The statistics are stark when comes to the missed opportunity to position snacking a health driver with a new survey commissioned by US Bel revealing 91% of American adults snack daily but 68% overlook the occasion to meet dietary goals.
The survey of 1,000 adults conducted by EatWellGlobal with input from five registered dietitians found even though 72% of Americans say they want to eat well and be healthy, only 32% use snacking as an opportunity to meet healthy life goals, said Paloma Lopez, Bel US chief sustainability and communications officer.
“What we learned through the study is that health takes a backseat when it comes to snacking decisions, with most Americans choosing snacks based on hunger, cravings and desire for something tasty,” she added.
“This shows us there is a significant gap between what people want to do and how they are using snacking as an opportunity to meet their health goals,” she said. “So, the opportunity here is how do we shift the conversation?”
For Bel Group the answer is to promote ‘purpose-full snacking,’ a strategy by which it offers convenient, portion-controlled dairy, fruit and vegetable snacks that will help bridge the nutrition gap, promote a sustainable food system and create moments of joy for consumers, Lopez said.
‘Pairings’ foster fun and boost nutrition
One way that Bel US is meeting this goal is by promoting the idea of pairing snacks, which can add nutritional variety and fun to the snack experience, Lopez said.
“The idea of pairing a small portion of cheese with apples and grapes helps people have fun while also getting them the nutrients” and food groups they need, but which many people are missing, she said, pointing to research that found eight in 10 Americans fail to eat the recommended amount of fruits, vegetables and dairy daily.
Bel’s survey suggests many Americans will embrace this idea given three-quarters already combine foods to create snacks and four in 10 report enjoying fruit and cheese, Lopez said.
8 in 10 consumers want portion control
Another pillar of Bel’s campaign to promote purpose-full snacking is to promote portion control.
“Currently, snacking takes up a good chunk of the calories that Americans intake. Studies show snacking accounts for anywhere between 27% of people’s calories all the way up to 40% of people’s calories,” Lopez said.
In addition, she said, 80% of consumers surveyed reported that portion control is important to them when choosing a snack – “showing that size matters as much as flavor when it comes to smart snacking.”
Playful snacks check ‘emotional desires’
Finally, Bel is promoting joy as a key component of purpose-full snacking and a strategy for helping consumers cut calories while still fulfilling their “emotional desires.”
Lopez explains that many people reach for snacks just because they are hungry, but also because they are bored, need a break or want a treat, and snacks that offer joyful or positive experiences are more likely to help them meet that need without overeating.
Small snacks that offer a unique experience “is something that people really appreciate,” Lopez added.
She explained that Bel offers “playful formats,” like wedges, pucks, rounds and pouches that foster creativity.
