More consumers are skipping traditional meals and snacking throughout the day, and younger consumers in particular are building meals from snack foods: 45% of Gen Z and 56% of Millennials do so at least weekly. 

In our busy and time-constrained culture, it’s no surprise that consumers also prioritize snacks that require minimal effort—even if that takes a bit of pre-planning to achieve. 

While the lines between snacks and meals continue to blur, consumers navigate each occasion through a distinct set of needs and constraints. Understanding both provides a more complete view of how eating decisions are made. 

Want the full picture? Pair Snacking 2026 with our upcoming Meals 2026 study to understand how preparation, convenience and flexibility influence eating decisions across the day—and where your brand can create value within those moments.