Consumer Uncertainty and Resilience Redefine F&B Consumption

Traditional lines between meals and snacks are blurring as customers seek out versatile, convenient options amid economic uncertainties, according to Circana’s 40th annual “Eating Patterns in America” report. The study analyzed more than $1.7 trillion spent on more than 618 billion eating and drinking occasions finding that the gap between snacking occasions and meal-replacement snacking continues to shrink, with 462 annual snacking occasions now occurring during mealtimes compared to 789 between meals.

“Consumers value the convenience, quality and experience that top-performing restaurant operators provide,” David Portalatin, senior vice president and industry advisor for Food and Foodservice at Circana told Modern Restaurant Management (MRM) magazine. “Growth in visits to fast casual restaurants, on-premises occasions, and the convenience of ordering digital and for delivery are all examples of growth spots in the restaurant landscape.”

Additionally, the…