Life Today PH

MANILA — Filipino consumers are increasingly turning to snacks for energy, nutrition and satiety, reflecting a broader global shift toward healthier and more mindful snacking behaviors, according to the 2026 State of Snacking Report.

The annual global study conducted by Mintel in partnership with snacks company Mondelēz International surveyed consumers in more than 13 countries, including the Philippines, and examined evolving snacking behaviors and preferences.

The report found that Filipino consumers are among the least likely globally to skip snacking occasions throughout the day.

Only 5 percent of Filipino consumers skip morning snacking, while the same proportion skip afternoon snacking, among the lowest skip rates across countries surveyed.

About 37 percent of Filipino consumers seek energy-boosting snacks in the morning and 30 percent in the afternoon, indicating that snacking plays a functional role in their daily routines.

While Filipino consumers continue to enjoy indulgent snacks, the report found that seeking filling snacks far outweighs indulgence as a primary driver of snacking behavior.

Globally, about four in 10 consumers now actively seek healthier snack options at least some of the time, a trend that has grown since 2022.

The shift is particularly evident among younger consumers, with Gen Z and Millennials increasingly adopting portion-control strategies and prioritizing functional nutrition.

Consumer expectations for better-for-you snacks were also higher in 2025 than in 2022.

In the Philippines, 38 percent of snackers choose snacks that offer nutritional benefits, such as being high in fiber or a source of vitamins.

“These findings confirm what we’ve long believed — more consumers are empowered, informed, and making smarter choices every day,” Corporate and Government Affairs Lead of Mondelēz International in the Philippines Caitlin Punzalan said.

“We as manufacturers are responding to what consumers want: Great taste, transparent nutrition, and appropriate portions. This new consumer demand and resulting industry innovation is a sustainable path to better public health outcomes,” she added.

The report also pointed to voluntary industry reformulation and product improvements as part of the shift toward more mindful snacking.

Mondelēz International said its aim is to offer all its snacks in either individually wrapped portions or with the Mindful Portion label to encourage mindful snacking.

In 2025, approximately 94 percent of the company’s net revenue came from Mindful Portion snacks.

The company also periodically renovates its recipes to address changing consumer expectations without compromising taste or quality.

The report said consumers respond to brand guidance and education on portion sizes, pre-portioned options, clear front-of-pack labeling, product innovation combining taste and nutrition, and voluntary industry commitments to improve products.

It cited Australia, where 62 percent of consumers want more brand guidance and education on portion sizes.

The report said the findings underscore the need for partnership among consumers, manufacturers and other stakeholders in promoting healthier snacking behaviors.

The 2026 State of Snacking Report is an annual study conducted by Mintel in collaboration with Mondelēz International. It draws on consumer surveys across more than 13 countries and AI-powered social media analysis covering millions of online conversations about snacking behaviors and preferences.

Mondelēz International, Inc. empowers people to snack right in over 150 countries around the world with 2025 net revenues of approximately $38.5 billion. It is a proud member of the Standard and Poor’s 500, Nasdaq 100, and Dow Jones Sustainability Index.