Snacking: A Habit Now Deeply Rooted Among the French
Snacking is no longer just a “small craving” between two meals. According to a 2024 study by Mondelez International, reported by Snacking.fr, nearly 9 out of 10 French adults regularly eat outside of main meals, as do 84% of children. “Out-of-meal” eating has become a new food norm.
A Consumption Mode That’s Here to Stay
Long associated with indulgence or temptation, snacking has become a daily ritual. It meets several needs:
- Pleasure, and the search for a relaxing moment;
- Flexibility, in the face of increasingly fragmented lifestyles;
- Convenience, thanks to portable and individual formats;
- And sometimes, economic necessity, as structured meals can be more expensive.
As a result, snacking now extends throughout the day—from morning to night—and affects all generations.
At Home or On the Go, Snacks Fit Every Situation
For children, the afternoon snack remains the most established habit. For adults, snacking happens just as easily at work, while telecommuting, or on the move.
The rise of practical, balanced, and portable products (bars, nuts, drinkable yogurts, portioned biscuits…) continues to drive this trend.
A Market Full of Opportunities for Brands
For food industry players, out-of-meal consumption represents a major growth driver. Consumers are seeking snacks that are:
- More nutritious and balanced,
- More sustainable, with reduced packaging,
- Yet still enjoyable, without compromising taste.
Brands are therefore betting on innovation: clean-label recipes, portion control, natural ingredients, and eco-designed packaging.
Between Pleasure and Balance: The Challenge of Modern Snacking
The real challenge now is to find the balance between pleasure and nutrition.
Eating outside of meals isn’t a problem in itself—so long as the snack choices remain aligned with the body’s needs. Fruits, nuts, dairy products, and fiber-rich snacks can all become genuine allies.
