Styling and Photography By Laurie Mosco

Snacking is the new meal. 45% of consumers said they eat snacks instead of meals at home, according to the National Confectioners Association.

This isn’t the only fact that will surprise you. Let’s delve into the mini-meals that are having a moment.

Snackers Are Impulsive

72% of us don’t plan what we’re going to munch on, but instead grab as we need, according to the National Confectioners Association.

Afternoon is Still the Most Popular for Snacking

71% of us admit to having one snack in the afternoon (FoodInsight.org).  

What are we eating you might ask? Well convenience stores reported that during the evening commute (between 2:00 and 8:00 pm), 42.1% of dollars sold was spent on candy, 38.6% on tortilla chips, 37.6% on potato chips, 36.6% on snack mixes, and 29.9% on snack cakes (National Confectioners Association).

But Morning Isn’t that Far Behind

52% of us have at least 1 snack in the morning (FoodInsight.org). The most popular – fruit, with 43% stating that was their morning nosh of choice (FoodInsight.org).  

Cakes are Acceptable Anytime

Convenience stores reported that snack cakes made up 29.8% of dollars sold during the morning commute (between 5:00 and 10:00 AM) AND 29.9% of dollars sold during the evening commute (between 2:00 and 4:00 PM) (National Confectioners Association).

It’s a Time to Indulge

69% of consumers view snack time as a time to indulge (BakeryandSnacks.com). Guess that’s why chocolate headed percentage of sales in the evening commute at convenience stores.

Portability is a Must

51% of consumers in the US are looking for nibbles that can be eaten while on the go!  Whether they’re at home or not! (National Confectioners Association).

Snacking is an all-day affair
time to snag some more!