Snack Foods Driving Restaurant Menu Trends

CHICAGONew research from Mintel Menu Insights reveals more consumers are ordering snack items off restaurant menus, and menu items containing the descriptors snack, snackable or snacker have increased by 170 percent since 2007.

Snacks are providing a huge opportunity right now for restaurants ranging from quick service to fine dining, said Eric Giandelone, director of foodservice research at Mintel. By innovating menus with various snacking options, restaurants can boost sales throughout the day and drive guest traffic during non-peak hours.

According to the findings, consumers are more likely to visit restaurants in the early and late afternoon for snacks, the 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. time slot being most popular. The majority of snackers (64 percent) look for a beverage when snacking, whereas 61 percent opt for something portable. Just more than half (52 percent) crave an indulgent snack and 50 percent want something salty. Only 32 percent of snackers choose a healthy option, which counteracts the health-conscious trend being seen in the restaurant industry.