USA – Mondelēz International, Inc. has revealed its fifth annual State of Snacking report, shedding light on evolving consumer preferences amidst global economic uncertainty.
Developed in collaboration with The Harris Poll, this comprehensive study underscores the enduring significance of snacking in the lives of consumers worldwide.
Mondelēz’s State of Snacking initiative has been tracking consumer attitudes and behaviors across 12 countries for the past five years. Over this period, the results have been consistently showing a preference for snacks over traditional meals.
This year’s report also introduces the State of Snacking: Future Trends report, which investigates longer-term macro trends shaping the future snacking landscape.
These trends include demographic shifts, fluid lifestyles, sustainability imperatives, wellness priorities, and the resurgence of experiential consumption.
Key findings from this year’s report highlight a continued growth in snacking behaviors, with a notable surge in mindful snacking. The chocolate category, in particular, emerges as a significant snacking option for consumers. Below are some key insights:
Consistent consumption: Despite their price consciousness, two-thirds of consumers maintain consistent spending on snacks.
Mindful Enjoyment: An overwhelming majority of consumers (85%) savor the taste, flavor, and texture of snacks, with 78% expressing a heightened appreciation for mindful consumption.
Adventurous Exploration: Six in 10 consumers consider themselves “snack adventurers,” actively seeking new snack choices.
Purposeful Selection: Consumers increasingly prioritize brands aligned with their values, driving demand for sustainable snack options.
Environmental Consciousness: Over two-thirds of consumers seek snacks with sustainability benefits, with 63% actively minimizing their environmental impact through snack choices.
When it comes to snack curation, the report revealed that 74% prioritize the novelty of flavor and texture combinations when selecting snacks.
The report also underscored the importance of social media in snack discovery, with 56% of those surveyed reporting to have discovered new snacks via social media. This statistic was especially true among younger demographics.
Additionally, over half of surveyed consumers reported to express interest in an “instant buy” option for online-found snacks.
There is also a strong interest in environmentally friendly snacks with 63% seek snacks with minimal environmental impact, employing carbon offsets and prioritizing local ingredients.
74% actively recycle snack packaging, marking a significant increase from last year. Millennials, in particular, prioritize snacks with reduced plastic packaging (71%).
Dirk Van de Put, Chairman and CEO of Mondelēz International, emphasizes the company’s commitment to empowering consumers with choices that align with evolving preferences.
Mondelēz’s proactive approach aims to address the growing demand for snacks that offer both satisfaction and value alignment, which supports consumer goals ranging from energy boost to environmental stewardship.
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