#3 Consumers Are Snacking More & More & More
IRI data shows that there has been a 3% increase in the number of consumers snacking more than five times per day. Currently, 14% of people snack five or more times a day in addition to their regular mealtimes. IRI predicts this will continue to rise in 2017.
#2 Packaging Impacts Buying Decisions Big Time
Packaging has an effect on more than just big candy sales. IRI found that 53% of consumers admit that product labeling and packaging influences their snack buying decisions. And among millennials, packaging is even more influential—60% of consumers between 18 and 24 and 62% between 25 and 35 said that packaging definitely influences their snack buying. Because of this, IRI is predicting a “portable snacking evolution” in 2017— specifically, an increase in re-sealable packs and tins that deliver value for consumers looking for convenience. In the natural market, brands like Krave and BarkThins are already well ahead of the curve with this.
#1 Indulgence Outpacing Healthy
Taste still rules. Although consumers of snacks are increasingly reaching for healthier choices, the latest IRI data shows they’re also giving themselves permission to indulge more often– and that has resulted in indulgence snacking outpacing “better-for-you” healthy snacking for the first time in years. Indulgence snacking enjoyed a yummy 3.4% increase in dollar sales in 2016 while healthy snacking saw just 0.9% growth.
More & More & More, Packaging Impacts Buying, Indulgence Outpaces Healthy.
