Study Report: Consumption Habits of Snack Foods: Over Half Eat Weekly, 30% Manage Intake

TOPICS

- More than half of the respondents eat snack foods at least once a week. The favorite flavors among snack consumers are 'Light Salt' (over 50%), 'Salt' (approx. 45%), and 'Consomme', 'Nori-Salt', and 'Cheese' (all in the 30% range).

- Regarding emotions and behaviors when snacking, over 30% of consumers report 'adjusting quantity or frequency to avoid overeating', 'eating for a change of pace or stress relief', or 'regretting not being able to stop once starting'.

MyVoice Com Inc. (Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President: Shintaro Shimizu) conducted its 8th internet survey on snack foods from May 1 to May 7, 2026.

The survey covered snack consumption frequency, flavor preferences, and feelings or behaviors when eating.

[Survey Target] MyVoice Com survey monitor [Survey Method] Internet research [Survey Period] May 1 – May 7, 2026 [Number of Respondents] 10,974

### Snack Consumption Frequency Over 50% of people eat snacks at least once a week. The proportion is slightly higher among men than women, but it tends to be lower among young men.

### Preferred Flavors Favorite flavors (multiple answers allowed) are 'Light Salt' (53.9%), 'Salt' (44.8%), and 'Consomme', 'Nori-Salt', and 'Cheese' (all in the 30% range).

'Salt' flavor is popular among those in their 10s to 40s (nearly 60% each), but lower among those in their 60s to 70s. Conversely, 'Light Salt' is higher among those in their 70s and lower among those in their 10s and 20s. 'Consomme' and 'Sour Cream & Onion' are popular among those in their 30s to 50s, while 'Corn Potage' and 'Pizza' are higher among those in their 30s and 40s.

### Selection Criteria and Occasions Respondents were asked about their selection criteria and snack occasions.

Selection criteria (multiple answers allowed) include 'Price' (51.5%), 'Flavor type such as salt or cheese' and 'Texture' (around 40% each), and 'Easy-to-eat shape/size' (20.6%).

Occasions (multiple answers allowed) include 'As a snack' (68.4%), 'When at home' and 'With alcohol' (each in the 30% range), and 'When a little hungry' and 'When alone' (each in the 20% range).

### Feelings and Behaviors When Snacking When asked about feelings and behaviors (multiple answers allowed), 'Adjusting quantity or frequency to avoid overeating', 'Eating for a change of pace or stress relief', and 'Regretting not being able to stop once starting' were each selected by over 30%.

Among the younger generation, 'Feeling happy or satisfied' and 'Eating as a reward' are high, with 'Feeling happy or satisfied' being the number one reason for those in their 10s and 20s. 'Eating for a change of pace or stress relief' is the most common reason for women in their 30s and 40s. 'Regretting not being able to stop once starting' is high among women in their 40s to 60s, while 'Eating while thinking it's not good for health' is higher among women in their 40s to 50s.