Snack companies cater to 'solo kids'

/Courtesy of Imok Communications

By Rachel Lee

As the number of working parents in the country has soared to record levels, food manufacturers are launching various ready-made products for their children.

According to Statistics Korea, out of 11.8 million households, 42.9 percent of parents were full-time workers in 2013. This indicates that the number of what the industry refers to as “solo kids,” has also increased. Solo kids are those who take care of themselves while staying home alone.

In line with the trend, food makers have launched healthy snack products that can children can prepare on their own with minimum effort. For parents, such products are especially helpful during the winter holidays when kids spend longer hours on their own.

For instance, Dole Korea has released a fat-free product called Fruit Ball, which contains 50 percent of recommended daily allowance of vitamin C. The fruit cups contain only fruit and their juices, and are available in three varieties: pineapple, peach and tropical.

Binggrae, one of the top snack makers in Korea, introduced its Real Frank Hotdog in August. According to the company, the bun is made of Korea-produced glutinous rice flour and the product contains no artificial coloring or chemical additives.

Other popular items include the nutritional supplement Multi Vitamin Mineral, made by Korea Ginseng Corporation. The company selected 13 natural ingredients for the product, which is specifically designed for children.

Industry experts say demand for child-friendly food products is expected to rise in the coming years.