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futureofromania

Insight of the Day: Craving, the main reason why Romanians snack between meals

Findings:

  • 39% of Romanians consume snacks daily, and 41% do so several times a week.

  • Women (45%) are more likely to snack than men (33%).

  • The most popular snack choices are sweet (58%), salty (56%), and healthy (37%).

  • People over 55 and those in urban areas prefer healthier snacks.

  • Craving (65%) is the main reason for snacking, especially among Generation Z (79%).

  • People aged 35-44 snack to maintain energy levels during the day (35%).

  • 34% of Romanians prefer snacks with health benefits like energy or immunity.

  • Most Romanians buy snacks from supermarkets and hypermarkets (72%).

Key Takeaway: Romanians, especially younger generations, snack primarily out of craving, though there is a growing interest in healthier snack options, particularly among higher-income, urban dwellers.

Trend: Increased consumption of snacks, with a shift towards healthier choices as people become more health-conscious.

Consumer Motivation:

  • Cravings and convenience (main motivation for Generation Z).

  • Energy maintenance (main motivation for people aged 35-44).

  • Health benefits such as energy and immunity.

What is Driving the Trend:

  • A greater awareness of health and wellness, particularly in urban areas where access to information and healthy products is easier.

  • A growing focus on convenience and quick energy fixes, especially for younger generations and busy professionals.

Who the Article Refers To:

  • Consumers: Primarily Romanians who snack between meals.

  • Demographics: Generation Z (18-25 years old), working adults aged 35-44, and people over 55.

  • Characteristics: Predominantly urban, with higher income levels showing a preference for healthier snacks.

Description of Products: The article refers to snacks, which are typically divided into:

  • Sweet snacks (58%) – biscuits, chocolates, and other sweet treats.

  • Salty snacks (56%) – chips, pretzels, etc.

  • Healthy snacks (37%) – nuts, seeds, fruit-based products.

Conclusions: Snacking is deeply ingrained in Romanian food culture, driven by cravings and convenience. However, there is a rising interest in healthier snacks, especially among the urban and older populations. Brands have the opportunity to align their products with health-conscious trends.

Implications for Brands:

  • Brands should develop products that cater to cravings while incorporating health benefits (energy-boosting, immunity-enhancing ingredients).

  • Focus marketing efforts on younger consumers (Gen Z) and urban areas where health-consciousness is higher.

  • Promote snack products that provide both indulgence and health benefits to capture different segments of consumers.

Implications for Society:

  • Increasing focus on health and wellness may lead to better dietary habits over time.

  • However, cravings remain a dominant factor, which could perpetuate unhealthy eating behaviors if not balanced with healthier options.

Implications for Consumers:

  • Consumers are becoming more aware of the importance of health, particularly when choosing snacks.

  • There is an opportunity for consumers to make better-informed decisions, especially as more health-centric snack options become available.

Implications for the Future:

  • The future will likely see more innovation in snack products that balance indulgence with health benefits, reflecting broader health and wellness trends.

  • Growth in healthier, functional snacks will continue, driven by an aging population and a more health-conscious youth.

Consumer Trend:

  • Health-conscious snacking, with a focus on functional benefits like energy and immunity.

Consumer Sub-Trend:

  • Urban dwellers and higher-income individuals opting for healthier snack options.

Big Social Trend:

  • Wellness and health-conscious living are becoming central themes in food consumption choices.

Local Trend:

  • In Romania, cravings are still a key driver of snacking, but there is an increasing awareness of the importance of health, especially in urban areas.

Worldwide Social Trend:

  • A global shift toward health and wellness, with consumers demanding more functional foods that contribute to their well-being.

Name of the Big Trend Implied by Article:

  • Health-conscious convenience: The need for quick, convenient snacks that provide both enjoyment and health benefits.

Name of Big Social Trend Implied by Article:

  • Wellness lifestyle: The growing societal focus on health and wellness in daily living, including food choices.

Social Drive:

  • Cravings and indulgence still dominate, but the health and wellness movement is influencing consumer behavior and product development.

Strategy Recommendations for Companies to Follow in 2025:

  1. Product Innovation: Create snacks that meet both indulgent and health-conscious desires (e.g., low-sugar, high-protein, or immune-boosting snacks).

  2. Health Focused Branding: Emphasize health benefits like energy boosting, immune support, and natural ingredients in marketing efforts.

  3. Personalization: Offer personalized snack options targeting different consumer groups, such as Gen Z (craving-driven) and older generations (health-conscious).

  4. Sustainability & Transparency: Focus on sustainable packaging and transparent ingredient sourcing to meet the growing demand for eco-friendly and clean-label products.

  5. Omnichannel Distribution: Leverage both online and offline channels to reach consumers, particularly targeting urban markets where health trends are most prominent.

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