Chips were the leading snack brand for both genders, with 38 percent of women and 33 percent of men reaching for a bag of chips during the pandemic. Younger consumers were also more likely to snack more during COVID-19, as 61 percent of 18-29 year olds snacked more often, followed by 50 percent of 30-39 year olds. Chips again were the most popular snack among 18-29 year olds, at 40 percent, followed by cookies at 20 percent and popcorn at 14 percent.

Additional findings from the research include:

• 1 in 2 Americans reported snacking more often in the wake of the crisis.
• While this was potentially triggered by negative emotions such as stress or boredom, during the crisis Americans who were in a positive mindset snacked more too.
• Those who snacked more during COVID were more likely to have reported trying new brands. Sometimes this was due to value seeking—over 1 in 4 reported trading down to less expensive brands or products more often during COVID.
• Those who reported snacking more were more likely to feel they were eating less healthy overall, and those who snacked less felt more healthy overall.
• Consumers who were eating less healthy were more likely to report feeling anxious, stressed/worried, overwhelmed, pessimistic or bored.

Other takeaways included:

• Increased snacking during COVID-19 is contributing to perceptions of less healthy eating.
• Those feeling like they are eating less healthy were more likely to report feeling anxious, stressed/worried, overwhelmed, pessimistic or bored.
• For those who increased their snacking behavior during the pandemic, chips were a go-to option for many, followed by candy and cookies
• Those whose incomes had been negatively impacted by COVID were more likely to have started snacking more often.
  • This group also report an increase in value seeking behaviors such as trading down to less expensive products and brands, buying smaller pack sizes and more private label.