Snacking consumption has been on the rise since 2012, but the most notable growth has come in the past two years. The percentage of consumers snacking on a daily basis grew from 76% in 2014 to 83% in 2016, according to the Technomic “2016 Snacking Occasion Consumer Trend Report.”
The increase in snacking creates an opportunity in foodservice to capture these high-margin occasions. Research shows consumers’ snacking needs vary—from meal replacement to a supplemental, indulgent treat to tide them over until the next meal.