3 Essential Traits That Define a Snack

In 2024, snacking behaviors are evolving, and these changes are shaping the snack industry. Whether it’s the flexibility in when and where people snack, the frequency of snack consumption, or the growing importance of hunger cues, understanding these three essential traits will help manufacturers and brands cater to the shifting snack market.

1. Snacks Are Primarily Eaten Alone

One key characteristic of modern snacking is that people are more likely to snack when they are alone, rather than in social settings. Unlike meals, which often involve sharing, snacks tend to be highly personal.

• 73% of Gen Z consumers reported snacking alone either all the time or frequently.
• For Baby Boomers, the trend is slightly less pronounced, with 55% snacking solo.

This personal snacking experience emphasizes the need for products that are convenient and satisfy individual cravings, rather than foods intended for group consumption.

2. Snacks Are No Longer a One-Time Deal

Gone are the days of one afternoon snack. Today’s consumers are snacking multiple times throughout the day. A shift has occurred, particularly with younger generations, where people are snacking three or more times daily, moving away from the traditional three-meal model.

• Snacking times have become unpredictable, with consumers often reaching for a snack anytime they feel hunger, not just at specific times of day.
• Mid-afternoon is still the most common time for snacking, but late-night snacking has gained popularity, especially among younger generations.

This trend creates opportunities for brands to offer a variety of snack options that cater to different needs and cravings throughout the day.

3. Snacks Are Tied to Hunger, Not Timing

Unlike meals, which are often tied to specific cultural or social rituals, snacks are largely driven by hunger cues. This makes snacking a more instinctive and personal choice.

• People typically snack because they are hungry, not because it’s a designated “snack time.”
• The $4 billion protein snack market thrives because people seek snacks that offer both satisfaction and satiety, fueling them until their next meal or snack.

As consumers seek indulgent flavors that also curb hunger, there’s an increasing demand for snacks that blend indulgence with a sense of fullness, such as protein-packed options or savory flavors.

Conclusion: Understanding the Evolving Snack Market

As snacking habits evolve in 2024, manufacturers and brands must consider:

1. The personal nature of snacking—appealing to individual tastes and preferences.
2. The growing frequency of snacking—offering a variety of options to cater to different times of the day.
3. The hunger-driven behavior of snacking—providing options that satisfy both cravings and physical hunger.

By recognizing these traits, brands can create snack products that resonate with modern consumers, who are looking for more than just a quick bite. They seek convenience, indulgence, and satiety in every snack.