Frito-Lay releases its new U.S. Snack Index, shows summer trends
29 May 2020Frito-Lay’s annual snacking index reveals that 86% of Americans believe their summertime activities, and consequently their snacking habits, will be different this year due to COVID-19. Typical snacking occasions like group gatherings are not anticipated to take place as frequently with only 6% of respondents saying they plan to participate in these activities in upcoming months.
Still, even with reduced social gatherings at which to share snacks, the U.S. Snack Index poll shows that Americans are still planning to indulge – particularly in salty snacks. IRI data cited by Frito-Lay shows salty snacks have been the No. 1 food item that’s contributed to dollar growth at retailers since early March. This onslaught of salty snacks buying could be largely due to the fact that snacking has steadily replaced meals in the last several years and savory options are more appealing at varying points throughout the day.
This penchant for the savory is revealed in Frito-Lay’s most recent sales data. In recent weeks, the company reported that Lay’s sales are up 32%, Tostitos sales rose 42% and Cheetos Popcorn now comprise a staggering 65% of the ready-to-eat popcorn category. Nor is Frito-Lay the only snacking behemoth to see these trends. Mondelez told Food Dive that it has seen "unprecedented demand" for its Ritz and Triscuit crackers since the onset of the pandemic.
While these staples remain a favorite with customers – 85% of respondents say eating their favorite snack makes them feel normal – the Frito-Lay survey also showed that new offerings are also a hit with snackers. Already, 43% of shoppers say they are trying new snacks because they are bored with their normal snacks and 28% are venturing out of the tried and true because their favorites are unavailable, survey data revealed. However, once the pandemic subsides, those numbers may continue to climb. Ninety-two percent of those surveyed said they plan to eat the new snacks they tried in the “new normal.”
Still, those staple snacks seem to continue to have a hold on the hearts of snackers. When picking out snacks this summer, 83% are planning to stay true to their favorites with 73% admitting that if they found their preferred snack, they will stock up. Only 22% took budget into account when considering whether to purchase their favorites.
Due to difficulties in stocking on store shelves and the restrictions that consumers have on their movement, Frito-Lay recently launched a new direct-to-consumer website Snacks.com.
Related news
Plastic packaging reduction requires industry rethink
6 Jan 2023
The food and beverage sector is calling for industry-wide collaboration and business model updates to reduce the environmental impact of plastic packaging.
Read moreMisleading nutrition claims mask true sugar levels in baby food
5 Jan 2023
Some baby and toddler food and drink products, sweetened with fruit concentrate, contain up to four teaspoons of sugar per serving yet are marketed as having ‘no added sugar’, according to a survey by Action on Sugar.
Read moreAsian beverage brands deal with rising costs
4 Jan 2023
Decreasing bottle sizes or increasing prices? Asian beverage brands are finding “creative approaches” to manage rising costs, according to industry analysts.
Read morePreserving the freshness of food to fight waste
3 Jan 2023
Several companies are producing products that absorb ethylene, the hormone that causes food to ripen, in attempt to reduce food waste.
Read moreValue-seeking US consumers cut back on food spending
2 Jan 2023
Cheaper items, smaller sizes, and shorter grocery lists: inflationary effects coupled with a global long-term recession are set to continue shaping food spending habits, according to a recent Rabobank report.
Read moreOpportunities grow for lower-caffeine coffee
23 Dec 2022
Many consumers want the mental focus of caffeine without the jitters, prompting a wave of product development such as “half caffeine” ground coffee or ready-to-drink (RTD) cold brew blended with relaxing botanicals.
Read moreSuperfrau upcycles liquid whey for energy drinks
22 Dec 2022
US company Superfrau turns surplus whey into sustainable, upcycled-certified dairy products for the recovery drinks market.
Read moreMalaysian brand Nanka brings jackfruit range to Europe
21 Dec 2022
Malaysian brand Nanka is expanding to new Asian and European markets with its fast and ready-to-eat plant-based products based on jackfruit.
Read moreIs the UK on target to meet its 2025 Plastics Pact?
20 Dec 2022
Major food industry players, including Arla, Kerry, PepsiCo and TerraCycle, have signed the UK’s voluntary Plastic Pact to reduce plastic from the supply chain – but are they on track to meet their targets?
Read moreAmmonia emissions, Oreo cookies, and Olam
19 Dec 2022
Olam Food Ingredients (Ofi) and Mondelēz are under fire for using ammonium carbonate, an authorised food additive, in cocoa and Oreo cookies - but the accusations stem from greater concerns over industrial emissions of toxic ammonia and nitrogen oxide ...
Read more