Consumers want more than just immediate gratification from their snacks, and savvy operators know how crucial it is to capitalize on the trends. On-the-go customers expect snacks that offer better-for-you and functional benefits in a tasty, delightful package. Snacking is replacing regular meals for many consumers, as they opt for several small meals rather than the earlier generations’ preference for “three square meals a day.”
The snack-as-a-meal trend, however, is nothing new. It has its roots in 20th-century shifts in employment patterns, the advent of quick-cooking technologies such as the microwave, and the introduction of convenience foods tailored for home use.
What is different is how often snacks have replaced mealtimes. Commuting, hybrid work setups and extended office hours mean workers often snack rather than sit down for lunch. Snacks offered via vending, micro markets and unattended retail venues must meet nutritional expectations, not just fill the void.
Health-conscious snacking is no longer optional. Consumers actively seek better-for-you options, linking diet with overall well-being. While generational preferences influence specific choices, there’s no mistaking that snacks that were once confined to wellness aisles are now mainstream.
Meeting demand
Demand for better-for-you options, particularly in the morning, presents opportunities for operators, said Nicholas Banke, director of marketing and insights at Vistar, a PFG Company, during his presentation at the 2025 NAMA Show. Consumers are increasingly snacking and eating outside the home, especially with more workers returning to the office, he noted, and functional ingredients and label transparency are top priorities for younger cohorts.
Savvy operators will also target dayparts to drive multiple sales opportunities throughout the day and drive bottom-line sales. Targeting consumers with healthy, energy-based items for breakfast, meal bundles for lunch, and indulgent, energy-boosting snacks in the afternoon offers distinct sales opportunities, Banke noted. Strategic stocking by daypart can lift overall market performance.
Consumers are increasingly snacking and eating outside the home, especially with more workers returning to the office. Most micro market visits involve unplanned purchases, often driven by what “looks good.” Visual appeal, product discovery and assortment variety are key to capturing these sales.
Driving profits
While indulgence items will likely never disappear from convenience outlets like vending and micro markets, 60% of individuals also consume healthy snacks, according to Innova Market Insights from 2024. As convenience services operators push into locations such as gyms and hotels, products like protein bars, dried fruit mixes or low-sodium options — rather than candy bars or chips — appeal to consumers at those locations. Such shelf-stable, better-for-you products sell without sacrificing convenience, and operators benefit from the repeat business.
Learn about products you can add to your vending machines, micro markets, smart coolers and smart stores to meet the demand for better-for-you snacking options.
