US Snacking in Foodservice Industry Report 2019

Everything you need to make the right decisions

Providing the most comprehensive and up-to-date information and analysis of the Snacking in Foodservice market, and the behaviours, preferences and habits of the consumer.

Mintel has the answers you’re looking for

What are the key challenges facing the industry? Who is the consumer and what do they want? Where are the opportunities, where are the risks and what lies ahead?

Covered in this report

The purpose of this report is to analyze consumer behaviors and
attitudes towards MTO (made-to-order) snacks in foodservice that
includes both traditional restaurants and specialty snack shops.
Snacking frequency and habits from a retail perspective will also
be discussed and highlighted.

Mintel has used the following
restaurant definitions:

QSRs (quick-service restaurants) – Used interchangeably with “fast food,” QSRs specialize in inexpensive, convenient meals that are less expensive than those available at fast casuals. There is typically no waiter service and no alcoholic beverages. Examples include: McDonald’s, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Taco Bell, Wendy’s, and Pizza Hut.

Fast casual restaurants – These establishments are characterized by a higher price point than QSRs, though not as high as full-service restaurants, and emphasize customization. Fast casuals may or may not offer limited table service or alcohol. Examples include: Chipotle, Panera Bread and Shake Shack.

LSRs (limited-service restaurants) – These establishments provide foodservices where customers usually select and order items and pay before dining. Food/drink may be consumed on the premises, offered as carryout, or delivered to the customer’s location. These may also sell alcoholic beverages. LSRs include both QSRs and fast casual restaurants.

FSRs (full-service restaurants) – These establishments have waiter/waitress service in which customers order and are served while seated. These may also sell alcoholic beverages and offer carryout services and include the restaurant segments: midscale, casual dining, and fine dining.

Convenience stores (C-stores) – Convenience stores are establishments that retail a limited line of goods, primarily groceries and ready-to-consume beverages and snacks, in easily accessible locations. The majority of convenience stores also sell gasoline.

Frequent Snacker – An individual who purchases MTO snacks four
or more times a week (See Foodservice Snacking Frequency).

Infrequent Snacker– An individual who purchases MTO snacks
once a week.

Expert analysis from a specialist in the field

Written by Hannah Spencer, a leading analyst in the Foodservice sector, her extensive knowledge delivers in-depth commentary and analysis to highlight current trends and add expert context to the numbers.

Americans love to snack, with increased usage being driven consumers’ busy schedules, interest in health, and eating on-the-go. This represents a robust opportunity for operators to cater to this eating occasion by offering craveable, affordable, and portable options. LSR (limited-service restaurant) operators are in an excellent position to capitalize on consumer interest in better-for-you options that have functional benefits and are meal replacements. FSR (full-service restaurant) operators should capitalize on interest in bar menus/specials and shareable items to boost incremental sales outside of traditional mealtimes.

Hannah Spencer
Foodservice Analyst