68 JULY / AUGUST 2025 ABASTO.COM Guiltless Grazers Guiltless Grazers snack all day, snack all day, with no regrets. with no regrets. They view snacking as an integral part of their daily rhythm. Two-thirds graze all day long, and they do so unapologetically. Boredom is a key driver — 80% snack when bored, and flavor matters more than func- tion. Guiltless Grazers don’t let dietary rules dictate their enjoyment. For this segment, snacking is about indulgence and guilt has no place at the table. Impulse Munchers Impulse Munchers satisfy cravings satisfy cravings in the moment in the moment They reach for small indul- gences whenever cravings or boredom strike. But they’re not without remorse for their snacking habits: Nearly eight in ten (78%) admit to feeling snack guilt. Yet, while many aspire to smarter choices, taste typically wins out. Emotional Emotional Snackers Snackers chose comfort chose comfort over calories. over calories. Snacking is emotional therapy for this group, but it’s often done in secret, away from prying eyes. Nine in ten (92%) snack when they’re anxious or stressed, 90% report guilt after overindul- ging and 87% wish they made healthier snack choices. However, despite post-snacking regrets, nutrition is often sidelined to decompress after a hectic day. American Snackers: Three Key Segments Three Key Segments Beyond Indulgence: Purposeful and Sustainable Choices +90% +90% of consumers snack at least once daily While indulgence remains a significant driver across all consumer segments, the Hispanic demographic revealed an interesting layer of complexity. Beyond seeking bold and satisfying flavors, Hispanic consumers also demonstrate a strong preference for snacks that offer a functional purpose. They are actively looking for snacks that can help them increase focus or relieve stress, a desire often asso- ciated with healthier snack choices. Even more notably, the study revealed a heightened awareness and preference for environmentally friendly snacks within the Hispanic demographic. This particu- lar data point over-indexed considerably compared to the general population, highlighting a strong incli- nation towards sustainable consumption. Mauck noted this was an "interesting" finding, indicating that environmental considera- tions play a more prominent role in their snacking deci- sions than in other groups. This suggests a potential …Continued from page 66
