Consumers stocked up on snacks during pandemic, NPD study says

The fact that more consumers are turning to snacking is not new, but the coronavirus has changed eating habits and made it more deeply engrained in the lives of many people. In the NPD study, the group noted craving and convenience were top motivators for snack choice.

Cravings leading the way for purchases in the snack category is supported by Mondelez International data from April showing consumers are seeking out trusted, familiar brands that provide indulgence. The snacking giant behind Oreo and Ritz crackers said shoppers bought more chips, popcorn, cheese and bakery products than other options. Similarly, a quarter of people indulged in chocolate, 25% had more soda and 20% drank more alcohol.

Not only has the sort of snacks consumers are seeking changed but the times during which they are eating them has shifted as well. Snack foods eaten between meals increased 13% between April 2019 and April 2020 while dinner snack occasions increased 8% driven by salty snacks, dips, cookies and brownies. Breakfast snacking was down 1%, according to the NPD study.