# Ritualistic Snacking A growing group of Gen Z consumers prioritize snacking over eating meals. By [Mishal Omar](https://www.trendhunter.com/MishalO) | Published Feb 25, 2019 | Category: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/lifestyle-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/ritualistic-snacking ## Key Figures - Trend score: 4.9/10 - Evidence articles: 8 ## What is the Ritualistic Snacking trend? **Ritualistic Snacking:** It's been found that members of Generation Z prioritize snacking more than they do eating full meals, and brands are responding in-kind by offering the experiential, "foodie" focused snacks they seek but in convenient, takeaway forms. This shift is impacted by Gen Z's rituals that include living healthier (more instilled in them than in their predecessors), their on-the-go lifestyles, and their social habits that revolve around eating. ## The consumer insight behind the Ritualistic Snacking trend Today's youth face intense competition in many aspects of their lives–whether that's in school, future job prospects, education, or on social media. The time and stress related to constantly juggling multiple roles and responsibilities at such a young age has led to a shift (for some) in eating habits. Balancing their lifestyles with their wellness-related goals has resulted in them requiring more flexible self-care options. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 8 featured examples - Articles from: Jul 11, 2017 to Jul 23, 2018 - Published: Feb 25, 2019 - Patterns: [Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/convergence), [Reduction](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/reduction) - Megatrends: [Hybridization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/hybridization), [Curation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/curation), [Simplicity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/simplicity) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Alpha, Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Ritualistic Snacking trend ### Ritualistic Snacking Brands offering experiential, foodie-focused snacks in convenient takeaway forms that cater to Gen Z's healthier lifestyle, on-the-go lifestyles and social habits. ### Novelty Snack Packaging Creative, quirky, and colorful designs that make healthy snacking more fun and eye-catching to consumers. ### Free From Snacks for Tweens Free from snacks specifically catered for tweens and teens that are convenient and healthy for school snacks but have unique branding that appeals to this age group. ## What the Ritualistic Snacking trend means for industry ### For Packaging Design Creating visually appealing designs that make healthy snacking more appealing to a wider range of consumers, millennials, and Gen Z alike. ### For Food and Beverage Developing more convenient forms of healthy snacking while innovating flavors, branding, and environmentally friendly products. ### For Wellness Developing products that seamlessly integrate into an individual's busy lifestyle and meet their health goals while still being accessible and enjoyable. ## Workshop question In what areas could your brand shift gears to better cater to Gen Z consumers? ## Trend signals for Ritualistic Snacking Trend score 4.9 out of 10, from popularity 65%, activity 74%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 65% - Activity: 74% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Ritualistic Snacking trend 8 featured examples from Jul 11, 2017 to Jul 23, 2018. - [Funky Colorful Packaging Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/colorful-packaging-design1): Snask Creates a Modern Visual Identity for GET RAW (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Utilize innovative techniques and materials in packaging design to create eye-catching and memorable experiences for consumers. - [Tween-Targeted Fruit Pouches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/blastz): 'BlastZ' from GoGo Squeez Introduces Fruit Puree Pouches for Teens (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Brands in the food and beverage industry have the chance to innovate and create new products that cater to growing demand for snack options that are healthy and convenient. - [Quirky Dried Superfood Packaging](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/holy-snack): The Holy Snack Brand Features Dynamic, Eye-Catching Labels (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Food and beverage companies can innovate by offering a wider range of dried superfood snacks and incorporating unique packaging designs. - [Mexican Symbolism Snack Packaging](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/don-bugito): The Don Bugito Snack Branding Hides Delicious Crickets Inside (Category: Marketing) Implication: The food and beverage industry can leverage the trend of sustainable insect consumption by introducing new insect-based snack offerings. - [Redesigned Granola Snacks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kind-snack): A Student Has Reimagined the Branding for KIND Snacks (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The redesigned branding and packaging concepts showcased by KIND Snacks presents innovative opportunities for companies in the food and beverage industry to differentiate themselv… - [Novelty Cream Cheese Eateries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/beckys-bites): Becky's Bites Will Offer Consumers Cream Cheese-Inspired Foods (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The food & beverage industry can take note of Becky's Bites and explore the cream cheese product line to develop new offerings that cater to younger consumers' taste preferences a… - [Hybrid Flavor Breakfast Snacks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/poptarts-splitz): The New Kellogg's Pop-Tarts Splitz Boast Tasty Flavor Combos (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: In the food and beverage industry, there is an opportunity to explore dual flavor combinations in other product categories, such as snacks and desserts. - [Vibrant Seaweed Snacks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cornish-seaweed-company): The Cornish Seaweed Company Offers Nutritious and Flavorful Snacks (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The market for healthy snacks could benefit from innovative products like artisanal seaweed flakes with various flavors. ## Recent trend clusters - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) - [Source Signatures](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/oak-finish-whiskey) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Lifestyle - [Mystery Packaging Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cow-not-laughing) - [Multi-Benefit Protein Shakes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/comes-in-three-flavors) - [Creator-Led Learning Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/learning-series) - [Accessible Fintech Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chequing-account) All articles: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle)