Chicago-based Circana found the continuing rise of screen time offers opportunities for snack brands to connect with consumers as screen time is often intertwined with daily snacking routines.

Data from Comparitech, Kent, United Kingdom, found that Americans average 7 hours and 3 minutes of screen time a day. Gen Z, aged 12 to 27 and born 1997-2021, averages slightly more with 9 hours of screen time per day.

Increasing screen time and multitasking mean there’s often little time left in the day for food preparation and sit-down eating occasions.

The SNAC World – State of the Industry report found the average American spends only 52 minutes per day preparing and eating meals.

One-third say they have less than 30 minutes per day, making sweet and savory snacks a key ingredient in no-prep dinners.

“Time is of the essence for Americans, especially in their morning routines,” said Sally Lyons Wyatt, global executive vice president and chief advisor, consumer goods and foodservice insights, Circana. “Sixty-five percent of morning eating occasions are prepared in less than 5 minutes.”

Consumers who are increasingly time-strapped look for snacks that provide convenience and also offer a needed energy boost to get through a busy day.

Ardent Mills found that the primary motivator for daytime snacking in 32% of consumers aged 18 to 34 years old is to give the body energy or fuel.

Demands for sustained energy through snacks finds protein claims continuing to grow in popularity.

The SNAC World report found more than 7 in 10 parents and Millennials say they seek out snacks to supply energy.

Protein-based snacks and mini meals are also desirable among those taking GLP-1 inhibitor drugs for weight loss and type 2 diabetes.

Proprietary research from Corbion, Lenexa, Kan., explored the perceptions, motivations and priorities driving the behaviors of GLP-1 users. The research found GLP-1 users highly influenced by packaging claims such as “uses real ingredients,” “high source of protein” (or fiber), and “natural flavor.”

This article is an excerpt from the November 2024 issue of Supermarket Perimeter. You can read the entire Grab-and-go feature and more in the digital edition here.