In a U.S. SummerTrend Index from Frito-lay, 2,200 consumers between the ages of 18-34 were polled on their snacking habits and priorities, finding that 90 percent care about the companies who make their snacks. A company’s attention to sustainability practices, community impact around food access, and employee treatment all were found to drive purchasing decisions.
Younger generations tend to be more considerate of a brand’s ethics and sustainability practices: over 50 percent of consumers aged 18-34 noted this to be the case.
Besides a company’s beliefs, flavor wins out. Thirty-five percent of consumers indicate that innovative flavors are more likely to influence what they select. Other influencers include: recommendations (28 percent), brand recognition (21 percent), or packaging (9 percent). Consumers reported they are also eager to try new things: 40 percent are excited to try a new snack product in a flavor they love.
When it comes to summer, over 40 percent of parents will buy or create packaged snacks before traveling during the summer months, and they are more likely than non-parents to replace meals with snacks several times a week or more, at a rate of 52 percent.
Related: Study: Complex Future Outlook of U.S Grocery Shoppers; Surprising Sips, Packaging Innovations Among Show Trends Identified by SFA Trendspotters