Snacking takes a bigger bite

A growing population of snackers is pushing traditional meals over to the sidelines. In a recent Technomic survey, nearly half (48%) of consumers polled confessed to snacking at least twice a day. With these mini-meals on the rise, here are a few trends to watch:
• Major chains are using late-night hours to promote value-oriented snack items and bar plates that cater to younger customers who visit during this time period
• More than a third (37%) of consumers have broadened their definitions of snacks to include more types of foods, beverages and restaurant fare
• The mini sandwich, slider or wrap has evolved from a simple snack item to a downsized gourmet version of signature full-sized offerings
• Impulse purchases of snacks are up from two years ago; 62% of respondents reported that most of the snacks they purchase for away-from-home consumption were impulse purchases
• More than 33% of consumers expect to eat healthful snacks in the coming year, indicating greater importance for operators to offer and promote better-for-you snacks.
Source: Snacking Occasion Consumer Trend Report, March 2012, Technomic






This makes a lot of sense
Snacking is changing these days and people really want to watch how much they are eating using this guide as well as what they are eating, so snacking helps.