Snacking, already a growing trend in America, took off spectacularly during the pandemic, according to sales reports from processors and others.
About 62% of consumers in a 2021 survey by Mondelēz International said they replaced at least one meal a day with snacks, and 64% reported eating several small meals throughout the day instead of three large ones. Sales of major snack brands, including Doritos, Cheetos, Ruffles, Skinny Pop and Pirate’s Booty, increased by double digits in the most recent quarter compared with last year.
The U.S. snack market went from $116.6 billion in 2017 to $150.6 billion estimated for this year, according to Euromonitor statistics quoted by CNN. (That figure includes ice cream and candy.)
The pandemic started a trend toward more late-night snacks, according to an IRI spokesperson. Working from home opened the door to more work at night, especially for parents with young children at home, and more consumers reached for snacks late at night to refuel.
