HowTheWorldSnacks 2021
HowTheWorldSnacks 2021
WORLD
SNACKS
REPORT
DIG IN
MONDELĒZ INTERNATIONAL | THE FOOD INSTITUTE 1
HOW THE WORLD SNACKS SNACKING’S EVOLUTION GROWTH DRIVERS GLOBAL SNACKING PATTERNS
Survey and data Insights and analytics by Content strategy and insights by
compiled by Ipsos Mondelēz International The Food Institute
+42% +22%
people snacking. 1. Powerhouse
Consumers’ attitudes towards snacking have changed, as
evidenced by the expanded role of snacking (for indulgence, AR BR MX CO
convenience, energy, etc.).
2. On-the-Go
growth in growth in
PERCENTAGE OF PEOPLE SNACKING
morning Snacking* afternoon snacking*
ID ZA PH VN
2013 VS. 2021
(6:00 to 10:00) (12:00 to 15:00) 3. Mini-meal
78% 86% *Growth indicates the increase in number of snacks during stated time frames
ES IT CN RU
5. Moderate
2013 2021 IN NG
4. Frugal
AVERAGE NUMBER OF FOOD SNACKS
CONSUMED PER DAY 2013 VS. 2021
40% 3.5 SA EG TH AE
6. Low-Level
one main meal per day, for all Gen Zers 7. Quintessential
2013 2021 yesterday” in 2021 and Millennials in 2021
vs. 30% in 2013 vs. 3.3 for all consumers UK USA CA AUS DE FR PL
Main Meal Consumption is Consistent Globally 7 Meal Skipping is On the Rise 10 Powerhouse Snackers 15
Moderate Snackers 18
Frugal Snackers 19
Low-Level Snackers 20
Quintessential Snackers 21
Snacking’s
evolution
Snacking Increased from 2013 to 2021
GLOBAL AVERAGE OF
MAIN MEALS PER DAY the number of main meals around the world
2.8
1 2 3 4
Argentina 3.4
Poland
Spain
Brazil
Italy
Colombia
2.8
rather consistent globally
India
China
Vietnam
Although snacking increased from 2013 to 2021, the average Philippines
number of main meals per day remained unchanged. South Africa
Countries’ cultural traditions, however, cause some France
variability in main meal consumption. Citizens of Argen- Japan
tina, for example, consume the most full meals per day, Malaysia
at 3.4. Thailand, conversely, consumes the fewest main Country with the highest Indonesia
meals, at 2.2 per day. Societal characteristics help explain number of main meals UAE
Argentina: 3.4
that disparity. Australia
Research shows that Argentines view mealtime as a Nigeria
cultural mainstay, representing a valuable opportunity to USA
socialize with family and friends. Thailand, meanwhile, Egypt
features a below average GDP and a largely rural popula- UK
tion, with agriculture and manufacturing serving as lead- Country with the least Saudi Arabia
ing sectors of the economy. Thus, working long hours number of main meals Canada
Thailand: 2.2
may, theoretically, leave less time for many Thai citizens Germany
to consume meals. Thailand 2.2
growth drivers
What’s Driving the Growth in Snacking?
42%
Morning snacking has risen immensely in recent years. Between +7% +6% +4%
2013 and 2021 there was a 42% increase in snacks that took
place between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. 22% 24%
Meanwhile, many global consumers are substituting a full
17% 18% 14%
meal at lunch time for a smaller snack; from 2013 to 2021 there
was a 22% increase in snacking that occurred between noon
12% 10%
and 3 p.m. Dinner is the main meal that global consumers skip
the least, with just 14% of respondents saying they tend to skip Morning Snacking Afternoon Snacking “yesterday, I “yesterday, I “yesterday, I
that meal. 6:00 to 10:00 12:00 to 15:00 skipped breakfast” skipped lunch” skipped dinner”
The growth in morning and afternoon snacking correlates *Growth indicates the increase in number of snacks
with more consumers skipping breakfast and lunch. during stated time frames from 2013 to 2021
Egypt
0% 10% 20% 30%
40%
50% 60% 70%
70%
40%
Thailand vs. 30% in 2013
Saudi Arabia
Germany
UAE
Canada Countries that are most
USA likely to skip a meal
Egypt: 70%
Indonesia
UK
Thailand: 68%
Australia
Nigeria
Malaysia
South Africa
64%
India
France
Mexico
Brazil
MAIN MOTIVATIONS
INFLUENCING SNACKING
Sustain & Nourish
Energize & FUEL
Around the world, snacking tends to occur most frequently Reset & refresh
during mid- to late-morning hours, which is driven by consumers’ Pick Me Up
need to energize themselves. Throughout the day, though, the
Connect & Fun
motivations for snacking tend to change. More often than not,
people use snacking as a means for sustenance or for permissible Occupy
(i.e., reasonably healthy) indulgence. Everyday Treat
Consider: according to the latest State of Snacking study,
85% of global consumers said they eat at least one snack for Indulge & Pamper
sustenance and one snack for indulgence each day. Additionally,
88% of consumers feel that “a balanced diet can include a little *Sustain & Nourish: Nurture oneself or satisfy hunger in a nutritious and health-conscious way | Energize & Fuel: Provide energy to keep moving throughout the day | Reset & Refresh: Refreshing
oneself mentally or physically | Pick Me Up: Desire for a mood boost when feeling stressed or bored | Connect & Fun: Shared moments of joy and fun with family & friends | Occupy: Distract oneself
indulgence.” by occupying hands and mouths | Everyday Treat: Enjoy small pleasures that comfort and relax | Indulge & Pamper: Pamper oneself or satisfy cravings with indulgent rewards
3.6 3.5
3.3
Global snacking
Patterns
Snacking by Country, Region, Groups
Powerhouse Snackers 15
On-the-Go Snackers 16
Mini-Meal Snackers 17
Moderate Snackers 18
Frugal Snackers 19
Low-Level Snackers 20
Quintessential Snackers 21
Mid
South America Philippines 3.9
paces snacking
China 3.8
Mexico 3.8
Italy 3.7
Snacking around the globe is driven by a Russia 3.7
number of key factors, including culture, Indonesia 3.7
demographics, traditions and religion. South Africa 3.5
Latin American countries, for example, Nigeria 3.4
feature cultures and traditions that inspire Egypt 3.3
consumers to view the act of eating as a India 3.3
way to socialize. Latin American countries Saudi Arabia 3.1
also have a high population of young United Arab Emirates 3.1
consumers (a cohort that tends to snack
more than others), leading to the region’s Low
higher, “powerhouse” snacking frequency France 2.9
(4.1 food snacks per day, versus the 3.3 Malaysia 2.9
global average). USA 2.8
Conversely, low-level snackers in coun- Canada 2.8
tries like Japan come from cultures that LEGEND Poland 2.6
have well-defined snacking and meal pat- Global average number of Consumes the most Consumes the least UK 2.5
terns, and snacking there is largely con- 4.0+ Food Snacks food snacks food snacks food snacks Australia 2.5
3.2
Snacking Opportunities Abound
Powerhouse snackers eat more food snacks per day and drink day long, consuming Brazil
more beverages per day. They eat more main meals each day,
too, lending credence to the belief that a structured approach to
snacks primarily in
meals tends to lead to increased snack consumption. vs. 2.8 Globally between meals
Latin American Eating Culture
Latin countries feature cultures that blend with Southern
European religion and customs. Meals are viewed as a way of Takeaways
spending time with family and socializing. • Bet on morning snacks in countries like Mexico and Colombia, which Argentina
tend to respect the breakfast mealtime more than most countries
Unique Characteristics
This group consumes more snacks than the global average in • Based off research like the National Institutes of Health’s findings
practically all the time intervals. Also of note: 7 hours go by that Hispanic food rituals are “very social,” it makes sense to offer
between their typical lunch and dinner – far longer than in snacks that are ideal for sharing with loved ones
most countries, opening a large snack occasions window.
• Think global, act local: consider local nuances when launching
products, flavors, innovations
3.8 Vietnam
Philippines
2.2
have a large gap between meals. As a result, snacks act as a Indonesia
source of energy to maintain activity.
Early Birds
For most of these countries (except South Africa) the day vs. 2.1 Globally
starts early, with breakfast around 6 a.m. Lunch time can start
at 11 a.m. and dinner at 6 p.m. Thus, morning snacking peaks
are identified in all countries except Vietnam, which is also
where meals are most replaced with snacks.
Unique Characteristics
Street vendors play an important role in these countries, Average number of 38% of individuals Takeaways
especially in the Philippines and Indonesia. South Africa, main meals skip at least one • Bet on morning snacks (energy to start the day)
2.8
however, is unique in the respect that breakfast starts later
(around 8-9 a.m.) and it’s also the country with the longest main meal a day, • Consider offering snacks that could be ideal main meal replacements:
typical gap between lunch and dinner (8 hours) which trans-
lates into snacking.
vs. 40% globally versatile, hot, and nutritionally complete snacks
vs. 2.8 Globally • Energizing, filling beverages could be good options for this group
3.5 Spain
vs. 3.3 Globally
1.8
A culturally heterogeneous group, mini-meal snackers are united
by respect for food and main meals. Food is part of their culture
and traditions, which extends to their snacking behavior, with China
much snacking between meals and as a main meal substitute.
vs. 2.1 Globally
Social Value
In these countries, food is of significant social value. The act
of eating is associated with specific patterns and historic and
even religious traditions (particularly in China and Russia).
Above average rate of Snacks are consumed Takeaways
Unique Characteristics main meals between meals • Take advantage of the main meals structure to make it
3.1
Mediterranean countries have their own pace. In Italy and work in your favor: the snacking occasions to focus on are
Spain, the breakfast timetable is extended throughout the (food and beverage) mid-morning and mid-afternoon
morning and dinner can be served after 9 p.m., linked to social
and family gatherings. • In China and Spain snacks also replace main meals; consider
Spain and China, meanwhile, value snacks as meal replace- vs. 2.8 Globally offering snacks that could be good main meal replacements –
ments, which may be influenced by a tradition of small, appetiz- those that are versatile, hot and nutritionally complete
er-like plates know as “tapas” (Spain) or “dim sums” (China).
• Focus on indulgence
3.4
vs. 3.3 Globally
Nigeria
1.7
education level, spending on snacks, and urban/rural
population ratio. Consumers tend to work long hours,
often in crowded cities.
India
Snacks are Bought Outside vs. 2.1 Globally
Street food is prevalent in these markets, so snacks
are often eaten outside. Street vendors and stalls are
important, especially in India.
Unique Characteristics
Traffic congestion in these countries contributes to a Slightly lower rate of On par levels of Takeaways
longer than average stretch between lunch and dinner main meals meal-skipping, but • Be present on street stalls/vendors
2.7
(6 hours), creating ample opportunities for snacking.
India and Nigeria also value natural snacks, like fruit, more lunch-skipping • Snacks have dual purpose: to pamper one’s self and to fill
vegetables, dairy products, and bread.
than other countries the stomach
vs. 2.8 Globally • Consider offering natural snacks (think: fruit and vegetables)
that are easy to eat on the go
Lower average of
food snacks
3.0 Egypt
vs. 3.3 Globally
United Arab Emirates
1.8
They’re frugal in their food intake.
Saudi Arabia
Few Main Meals
Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Thailand, and the United Arab Emir-
ates comprise the group that eats the fewest main meals vs. 2.1 Globally
and also skips them the most. There is no clear agree-
ment on mealtimes.
Unique Characteristics
With this group of consumers, snacks are often brought
or eaten outside the home, and street vendors play an im-
portant role. Meanwhile, Thailand eats the least, and its Lower rate of High rates of meal- Takeaways
time windows for eating are shorter than most countries. main meals skipping (65% vs. • Be present on street stalls/vendors
2.4 40% globally) • Offer snacks for relaxing and pampering oneself
2.7 2.7
Japan
1.8
They Value Structure
Consumers in Japan and Malaysia tend to have well-defined
main-meal patterns, and they rarely skip meals. They tend to
work long hours but respect traditions and mealtimes.
vs. 2.1 Globally
Long Gaps for Snacking
Having defined mealtimes creates periods for snacking
between meals. There are two main peaks of snacking be-
tween meals: mid-morning (especially in Malaysia), and Takeaways
mid-afternoon, during which more hours go by between • Take advantage of the main meals structure; mid-morning and
main meals. mid-afternoon snacks are occasions to focus on for this group
Malaysia
Unique Characteristics • Given the high number of meal replacers, consider offering
Malaysians view snack time as a break during which to snacks that could be ideal main meal replacements: versatile,
pamper themselves and unwind. Meanwhile, in Japan, hot and nutritionally complete snacks (particularly relevant
there is a cultural aversion to eating on the move, which for Japan)
likely limits out-of-home snack occasions. That influences
the fact that when Japanese consumers eat, they stop • Focus on healthy snacks that can tide consumers over during
to eat. the long gap between lunch and dinner
2.6
Poland
2.5
veloped snacking markets, and also features an individualis-
tic populace, leading to a low number of main meals and a
tendency to skip them.
Australia
Unstructured Mealtimes vs. 2.1 Globally
In these countries, the mealtime schedule is flexible,
particularly for breakfast and dinner. Additionally, this
group tends to eat dinner earlier, thus reducing the con-
sumption window between meals.
Unique Characteristics Lower rate of main meals High rates of meal Takeaways
2.6
Drinks tend to be consumed at any time of the day but are
mostly used to fill in the gaps in between meals. Drinks are
skipping (especially • Take advantage of drinks to help introduce food snacks (i.e., enrich tea
moments with biscuits)
often prepared at home, and the U.K. consumes the high- Germany)
est number of drinks per day. • Remember that, for this group, any time is an ideal time for snacking
vs. 2.8 Globally
• Two main snacking windows are apparent: between lunch and
dinner and after dinner
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