Snack consumption saw a surge in the early stages of the coronavirus, with sales up 8% in April, according to a new report from NPD Group.

Snacks were a priority, with 37% of consumers saying they wanted to make sure they had enough on hand during the lockdown. Salty snacks and frozen sweets were especially popular, the report says.

“In-home snacking habits are changing to accommodate new shopping and work-from-home patterns,” NPD Group said in its report. “The roles of comfort and enjoyment are likely more important to snacking now compared to during the last recession given the dual stressors of financial and public health concerns.”