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
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