In recent years, Australia has seen a significant shift in its eating habits. Gone are the days of the traditional three-square meals a day, but instead Australia’s are now enjoying snacking between meals as part of their everyday lifestyle.
According to recent trends, 99% of consumers have snacked in the past two weeks, with Gen Z and Millennials being the most frequent snackers, often replacing meals with snacks.
However, this behaviour is becoming more common among older generations, including Baby Boomers, who typically snack at least once a day.
Australia’s Most Consumed Snacks of 2025
As we enter 2025, Australia’s snack preferences are evolving.
The usual suspects remain familiar with fresh fruit (70%), chocolate (67%), cheese (53%) and crisps (47%). However, consumers are starting to gravitate towards more indulgent options such as sweet biscuits which now occupy the sixth spot (46%), and cakes/sweet baked goods ranking at number 8 (40%).
The demand for snack products has surged, with snack launches accounting for one in every ten food launches in Australia over the last 5 years. However, this number could be arguably much higher, with snacking going well beyond the items found the in the common snack aisle.
Changing Eating Habits
The rulebook on how we ‘should’ eat is being torn up. Approximately 44% of Australian snackers are choosing snacks in place of traditional meals, leading to an increase in nutrient dense snacks hitting the market.
Unlike the previous focus on ‘low fat’ or ‘low sugar’ snacks, the market is now embracing a more balanced approach with a wider range of health attributes.
Gen Z and Millennials in particular are seeking snacks that offer a sustained energy release, support gut heath, muscle development and keep them satiated for longer.
For those that don’t snack as often, snacks are viewed as an important treat moment and consumers are unwilling to compromise on the moments of pleasure and indulgence that come with snacking.
In fact, 35% of Australian consumer eat something indulgent every day. These indulgent snacks offer a sense of escape and comfort, allowing consumers to satisfy cravings and break away from the ordinary.
The ‘Wow’ Factor in Snacking
Indulgence goes beyond just flavour and format, with consumers increasingly looking to get more out of their eating experience. They are looking for snacks that deliver a ‘wow’ factor, offering them something extra to justify their indulgence and provide a perceived value for money.
Whether it’s through contrasting textures or unexpected flavour combinations, snacks are providing a fun and memorable experience for consumers and creating a permissible indulgent occasion.
The Appeal of Portion-Controlled Snacks
Another trend driving the surge in popularity of snacks is the smaller portion size and the on-the-go convenience.
‘Mini’ and ‘bite-sized’ formats have additional appeal as they cater to the health and weight conscious consumers and are suitable for solo snacking.
64% of Australian snackers agree that snacks that are available in single serve packs are an effective way to portion control the amount you eat.
Snacking is Part of Australian Culture
Snacking has become an integral part of the Australian culture and will continue to evolve as new generations become the primary shopper.
Brands are already tailoring their products to meet the generational differences in snacking, to ensure products are catering to both the snacking ritual and meal replacement. Whether they’re designed to provide essential nutrients or offer moments of indulgence, snacks are adapting to fit the diverse lifestyles of today’s consumers.
There is no denying it, snacks are here to stay and will continue to become a more important part of the food landscape in the coming years.
So sit back, grab a snack, and enjoy the ride.
