Economic challenges are affecting consumer snacking choices around the world, according to a new report. However a majority of respondents continue to prioritise snacking, despite rising costs and economic challenges.
The findings are from the fourth annual State of Snacking report released by Mondelēz International. The global consumer trends study examines annual insights on how consumers make snacking decisions.
Developed in partnership with The Harris Poll, the report tracks snacking attitudes and behaviours among thousands of consumers surveyed across 12 countries for a fourth consecutive year. These findings illustrate the expanded role of snacking– as snacking increasingly replaces traditional meals in consumers’ lives.
Key findings include that consumers around the world are snacking:
- Daily. Snacking is a staple, with 71% of consumers snacking at least twice a day.
- Mindfully. 78% of consumers report they take time to savour indulgent snacks with 61% saying they take time to portion out snacks before eating them.
- Frequently. Consumers are increasingly replacing meals with snacks, with 55% reporting a higher likelihood to eat a snack across all three standard mealtimes.
- Sustainably. Reducing waste is a top priority, with 7 in 10 consumers saying they prioritise snacks that have less packaging and 72% saying they typically recycle it.
“Our State of Snacking report confirms that in these trying times, consumers around the world view their favourite snacks as affordable and necessary indulgences,” says Dirk Van de Put, Chairman and CEO of Mondelēz International.
“Snacking continues to be a way for consumers to connect or to enjoy a moment of delight in their day, further demonstrating our belief that every snack can be enjoyed in a mindful way.”
The survey demonstrates that consumers are looking for snacks to meet different needs in their lives. The vast majority said they regularly snack to reward themselves (78%) and for a sense of comfort (77%), including an overwhelming majority of millennials (85% for both reasons).
The current environment also emphasises the importance of brand recognition, with 67% saying they would buy fewer of their favourite snack brands rather than generic alternatives, regardless of cost.
The full 2022 State of Snacking report can be downloaded from mondelezinternational.com/stateofsnacking.