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Are snacks replacing traditional meals? Some reports suggest that might be the case, especially among Gen Z. Known for their diverse tastes and preferences, this generation is leading the shift toward snacking. While they still eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner, they often opt for quick, convenient snacks from fast-food restaurants. This growing preference for snacking is prompting brands and restaurants to adapt their menus and experiences to meet the evolving needs of this age group.
Given a push toward snacking among Gen Z, CivicScience took a closer look at snacking trends among this generation (aged 18-24) through the lens of our database of over 5 billion consumer responses. Here’s what the data says about snacking trends:
Snacking at Fast-Food Restaurants
Even though Gen Z is more likely to eat breakfast (33%), lunch (56%), and dinner (62%) than snacks at fast-food restaurants, they over-index in snacking at quick-service restaurants (QSRs) compared to other generations. Over the last 30 days, 13% had a snack in the morning, 22% in the afternoon, and 19% in the evening at fast-food restaurants – all of which more than double the same figures among U.S. adults 55+ (excluding those who answered ‘none of the above’). Gen Z also over-indexes in eating at QSRs for dinner, whereas older generations skew more toward breakfast and lunch dining.
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Sweet vs. Salty Snacks
When it comes to the kinds of snacks Gen Z adults are likely to purchase from QSRs, ongoing tracking shows how Gen Z’s snacking preferences have changed over the last decade. In 2015, salty snacks took the lead among this generation, followed by sweet and healthy snacks. However, during the pandemic, Gen Z grew increasingly favorable to sweet snacks, which now nearly matches the percentage most favorable to salty snacks. Healthy snacks also became more popular during the pandemic coinciding with increased interest in wellness and self-care, but have now declined in interest since then. Overall, Gen Z is more likely than the general population to prefer both sweet and salty snacks nearly equally, whereas the average U.S. snacker is less interested in sweet snacks.
Chains that Rank Among Gen Z
Which “snacking” chains rank highest among Gen Z? CivicScience closely examined nearly 10 QSRs that focus on snack foods, and the data reveal clear favorites.
Dairy Queen and Auntie Anne’s emerge as the top choices for Gen Z, with nearly 70% of Americans aged 18-24 reporting that they enjoy eating at these chains. Conversely, chains like Tim Horton’s, Jamba, and Crumbl Cookies hold less popularity with Gen Z.
Join the Conversation: Do you enjoy eating snacks or meals more?
As Gen Z continues to shift its eating habits toward snacking, the impact on the food and restaurant industries is clear. With fast-food restaurants becoming a popular destination for snacks, brands must adapt to meet this generation’s demand for convenience and indulgence. The transition from salty to sweet snacks further highlights Gen Z’s evolving preferences. Whether it’s grabbing a soft pretzel at Auntie Anne’s or a Blizzard at Dairy Queen, snacking has become a defining feature of Gen Z’s dining behavior. Keeping up with these changes will be key to capturing the loyalty of this influential generation.
