CHICAGO -- Hectic schedules have made snacking a more routine activity in many consumers' lives, said Technomic Inc.'s 2007 Snacking Category Report.
The new report, which presents findings from an online survey of more than 1,500 consumers who say they regularly snack between meals, found that nearly half (47%) of consumers said they snack because they are hungry but don't have time for a full meal.
Other factors included:
Like to snack while doing certain [image-nocss] activities (15%). Usually snack in between meals (12%). Usually snack throughout the day instead of eating full meals (11%). Boredom (8%). Diet requirements (5%). Other (2%).(Click the Download Now button below to see this data in pie chart form.)
The fact that snacking is most often an impulse decision driven by hunger could be valuable to foodservice operators looking to capture these consumers when they are more often away from home and looking for a quick solution to fill their stomachs.
The report found that consumers' snacking behavior is evolving, and there is stronger interest in more and healthier options. Restaurants, however, have only had limited success so far in attracting this business.
We view this as an excellent but underdeveloped opportunity for many chains, said Darren Tristano, executive vice president of Technomic Information Services, Chicago. By analyzing their current offerings from a fresh perspective and offering new options that appeal to the snacking consumer, chains could make a measurable impact on same-store sales and add business during what are frequently off-peak hours.
Tristano also noted that the untapped snacking opportunity extends to suppliers, who play a key role in developing innovative products that help restaurant chains respond to consumers' changing needs.
In addition to extensive consumer research on snacking behaviors and preferences, the new report also includes profiles of 26 restaurant chains, detailing consumer usage, frequency, top snack items and more. And it includes an analysis of potential snack menu items currently offered by chains, with evaluations and implications by daypart and price point segments.
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