05.01.14
Snacking is becoming a significant eating habit with half of consumers (51%) reporting they eat snacks at lease twice daily. According to consulting and research firm Technomic, Chicago, IL, this is an increase from the 48% in 2012, while a third of consumers (31%) report they are eating snacks more frequently than they were just two years ago.
Not only are consumers snacking more often, they’re broadening their definition of a “snack.” These days, a wider range of foods and beverages are now viewed as snacks, and convenience stores and other retailers are sparking competition with restaurants in order to meet growing demand.
Technomic’s update of its “Snacking Occasion Consumer Trend Report” noted that consumers eat snacks both between meals and as meal replacements. Nearly half of consumers (49%) said they eat snacks between meals and 45% replace one or two daily meals with a snack. Fifty percent of consumers indicated that healthfulness is very important to them when choosing a snack.
The report also found that portability is increasingly vital. Sixty percent of today’s consumers, compared to 55% in 2012, cited portability as an important or extremely important factor when choosing a snack.
Not only are consumers snacking more often, they’re broadening their definition of a “snack.” These days, a wider range of foods and beverages are now viewed as snacks, and convenience stores and other retailers are sparking competition with restaurants in order to meet growing demand.
Technomic’s update of its “Snacking Occasion Consumer Trend Report” noted that consumers eat snacks both between meals and as meal replacements. Nearly half of consumers (49%) said they eat snacks between meals and 45% replace one or two daily meals with a snack. Fifty percent of consumers indicated that healthfulness is very important to them when choosing a snack.
The report also found that portability is increasingly vital. Sixty percent of today’s consumers, compared to 55% in 2012, cited portability as an important or extremely important factor when choosing a snack.