Eating Trends: Mealtimes and Snacking

Report Overview

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This Eating Trends report provides a compact overview of continuity and changes in U.S. adult mealtime and snacking patterns between 2008 and 2018, with a focus on corresponding demographics. This data-heavy, topline report draws on behavioral and psychographic questions from the Simmons Market Research national consumer survey series, identifying as “prime” demographics those groups disproportionately likely to somewhat agree (“agree a little”) or strongly agree (“agree a lot”) with given statements about eating behaviors.

Trended data and current key demographics are provided for the following topics: mealtime patterns and “eating later” trends; the relative priority on breakfast vs. lunch or dinner; patterns for sit-down, family-style meals for households of two or more persons; the prevalence of eating several, smaller meals throughout the day; snacking behavior; perception of snack foods as unhealthy; sweet vs. salty snacking patterns; and healthier snacking vs. enjoying treats as indulgences.

Survey Data and Insighful Analysis

This report is a concise overview of adult mealtime and snacking patterns between 2008 and 2018 in the U.S. 

Current demographics and data are presented for:

• mealtime patterns and “eating later” trends
• the relative priority on breakfast vs. lunch or dinner
• patterns for sit-down, family-style meals for households of two or more persons
• the prevalence of eating several, smaller meals throughout the day
• snacking behavior
• perception of snack foods as unhealthy
• sweet vs. salty snacking patterns
• healthier snacking vs. enjoying treats as indulgences