Snacks used to be an occasional indulgence, but frequent snacking is now the norm. Data from Chicago-based market researcher IRI Group show that 49% of consumers reported eating one to two snacks per day, while another 43% reported eating three to four snacks daily. Today’s busy consumers often consume a portable snack in lieu of a traditional meal, especially at the morning occasion.
The $96 billion U.S. snack market is expected to grow by an additional 18% through 2020. The Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy has been conducting ongoing research to understand the opportunities for dairy in the snacking category. Lynn Stachura, senior vice president, strategy, insights and planning, at Dairy Management Inc., noted that the IC is currently focusing on understanding key consumer need-states.