5 ways to sell more snacks

A recent survey, commissioned by Cheez-It, shows British snackers are keen to switch-up what goes into their baskets – though not at the expense of forgetting their favourite products.

The research demonstrated that while consumers are on the hunt for shiny new products to try, they are surprisingly loyal to the brands and products they already love.

Although three out of 10 people asked said they were bored with their current snacking situation, 24% admitted they’d been buying the same snack for at least a decade. A third of these (32%) said it was for comfort, 22% for convenience, 18% through fear of being disappointed, and 11% admitted they were in a ‘snack rut’. Interestingly, 10% of those asked said they didn’t waver from their usual choice because there was too much choice available to them.

Other key findings included that:

- 77% felt they were on autopilot when they buy snacks.

- 34% wanted to break free from their current snacking cycle.

- 32% admitted to eating the same snack up to five times per week, some up to seven times.

- 50% felt having a snack was something exciting to look forward to during the day.

- 16% thought it was ‘cheating’ to deviate from their usual snack, but it gives them a ‘thrill’ to try something new.

- When it comes to exploring within the snacking world, those asked were more likely to switch from their familiar favourite to sample a limited-edition flavour (22%) or products offering extra crunch (20%).

Here are just a few ways retailers can encourage their customers to get out of their snacking comfort zone:

1. Sampling – Being able to sample products is the best (and most tried and tested) way of encouraging shoppers to explore something new to them . Whether it’s a recent launch, an unusual flavour profile, something whacky (crunchy insect snacks) or a brand you’ve stocked for a long time which you feel needs a bit of promotional love, handing out testers gives your customers the opportunity to decide if they really like something before parting with their cash, giving them the confidence to buy.

2. Spark up a bit of competition - Gamify snack buying by encouraging shoppers to vote for their favourites (from a chosen few) in a social poll. Putting promotions on a variety of included products is a fun way to create engagement, while shining a spotlight on the breadth of your range.

3. Encourage snack switching – While some will never be fully swayed away from their most loved brands, they might be open to switching between their usual option and something different. A nice merchandising idea in store (which would also work on socials) is to bring together a few snack products for sampling, with members of staff on hand to advise customers which they might enjoy depending on their current snacking choices. This could be as simple as switching from a ‘supermarket’ crisp brand to an artisan alternative, or exploring texture and flavours. For example, if they love meaty crisps, would they be open to trying biltong or snacking salamis?

4. Drink pairings – Matching snacks with drinks is all the rage – especially crisps and wine. Upsell in the drinks aisle by making suggestions (alongside beer, wine, cider and cocktail tasting notes) of ideal snacking partners. Posh prawn cocktail crisps with Champagne or sparkling wine, for example, anything spicy with craft lager, and cheese-flavoured snacks with farmhouse cider.

5. Expand your options – What consumers want from snacking has changed. As well as the usual crisps and nuts, they’re thinking more than ever before about their wellbeing, and how what they eat impacts their health. So, in addition to the usual suspects, be sure to meet their needs with an extensive array of different things to try. Popular choices at the moment include freeze-dried fruit, healthier cereal and oat bars, protein-rich snacks, individually sized artisan chocolate bars, and chocolate-coated fruit and nuts.