Get Snacking

Is it a snack? Is it a meal? Trending now is a mixture of both, according to a 2019 Global Consumer Snacking Trends Study by Mondelez International. According to the report, 7 in 10 Millennials prefer small bites over meals and today, more people are snacking than eating full meals. What’s behind this change? A recent article from Food & Beverage Insider hints that increasingly hectic schedules may be to blame. As more and more people rush from one to-do to the next, the opportunity for traditional meals may simply not be an option.

For many people, working from home while being surrounded by food at all hours of the day could be another explanation for this change in how we approach meals and snacks. Rather than setting aside specific meal blocks, enjoying smaller bites of food more often through the day might be a more convenient way to dine. If you find yourself following this snacks-as-meals phenomenon, there are a few steps to take to ensure your health and wellbeing doesn’t suffer in the long run. First, remember the general rule of snacking. Rather than treats (cookies, pastries, ice cream, etc.), snacks serve real purpose and contribute towards Food Group goals.

To create balanced snacks, pair foods from at least 2 to 3 different Food Groups, being sure to have at least one fruit or vegetable integrated every time. Since fruits and vegetables provide a natural source of fiber as well as a powerful punch of vitamins, minerals and protective plant compounds – they’re necessary for both physical and emotional wellness.

Ready to get snacking? Dig into the flavors of summer with this fresh Sweet Corn Salsa. It pairs perfectly with whole-grain woven wheat crackers or your favorite tortilla chip. Or, use to garnish a small plate-salad made with leafy greens and shrimp for a bright and nourishing snack-as-meal option.