SNAXPO 2010: State of the Snack Food Industry

During the recent Snaxpo 2010, Sally Lyons Wyatt of INFORMATION RESOURCES, INC. presented the State of the Snack Food Industry report.

Budget-focused consumers, some 84% of which grocery shop with a list, are increasingly turning to snack foods to help them stay well (83%).

Currently, 40% of consumers are seeking to purchase snack foods that offer attributes beyond basic nutrition. Overall, 81% hope to avoid costly medical bills by eating foods that are healthful, about 65% are eating specific foods to lose weight and 61% are eating to manage a specific health condition. About 74% of consumers are trying to eat healthier.

Although health is a rising priority for the snack food consumer, price remains paramount. About 80% of consumers look for the best value while purchasing snacks, and 26% are seeking to make snack food purchases last longer.

Approximately 31% of consumers are snacking less often.

Nearly 42% are reducing the amount of money they spend on snacks and 22% eliminated unplanned snack purchases.