More young people are snacking to deal with stress: Survey

Young people are snacking more, and it’s not just because they’re hungry, according to a new market survey.

Marketing research firm Mintel found that 23 percent of young adults aged 21 to 38 said they are snacking more this year, compared to last year, according to an article in Fusion.

Of these high-level snackers, 27 percent said they are eating more because they’re bored. But another 17 percent say stress is the reason they are eating more.

“Our research shows that Millennials are more likely to snack compared to older generations as a means to fulfill emotional and functional needs, including combating boredom or stress and increasing energy and focus,” Amanda Topper, Food Analyst at Mintel, told Fusion.

“Older consumers did not grow up with all-day snacking and may continue to view snacks as treats,” she told the site.

The majority of the young adults polled, 39 percent, told Mintel they snack for energy.

Topper told Fusion more than anyone, young adults care about their snacks’ nutrition. “As a result they may be drawn to products with high fiber, energizing claims or protein content to stay satiated, as well as bold flavors to help add variety to their frequent snacking occasions and eliminate boredom,” she said.

For more on young adults’ snacking habits, check out the story.