Frito-Lay has announced its latest U.S. Snack Index, revealing the taste preferences driving snack consumption among consumers.

Survey data revealed women tend to prefer a mix of savoury and sweet snacks, and Gen Z shoppers are more likely to seek savoury snacks – while men and Boomers over age 55 have more of a sweet tooth.

Yet, regardless of age or gender, its food that brings people together during the holidays, as respondents overwhelmingly ranked snacks/food one of their "Favourite Things" for celebrating the season – second only to family and friends.

"This holiday season – and all year long – Frito-Lay has a snack for everyone, whether its a tried-and-true classic or a new twist on an old favorite," said Mike Del Pozzo, senior vice president of sales and chief customer officer, Frito-Lay North America. "Consumers told us they prefer holiday food over drinks, gifts, decorations, music and sports. The good news is that Frito-Lay can meet that demand, as we produce nearly 100 pounds of snacks per second."

Americans will take part in an estimated 327 million gatherings over the next six weeks. 

The U.S. Snack Index also indicates time is at the top of everyones wish list, perhaps due to the holiday shopping season being six days shorter in 2019 than it was last year. Americans are choosing not to play host this year. While they plan to attend a Thanksgiving (60%) or December holiday (44%) celebration, just 21% plan to host themselves.

Meanwhile, 40% of Americans say theyll pitch in to help with the snacks...provided the recipe is easy to prepare. And only 28% are stringing popcorn or partaking in other snack-inspired crafts – choosing instead to simply eat their snacks or give them as gifts.

Americas Favorite Holiday Snacks are:

+ Snack mixes (39%)

+ Crackers (33%)

+ Popcorn (30%)

Salty vs. Sweet

+ More men than women prefer sweet treats (40% vs. 35%).

+ Women are more likely than men to enjoy sweet and savoury snack blends (58% vs. 48%).

+ Gen Z reaches for salty snacks more so than Boomers – including popcorn (44% vs. 23%) and potato chips (43% vs. 26%).

Snack Occasions

+ Six out of 10 enjoy snacks as appetizers.

+ More than half eat snacks as part of a meal or immediately after.

+ One-third of consumers purchase snacks as gifts.

Among the 28% of people who say they use snacks in crafts, nearly half (48%) use popcorn while many also use pretzels (28%).

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