Snack Attacks on the Rise

Are you positioning yourself to satisfy the growing appetite for snacks?

Dining out may be less popular these days, but snacking is gaining in popularity as an American pastime. More than half of consumers responding to a recent Technomic study say they indulge in snacks at least once a day. In addition, about one-fifth say they are snacking more frequently now compared to two years ago, and more than a third claim they are choosing healthier options.

These and other findings are detailed in Technomic’s “Snacking Occasion Consumer Trend Report,” which examines snacking behavior, purchase decisions, attitudes and preferences away and at home; at retail establishments and restaurants; and by consumer demographic.

If you’re thinking about ways to get your restaurant on the radar of grazers, consider these additional tidbits from the survey:
• Many consumers (42 percent in the survey) say they routinely skip one meal a day or replace it with a snack.
• About three-quarters of snacking occurs at home, a bit less among younger consumers.
• Retail locations are the primary source of snacks (83 percent vs. 17 from restaurants).
• One-fifth of respondents say their definition of a snack has broadened to include more types of food.

“The greatest opportunities likely exist for packaged snacks and prepared offerings at retail locations and limited-service restaurants, although many full-service concepts seem to have room to market snacks as well,” says Darren Tristano, executive v.p. at Technomic.

The snacking study is based on a January 2010 online survey conducted the 1,500 American consumers. The full report also examines how leading, emerging and independent chain restaurant operators are menuing and positioning snacks. To purchase or learn more about the report, visit www.technomic.com.