Evolving Trends in the Snack Industry

Consumers around the globe are snacking more frequently than ever, apparently listening to the health gurus who contend that eating smaller meals more frequently every day is healthier than the traditional daily three squares.

Recent data from IRI, Chicago, shows the number of snacks consumed daily, per person, has increased from 1.9 to 2.8 since 2010, and consumers are becoming much heavier snackers, with 49 percent saying they consume one to two snacks daily in 2014, and 51 percent saying it’s more like three or more for them.

But within those trends, it is important for snack companies to understand consumers’ continually shifting needs, desires and tastes—all of which influence their snack purchasing habits.