factors like potential concerns regarding artificial coloring and added sugars in some products, and the inherent novelty of emoji-shaped snacks potentially leading to market saturation after an initial boom. Companies like Mondelez, Conagra, and Kellogg are actively participating, capitalizing on the trend through strategic product launches and marketing campaigns. The forecast period of 2025-2033 projects continued strong growth, with the potential for the market to exceed $2 billion by 2033, assuming a sustained CAGR around 12% throughout the forecast period. This sustained growth will likely be fueled by continued innovation in product offerings, expansion into emerging markets, and ongoing appeal to a broad consumer base across age groups. The continued success of this market segment relies on maintaining consumer interest through continuous innovation in flavors, shapes, and packaging. Manufacturers will need to adapt to changing consumer demands, particularly regarding health and sustainability. While the initial surge might be attributable to novelty, long-term growth necessitates focusing on quality, taste, and brand loyalty beyond the gimmick of emoji shapes. This will involve a focus on incorporating healthier ingredients while maintaining the fun and engaging aspects that appeal to the target demographic. This balanced approach will be crucial for the continued expansion and long-term stability of this dynamic market.

According to a survey conducted in the United States in April 2022, ** percent of female emoji users expressed love with emojis, compared with ** percent of male users. Overall, women were more likely than men to use emojis to express happiness, sadness, anger, and excitement. The most used emoji on Twitter in 2022 was the face with tears of joy emoji.

Kik users send over 6 billion emojis over the messaging platform every single day.