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Dining habits shifting toward snacks

In 2004, one-third of survey respondents reported they ate several small meals throughout the day, while 10 years later, 39 percent of respondents indicate they do the same.

December 17, 2014

More Americans are replacing meals with several smaller snacks throughout the day, according to the "What America Eats: Paradigms Shaping Food Choices" report recently released by market research publisher Packaged Facts.

In 2004, one-third of survey respondents reported they ate several small meals throughout the day, while 10 years later, 39 percent of respondents indicate they do the same.

Restaurants are leveraging Americans' love for snacks to drive occasions, according to the report.

Survey data published in the report also revealed that in 2014, two-thirds of adult respondents claimed they at least "somewhat agree" that they often snack between meals, up from 62 percent in 2004. 

Other insights from the report:

• Snacks are often viewed as healthier alternatives to meals.
• Snacks cost less than typical entrees, appealing to cost-conscious patrons.
• Snacks are appealing for on-the-go consumers.
• Snacks can also draw in hungry diners at any hour of the day, not necessarily during regular meal times.
• Snacks also have the universal appeal to be an "add-on" to a regular meal as an appetizer.

"We expect to see continued innovation of mini or bite-sized items and small plates as these items allow operators to focus on snacks as the fourth meal as well as a sharable dining experience," said David Sprinkle, research director for Packaged Facts, in a company press release.

Packaged Facts identifies five trends at play in marketing menu items as being a viable snack or shareable innovation: mini items (smaller versions of entrees), bites, sliders, sampler platters and shareable items.