Snacking is big business in Northern Ireland

Newly added data on the NI TGI survey reveals the snacking habits of adults. Snacking is big business in Northern Ireland. 83% of adults admit to snacking, compared to 79% in Britain. In addition, almost a quarter of those who snack spend £6 or more a week snacking, compared to only 17% in Britain.

The most popular times of day for snacking are after 8pm (47% of adults), 2-5pm (46%) and mid-morning (45%). Different kinds of food are predominantly snacked on at different times of day. Around breakfast time, relatively healthy foods such as fruit and crackers & bread are most popular for snacking. However, as the day goes on, more pre-packaged and predominantly less healthy snacks become popular, particularly chocolate, crisps and cakes and biscuits.

Hunger, boredom and needing an energy boost are the most common reasons for snacking in the week. The weekend tells a similar story, but wanting to treat oneself becomes another prominent factor.