The Most Crucial Element of the Ideal Snack is the ‘Crunch’ Factor

In the most recent Frito-Lay U.S. Trend Index, the “crunch” factor came out on top as a crucial element of the ideal snack. More than 70% of snackers would choose a dish with a crunch when deciding on their ideal snack, according to an index that surveyed consumers about their snacking preferences.

Beyond crunch, the Snack Index discovered that sweet (66%), salty (61%), and full (53%) were other crucial snack qualities. Nearly 50% of those polled said that when they were thinking of the ideal snack, it also made them nostalgic and brought back fond memories for them (49%).

“Consumers are at the heart of all we do, so considering every component of a snack – including the crunch factor – is very important to us. We know the perfect snack is different for everyone, which is why we constantly listen to consumers and then engage our chefs and our Culinary Center to provide variety, deliver on flavor, and explore new recipes consumers love,” Denise Lefebvre, senior vice president of R&D for Frito-Lay and Quaker Foods North America mentioned.

Even though Frito-Lay expects that all people will still seek out crunchy snacks in 2023, there are other trends to keep an eye on, including age differences and end-of-year snacking habits.

A Generational Snacking Gap

It is not true that all generations have the same snacking habits. According to the most recent Snack Index, nearly 50% of Gen Z think that eating is most satisfying after dark. Additionally, they are twice as likely to order delivery when the want for a snack strikes as other generations. On the other hand, 50% of millennials frequent grocery or convenience stores to sate their late-night food desires. The two demographic groups most likely to make comfort food at home are Gen Xers (64%) and baby boomers (62%).

The Joy of Holiday Snacking

Snacking is connected to positive emotions as we approach the holiday. According to the Snack Index, 61% of adults are unlikely to crave snacks when they are down around the holidays, even though 65% of adults crave snacks the most when they want to pamper themselves. Snacking is a sensory experience as well; according to surveys, 55% of respondents say they crave snacks more when they smell them and 52% when they see them.

Specialty offers will be important because 45% of respondents are looking for a flavor that is only available for a short period, and 49% are looking forward to the variety and party packs this holiday. The majority of Americans (55%) are looking forward to eating snacks with friends and family this holiday season. The Snack Index states that 52% of millennials and 62% of GenZers will search social media for holiday recipes to try.

American respondents said that they are more likely to try a recipe prepared using Lay's potato chips (46%), but that they are also more likely to try a recipe made with Rold Gold Pretzels (40%) than Cheetos Original (37%).

“As people of all ages experiment with recipes and enjoy snacks this holiday season, we're excited to bring them new limited-time products such as Lay's Clusters [...] and more, as well as fun new recipes made by our very own consumers that include your favorite snacks,” Lefebvre concluded.