With more people staying and working at home during the past year, a global survey has shown that snacking routines have shifted into more mindful snacking.
As part of its 'Mindful Snacking' advocacy, snacks company Mondelez Philippines started survey in October 2020 to see how snacking behaviors have changed, and if their move to support portion-control consumption by producing 200-calorie (or less) pack versions of their brands has helped in any way.
Carried out on their behalf by Harris Poll, the survey reached out to 6,292 global adults ages 18 and older, an adequate understanding of how consumers' snacking behaviors were derived from the following results:
People have been snacking two minutes longer than they did before the pandemic, particularly in developing markets. People are slowing down to snack.
More than half of those surveyed said they can snack mindfully and focus on their snacks because they are multi-tasking less these days. Two-thirds say they have been able to control the portions of their snacks because they are snacking at home.
Among those who choose portion-controlled snacks, one-third say they choose them because it helps them feel more in control of their snacking, avoid mindless snacking, and enjoy indulgent food without the guilt.
As a whole, mindful snacking promotes eating with intention and attention, focusing on the present moment, and savoring how the food tastes so you really enjoy it.
'Mindful snacking is relevant, sustainable and effective,' furthered Chain Yin Lim, Nutrition Strategy and Communications Specialist of Mondelēz International in South East Asia. 'More and more people adopt mindfulness for their wellbeing, to improve or balance their life. It can be practiced by anyone, anywhere, and by all ages, and research clearly shows multiple benefits of practicing it.'
Chain added, 'We inspire mindful snacking to help people savor each bite and experience more satisfaction in snacking. Snacking mindfully involves a few simple steps that add up to real all-around enjoyment: Minimize distractions, focus on the smell and taste, notice the textures, chew thoroughly, finish one bite before starting the next, and portion out your snack. These simple steps can be applied to every meal occasion.'
Portion-controlled packs show the 'right and normal' amounts of snacks to eat. A snack packed in the right portion helps consumers be more mindful of their intakes, to help achieve a balanced diet.
'Consumers prefer portion control products because they are convenient, help keep the food fresh – you're able to finish what you open, and reduces food waste. You become more aware of what you eat so you can enjoy without the guilt,' Chain concluded.