Snacking has become a ‘lifeline’ to many during the pandemic, with 88% of adults saying they are snacking more or the same than they were before the outbreak.
Snacking has also been an antidote for loneliness and a vehicle for connection, with three in four adults using it to connect with others in the past six months, such as making a snack together (40%), giving a snack as a gift (31%), or grocery shopping for someone who could not do it themselves (29%).
However, the report notes that snacking has essentially shifted into more of a solo activity, with comfort being the No. 1 driver: 53% of adults admit to indulging in nostalgic childhood brands and 59% say they tend to grab the snacks that bring back ‘good memories’.
Conversely, 64% of adults rely on snacks to nourish their body, mind and soul, and 56% seek out options that are immunity boosting.
Two-thirds claim snack time is one of the few peaceful moments in this upheaval world and 63% call it the ‘bright spot in their day’.
These are some of the stats unpacked by the confectionery giant’s online survey – conducted by The Harris Poll in October 2020 – of over 6,000 adults across North and South America, Europe, Asia and Australia.
Doing what is right
The annual report – the second of its kind to be released – is commissioned by Mondelēz to help it bite into the $1.2 trillion snacks sector, enabling it to pioneer the way with its brand purpose to do what is right: leading the future of snacking by offering the right snack, for the right moment, made the right way.
Almost half the respondents admit their snack intake has increased, while 42% say it has stayed the same compared to previous years.
Significantly, 65% believe the current pandemic will have a long-term impact on how we consume snacks as a society.
70% of millennials and 67% of those working from home prefer snacking over meals, with 58% noting the eating revolution will become part of their ‘new normal’, even after the crisis has died down.
Another key finding is 54% of the respondents claim to be relying more on snacks for nourishment, with 57% stating they are more focused on what the snacks can give them, and 66% claiming to have more control over portion-sizes because of the increased consumption.
Lockdown has certainly upped the instances of online shopping: more than half the respondents saying they buy snacks online. Significantly, three-quarters note they will continue with this practice long after lockdown has become a distant memory.
A third of these consumers say their purchasing choice is heavily influenced by social media, with 57% claiming the pandemic has opened their eyes to so many more ways to get snacks – and the variety of snacks on offer – than they knew existed before.
Growing importance of snacking
“Findings from our State of Snacking report reinforce the key role that snacking plays in the lives of global consumers, the growing importance of snacking during 2020 and the moments of peace it provides as individuals and families stay home and continue to face challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Dirk Van de Put, chairman and CEO of Mondelēz International.
“As the global snacking category continues to grow and we all adjust to our new normal, it’s not surprising that almost nine in 10 adults worldwide say they are snacking more or the same during the pandemic than they were before.
“Digging deeper, millennials and those who are working from home right now are especially likely to say they prefer snacks over meals.
“It pleases me to know that more than half of global adults say snacking has been a ‘lifeline’ for them during the pandemic, especially parents who are working from home, and for whom snacks have provided welcome nutrition for themselves and treats for their children.
“Taking time out for a snack, from a familiar and much-loved brand, can prove to be an antidote to our busy lives and an avenue for connection with others during these unpredictable times.
“As we empower people to snack right, we are proud of the role we play in the lives of consumers everywhere by delivering sources of comfort, connection and community that are difficult to find in this year of isolation.”
Research methodology
The survey was conducted online by The Harris Poll on behalf of Mondelēz International from 6-20 October 2020, among 6,292 global adults ages 18 and older. The research spanned 12 markets, including The United States (n=506), Canada (n=503), Mexico (n=540), Brazil (n=530), France (n=519), Germany (n=520), The United Kingdom (n=500), Russia (n=504), China (n=550), India (n=555), Indonesia (n=555), and Australia (n=510). Other key groups analysed included Gen Z/Centennial ages 18-23 (n=945), Millennials ages 24-39 (n=2222), Gen Xers ages 40- 55 (n=1646), Boomers ages 56-74 (n=1348) and the Silent Generation ages 75+ (n=130). Data from 2019 references a similar study conducted from 16-24 September 2019, among 6,068 global adults.