Snack food seems to be too expensive for Americans. Maybe that is why there is a snack food crunch in America right now. According to NIQ’s February survey on 1,000 U.S. consumers, 42% say they are buying fewer snacks because of higher prices. In another study by NIQ, “Mid-Year Consumer Outlook: Guide to 2025”, 60% of respondents said they will buy fewer snacks and confectionery products if prices continue to increase.
“Over the past six months, there has been a determined shift from cautious to intentional consumption habits. Consumers are willing to spend more but remain conscious of potential changes,” said Lauren Fernandes, Vice President, Global Thought Leadership, NIQ. “Consumers are seeking value with every purchase in multiple ways.
They are spreading their spending very purposefully—and expect to leverage any excess in strategic ways in 2025 and beyond.”
Inflation is one reason many experts cite for the decline in snack food purchasing. Another is the rise of GLP-1 medications. NIQ said, “We’re already beginning to see GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic inspire new spending sources, shift existing spending, influence lifestyle and interpersonal behavior, and spark societal changes.”