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- Many South Africans are increasingly turning to snacking to cope with challenges.
- A report by Mondelez International, which polled 250 South Africans, found that respondents were worried about inflation but continued to prioritise snacks in their groceries.
- Most respondents have snacks in the morning, but some have them before breakfast due to convenience.
- For more stories, visit the Tech and Trends homepage.
Despite the challenging economic climate, many South Africans continue to prioritise snacking, and many indulge in snacks in the morning, sometimes even before breakfast.
This is according to insight from South Africa's first State of Snacking report, compiled by global snacking company Mondelez International. It polled 250 local adults aged 18 and older.
Mondelez International is popularly known for its snacking industry household brands, including Cadbury, Oreo, Lunch Bar, Clorets, Chappies, Halls and many others.
According to the report, 75% of respondents believe it has become more important now than ever to have moments of snacking during the day. This is especially true among young respondents who gravitate more toward a wider variety of snacks.
Inflation vs snacking
In the current hostile economic climate, about nine out of 10 of the respondents said they were worried about inflation, with 90% saying they have become budget-conscious.
Although this is the case, snacks still remain a part of their grocery baskets.
"As inflation continues its upward trajectory and household budgets are squeezed, snacks remain an essential part of food baskets. In fact, eight in 10 South African consumers ensure that they always find room in their budget for snacks," said senior director of marketing at SSA Mondelez International, Arpan Sur.
The report outlined Gen Zs and millennials as the groups that predominantly prioritise snacks, especially for their mental health.
"Snacks remain essential as 78% say they always find room in their budget for snacks, especially Gen Z and millennials (both 85%). Sixty-one percent say 'in tough times, snacks are the one thing I can count on,'" according to the report.
What and when many South Africans are snacking
Snacking in the morning seems to be increasing in popularity among South Africans. Seventy-five percent of the respondents said they have at least one in the morning, soon after having breakfast and others (29%) have at least one snack before having breakfast.
"Convenience is a motivator for this choice, as three-quarters of South Africans say it is easier to grab a quick snack in the morning than a full meal, especially millennials (84%).
"Snacking also offers routine moments of rewards. Over 86% of South Africans snack to spoil or reward themselves, with three quarters (75%) saying, 'These days it's more important than ever to have moments of indulgence in the day,' a statement that millennials (80%) particularly resonate with," the report stated.
It revealed that six out of 10 of the respondents prefer to snack on chips, popcorn, pretzels, and biscuits or cookies. More than half of the respondents like to indulge in sweets, gummies, and yoghurt every week.
The least-popular snacks among South Africans include gum, bakery sweets, soup, and ice-cream.
