Niq Global Intelligence Plc · NYSE:NIQ

Niq Global Intelligence — Snackonomics 3.0 Part II webinar (July 2025)

60 slides from Niq Global Intelligence's conference presentation, Jul 16, 2025

  1. Slide 1: Snackonomics 3.0 Part II: Cravings to consequences

    Snackonomics 3.0 Part II: Cravings to consequences – the economics of modern snacking Chris Costagli Carly Levin Vice President, Food Insights Lead Director, Strategic Thought Leadership © 2025 Nielsen Consumer LLC. All Rights Reserved. Confidential and proprietary

  2. Slide 2: We snack to relieve hunger and for joy, but…

    We snack to relieve hunger and for joy, but… Top Reasons For Snacking Satiate hunger 55% Pleasure 50% Reward 40% Indulgence 40% Source: NIQ, BASES Snackonomics 3.0 Survey, April 2025, n=3,123 Confidential and proprietary © 2025 Nielsen Consumer LLC. All Rights Reserved. 2

  3. Slide 3: …we snack for a lot of other reasons too

    …we snack for a lot of other reasons too… …with disparity in motivation Top Reasons For Snacking Snacking Motivators By Generation Gen Z Millennial Gen X Boomer Habit 35% 130 125 120 Energy 32% 115 110 105 100 Stress 30% 95 90 85 80 Nutrition 25% 75 70 65 60 Energy Reward Hunger Pleasure Boredom Nut

  4. Slide 4: Snackers pay attention to characteristics…

    Snackers pay attention to characteristics… Important Characteristics When Choosing A Snack Natural ingredients 35% High protein 34% Low sugar 32% Not ultra-processed 24% Low calorie 24% High fiber 21% Source: NIQ, BASES Quick Question Omnibus Survey, February 2025, n=1,003 Confidential and proprieta

  5. Slide 5: …but what they are on the lookout for varies

    …but what they are on the lookout for varies Important Characteristics When Choosing A Snack By Generation Gen Z Millennial Gen X Boomer 160 150 140 130 120 110 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 Organic Clean Label Dairy Free Nut Free Gluten Free Locally Sourced Non-GMO Low Sugar Low Calorie No Artific

  6. Slide 6: Ingredients are under the microscope

    Ingredients are under the microscope 25% of snackers say they are looking for snacks free of artificial ingredients like colors, preservatives, and other additives Source: NIQ, BASES Quick Question Omnibus Survey, February 2025, n=1,003 Confidential and proprietary © 2025 Nielsen Consumer LLC. All R

  7. Slide 7: Shoppers are paying attention and enlisting technology

    Shoppers are paying attention and… …younger shoppers are enlisting technology How Shoppers Check For Reassurance Methods Artificial Ingredients By Generation Gen Z Millennial Gen X Boomer Reading ingredient labels 54% 200 Looking for specific claims 36% 150 Checking for certifications 25% 100 Visiti

  8. Slide 8: Apps like Yuka can help inform purchase decisions

    Apps like Yuka, can help inform purchase decisions Source: Yuka Confidential and proprietary © 2025 Nielsen Consumer LLC. All Rights Reserved. 8

  9. Slide 9: Retailers are taking action to help shoppers avoid artificial ingredients

    Retailers are taking action to help their shoppers avoid artificial ingredients Source: Whole Foods, Aldi, & Sephora Confidential and proprietary © 2025 Nielsen Consumer LLC. All Rights Reserved. 9

  10. Slide 10: >91K F&B UPCs use these artificial dyes

    >91K F&B UPCs use these artificial dyes Number Of Food & Beverage Items Selling Containing Artificial Dyes 24,141 22,648 19,067 16,464 5,405 4,129 86 Red Red Blue Blue Yellow 5 Yellow 6 Green Dye 3 Dye 40 Dye 1 Dye 2 Dye 3 Source: NIQ, Retail Measurement Services, Powered By Label Insights, Total US

  11. Slide 11: Snacks have red dye #3 risk and impact was evident after ban

    Snacks have red dye #3 risk and… …impact was evident after ban announced Number Of Items Selling Dollar Sales % Change Containing Red Dye 3 Vs. Year Ago 20% Jan. 15, 2025 FDA bans Red Dye #3 Candy, Gum, & Mints 1,636 15% 10% Baking Supplies 1,016 5% Desserts 842 0% Cookies / Crackers 703 -5% -10% To

  12. Slide 12: C-store is an important outlet for snacks

    C-store is an important outlet for snacks NIQ expects to see further contraction Salty Snack Forecasted C-Store Dollar Sales Contribution Salty Snacks C-Store 115 20% 110 105 100 95 90 85 80 75 Full View All Other 80% 70 2022 2025 2027 Left Source: NIQ, Retail Measurement Services, Total US Full Vie

  13. Slide 13: Shoppers support removing artificial colors

    Shoppers support removing artificial colors Support For Removing Artificial Colors From Food & Beverages Oppose 8% Neutral 24% 36% Strongly support removing artificial colors in food and beverages Support 68% Source: NIQ, BASES Quick Question Omnibus Survey, May 2025, n=1,000 Confidential and propri

  14. Slide 14: Consumers want cleaner labels, cautiously

    Consumers want cleaner labels, cautiously Availability matters to younger shoppers Main Concerns With The Removal Of Concerns Artificial Dyes From Food & Beverages By Generation Gen Z Millennial Gen X Boomer Safety of new ingredients 36% 140 130 Changes in taste or appearance 34% 120 110 Potential i

  15. Slide 15: Artificial ingredients are impacting trust

    Artificial ingredients are impacting trust 18% of shoppers say the FDA’s scrutiny on artificial colors has decreased their trust in brands using these ingredients Source: NIQ, BASES Quick Question Omnibus Survey, May 2025, n=1,000 Confidential and proprietary © 2025 Nielsen Consumer LLC. All Rights

  16. Slide 16: Trust is a brand's most valuable asset

    Trust is a brand’s most valuable asset 41% Of consumers say they have stopped buying a food brand due to a loss of trust 72% Of consumers say they would switch to a different food brand if they lost trust in their current brand Source: NIQ, BASES Quick Question Omnibus Survey, May 2025, n=1,000 Conf

  17. Slide 17: Large food brands have the most trust…

    Large food brands have the most trust… …but younger shoppers trust small brands Trust In Food Brands High Trust In Food Brand Type By Brand Type By Generation Gen Z Millennial Gen X Boomer Low Trust 4.4% 7.8% 5.8% 150 140 Neutral 35.4% 130 45.1% 55.6% 120 110 100 90 High Trust 60.2% 49.1% 80 36.6% 7

  18. Slide 18: Trust starts with quality and value…

    Trust starts with quality and value… …brand legacy does not guarantee trust Factors That Contribute The Most Food Brand Trust Drivers To Food Brand Trust By Generation Gen Z Millennial Gen X Boomer Quality of product 66% 150 140 Quality of ingredients 56% 130 120 110 Value for money 56% 100 90 Consi

  19. Slide 19: Trust erodes fast over quality, price, & size

    Trust erodes fast over quality, price, & size Leading Reasons Food Brand Trust Declined For Some Poor quality / performance 53% Price increase without improvements 48% Downsizing / shrinkage 46% Lack of transparency 40% Negative impact on health 39% Artificial ingredients 39% Source: NIQ, BASES Quic

  20. Slide 20: Getting product claims right is critical…

    Getting product claims right is critical… …and so is the level of claim detail Types Of Product Claims Considered Trustworthy Claim Trustworthiness When Choosing Products By Generation Gen Z Millennial Gen X Boomer Skeptical of all claims 8% 200 Don’t notice / consider claims 9% 180 Depends on the c

  21. Slide 21: There is a path back from broken trust

    There is a path back from broken trust Only 4% of shoppers say there is nothing a brand can do to regain their trust after losing it Source: NIQ, BASES Quick Question Omnibus Survey, May 2025, n=1,000 Confidential and proprietary © 2025 Nielsen Consumer LLC. All Rights Reserved. 21

  22. Slide 22: Leading snacks are what we would expect…

    Leading snacks are what we would expect… Snack Foods Typically Consumed Potato chips 39% Fresh fruit 34% Crackers 33% Popcorn 30% Cookies 29% Pretzels 28% Tortilla chips 26% Ice cream 25% Mixed nuts 25% Peanut butter 25% Source: NIQ, BASES Quick Question Omnibus Survey, July 2025, n=1,020 Confidenti

  23. Slide 23: …but consumers have other snack interests

    …but consumers have other snack interests Other Snacking Food Interests Consumer Interest In Other Snacking Foods Asian Hispanic Gen Z Boomer 220 200 180 160 Edamame Dumplings Queso 140 120 100 80 60 40 20 Croissants Applesauce Leftovers Seaweed Devlied Pistachios Rice Licorice Charcuterie snacks eg

  24. Slide 24: Most consumers use beverages as a snack

    Most consumers use beverages as a snack Beverages Typically Consumed As Or In Place Of A Snack Soft drinks 28% Fruit juice 24% Iced tea 23% Tap water 22% Still water 21% Hot coffee 20% Lemonade 17% Smoothies 16% 12% Protein shakes 15% Do not consider beverages a Hot tea 14% snack Source: NIQ, BASES

  25. Slide 25: Snackable drinks range from milk to mocktails

    Snackable drinks range from milk to mocktails Other Snackable Beverage Interests Consumer Interest In Other Beverage Snacks Lower income Middle income Upper income 160 150 140 130 120 Milk Specialty coffee Arnold Palmer 110 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 Bone broth Bubble tea Meal Replacements Sports Spar

  26. Slide 26: Convenience and protein drive interest

    Convenience and protein drive interest… …especially with younger consumers Use Of Meal Replacement Items Like Breakfast Meal Replacement Usage Bars Or Shakes In Place Of Breakfast By Generation Gen Z Millennial Gen X Boomer 180 Use occasionally when 23% short on time 160 140 Use regularly 17% 120 10

  27. Slide 27: Healthy homemade snacks are on the menu

    Healthy homemade snacks are on the menu Typical Homemade Snacks Hard-boiled eggs 30% Sliced fruit with nut butter 26% Chips 23% Baked goods 22% Crackers 22% Sliced veggies with dip 16% Greek yogurt toppings 15% Trail mix 15% Smoothies or smoothie bowls 15% Granola or protein bars 13% Source: NIQ, BA

  28. Slide 28: Healthy homemade snacks are resonating…

    Healthy homemade snacks are resonating… …and driving disproportionate growth… Consumer Interest In Other Cottage Cheese Sales Homemade Snacks Performance African American Asian Hispanic Caucasian Dollars Units 13% 240 220 Snack on cottage cheese 18.1% 200 13.6% $1.8Bn 180 160 $1.5Bn 140 $1.3Bn 120 1

  29. Slide 29: Scarcity and urgency create demand

    Scarcity and urgency create demand 41% of snackers say they buy more snacks when limited time or seasonal options are available Source: NIQ, BASES Quick Question Omnibus Survey, February 2025, n=1,003 Confidential and proprietary © 2025 Nielsen Consumer LLC. All Rights Reserved. 29

  30. Slide 30: Winter drives seasonal snack innovation

    Winter drives seasonal snack innovation Share Of Limited Time Or Seasonal Snacking Innovation Fall 24% 34% 36% 34% Summer 8% Orange Creme Blueberry Lemon Spring 12% 12% 9% 14% 16% 14% 12% Winter 56% 38% 41% 40% 2021 2022 2023 2024 White Chocolate Cinnamon Pecan Peppermint Source: NIQ Innovation Meas

  31. Slide 31: Major events are a snacking opportunity

    Major events are a snacking opportunity Food Plans For The Super Bowl In 2025 Ready-made only Homemade only 37% 46% 75% Of respondents planned to watch the Super Bowl this year Both homemade and ready-made 17% Source: NIQ, BASES Quick Question Omnibus Survey, January 2025, n=1,001 Confidential and p

  32. Slide 32: Super Bowl snacks lean toward indulgence…

    Super Bowl snacks lean toward indulgence… …but there is room for healthy options too Most-Purchased Foods For Super Bowl Food The Super Bowl All about indulgence 41% Chips, Dip, Salsa Frozen Appetizers Fresh Produce Include fruits, veggies, 59% and low-calorie options Burgers, Hot Dogs, Food Plans B

  33. Slide 33: With seasonal events, brands can learn from consumers

    With seasonal events, brands can learn a lot from consumers Importance Of Themed Items What Brands Get Wrong About Prioritization For Halloween For Valentine’s Day 4th Of July Marketing Purchasing This Year Important Not Important Assuming everyone 130 celebrates the same way 32% 120 49% 46% 52% 110

  34. Slide 34: Consider the claims that matter

    Consider the claims that matter During the week of Halloween, snacks that state “peanut-free” grow sales 2.8X faster than snacks overall Source: NIQ, Retail Measurement Services, Total US Full View, 4 Weeks Ending 11/2/2025, Powered By Label Insights Note: Comparison made versus the prior 4-week per

  35. Slide 35: Are you thinking about snacking moments?

    Are you thinking about snacking moments? Other Snacking Moments Graduation Prom Weddings Diwali Dia de los Muertos Chinese New Year Confidential and proprietary © 2025 Nielsen Consumer LLC. All Rights Reserved. 35

  36. Slide 36: GLP-1 usage is not black & white…

    GLP-1 usage is not black & white… Taking Not Taking GLP-1s GLP-1s Confidential and proprietary © 2025 Nielsen Consumer LLC. All Rights Reserved. 36

  37. Slide 37: GLP-1 users still crave snacks, but…

    GLP-1 users still crave snacks, but… GLP-1 User Cravings For Snacks Never 5.0% Very often 21.0% Rarely 16.0% Often 26.0% Sometimes 32.0% Source: NIQ, BASES Quick Question Omnibus Survey, February 2025, n=1,003 Confidential and proprietary © 2025 Nielsen Consumer LLC. All Rights Reserved. 37

  38. Slide 38: …they are looking for better options

    …they are looking for better options Snack Characteristics That GLP-1 Users Prefer Low sugar 48% High protein 44% Low carbohydrate 36% High fiber 34% Low fat 28% Low calorie 27% Natural ingredients 24% Probiotics 24% No artificial additives 23% Vitamin / mineral rich 21% Source: NIQ, BASES Quick Que

  39. Slide 39: Indulgence still has a place with GLP-1 users

    Indulgence still has a place with GLP-1 users “When I want a cookie, I get the very best one” - Reddit user on GLP-1s for weight loss Source: Reddit Confidential and proprietary © 2025 Nielsen Consumer LLC. All Rights Reserved. 39

  40. Slide 40: Consumption evolves on the GLP-1 journey…

    Consumption evolves on the GLP-1 journey… Ounce Consumption Change Among GLP-1 Users Salty Snacks Meat Snacks 90 Days -3% 12% Post Start 180 Days -13% 31% Post Start 270 Days -4% 89% Post Start Source: NIQ, Homescan Panel On Demand, Powered By Label Insights & Management Science Associates, Inc. Con

  41. Slide 41: …and taste preferences change

    …and taste preferences change Ounce Consumption Change Among GLP-1 Users Diet Soft Drinks No Sugar Soft Drinks 90 Days -12% 19% Post Start 180 Days -15% 21% Post Start 270 Days -29% 22% Post Start Source: NIQ, Homescan Panel On Demand, Powered By Label Insights & Management Science Associates, Inc.

  42. Slide 42: Characteristics that matter, win

    Characteristics that matter, win Ounce Consumption Change Among GLP-1 Users, 270 Days Post-Start Probiotics 199% Digestive Aid 43% No Artificial Sweeteners 27% Vegan 18% Natural Sweeteners 7% Ultra Processed -4% Source: NIQ, Homescan Panel On Demand, Powered By Label Insights & Management Science As

  43. Slide 43: GLP-1 users over-contribute where value is…

    GLP-1 users over-contribute where value is… GLP-1 User Contribution To Muscle Health Claim Growth Muscle Health Claim Sales Growth +$254.3M 43.1% Of sales 4.5% Of households Source: NIQ, Homescan Panel On Demand, Powered By Label Insights, Total Panel, Total Outlet, P1 = 3/5/2023- 3/2/2024, P2 = 3/3

  44. Slide 44: ..and that propels the products that deliver

    ..and that propels the products that deliver Ounce Consumption Change Among GLP-1 Users Traditional Yogurt Greek Yogurt 6% 90 Days +0 Pts. Post Start 6% 25% 180 Days +6 Pts. Post Start 31% 23% 270 Days +65 Pts. Post Start 88% Source: NIQ, Homescan Panel On Demand, Powered By Label Insights & Managem

  45. Slide 45: The value proposition may look different…

    The value proposition may look different… ….because GLP-1 user needs are different Candy, Gum, & Mints Purchase Trends Vs. Year Ago Non-Users GLP-1 Users 4% Dollar sales 22% -2% Unit sales 19% 5% 29% Dollar buy rate 9% Larger for GLP-1 users 5% 9% Dollars per trip 7% Larger for GLP-1 users 0% 18% Tr

  46. Slide 46: Snacks play a role in long-term health goals...

    Snacks play a role in long-term health goals... …Millennials and Boomers think differently Importance Of Snacking When It Comes To Snacking Importance In Longevity Achieving Long-Term Health Goals By Generation Gen Z Millennial Gen X Boomer Not at all important 5% Not very important 250 10% Extremel

  47. Slide 47: Indulgence and longevity are connected…

    Indulgence and longevity are connected… …but not for Boomers Role Of Indulgence In The Context Of Longevity View Of Indulgence And Longevity By Generation Gen Z Millennial Gen X Boomer Balance healthy with indulgence 33% 140 130 Seek better-for-you indulgence 21% 120 110 Indulgence is a reward mecha

  48. Slide 48: Many product claims signal longevity

    Many product claims signal longevity Claims That Signal Long-Term Health Support High protein 45% High fiber 39% Heart healthy 36% Supports healthy Supports Clean label aging metabolic health No added sugar 32% Promotes gut health 29% Supports immune health 27% Rich in antioxidants 26% Anti-inflamma

  49. Slide 49: Spot the next big trend

    Spot the next big trend 1 Cross-category adoption 2 Retailer & foodservice uptake 3 Claim clustering 4 Social virality Confidential and proprietary © 2025 Nielsen Consumer LLC. All Rights Reserved. 49

  50. Slide 50: Wellness comes at a cost, some can't afford

    Wellness comes at a cost, some can’t afford Snack Unit Price With Claim Compared To Total Snacking Price 198% 57% 34% 25% 10% Immune Digestive Fiber Protein Heart health health health Source: NIQ, Panel On Demand, Omnishopper, Powered By Label Insights, Total Panel, Total Outlet, 52 Weeks Ending 7/2

  51. Slide 51: SNAP reductions will impact consumers

    SNAP reductions will impact consumers Main Concern About SNAP Benefit Reductions Difficulty affording enough food 28.1% Health and well-being 13.4% Increased food insecurity 12.9% Budgeting challenges 12.5% Access to fresh produce 10.7% Impact on nutritional quality 9.8% Dependence on additional ass

  52. Slide 52: SNAP benefit reductions will trigger tough choices

    SNAP benefit reductions will trigger tough choices F&B Purchase Adjustments Other Adjustments Due To SNAP Benefit Reduction Due To SNAP Benefit Reduction Buy less food 31% Skip meals 26% Shop low cost retailer more 28% Rely on food banks more 25% Buy less non-essential F&B 27% Plan meals more carefu

  53. Slide 53: Causing a ripple effect across the industry

    Causing a ripple effect across the industry Unit Sales & Change During Previous SNAP Benefit Reduction Non-SNAP HHs SNAP HHs 2.6% Home Care -3.2% 1.2% Health & Beauty 4.2% -1.1% General Merch. -6.1% 3.3% Food & Beverage -2.4% 3.1% Alcohol -17.2% Source: NIQ Homescan Panel SNAP Survey, Total Outlets

  54. Slide 54: New state-level SNAP legislation will create challenges

    New state-level SNAP legislation will create challenges Iowa Garden Seeds, Sugar Nebraska Sweetened Beverages, some Soft Drinks and Energy Candy, some Snacks Drinks Indiana Idaho Candy and Soft Drinks Candy and Soft Drinks Utah Soft Drinks Arkansas Soft Drinks, Unhealthy Drinks, Candy, some Fruit &

  55. Slide 55: SNAP waivers have broad impact potential on restricted categories

    SNAP waivers have broad impact potential on restricted categories Product Scope: Soft Drinks Energy Drinks Candy Current Impact Amount of SNAP dollars spend on restricted categories in Arkansas, Iowa, Idaho, Indiana, $418 M Nebraska, and Utah Potential Impact Of All States Considering SNAP Waivers T

  56. Slide 56: Soft drinks and candy have the most risk…

    Soft drinks and candy have the most risk… …especially in Indiana Share Of $418 Million Impact SNAP Household Spending (Arkansas, Iowa, Idaho, Indiana, Nebraska, and Utah) By States With Waivers Soft drinks Candy Energy drinks Energy drinks 4% $44M Arkansas $30M Soft drinks 59% $32M Iowa $14M $14M $2

  57. Slide 57: Support SNAP households by turning habit shifts into your competitive edge

    Support SNAP households by turning habit shifts into your competitive edge Buy less food Cut back on non-essentials Reduction Skip meals Shop low-cost retailer Buy more Private Label Habit Shift Seek deals Source: NIQ, BASES Quick Question Omnibus Survey, February 2025 n=1,003 Confidential and propr

  58. Slide 58: Snacking is personal, behavioral, and one bad ingredient from betrayal

    Snacking is personal, behavioral, and one bad ingredient from betrayal Snacking is personal, Snacking is a behavior, What’s in your snack Trust is your biggest one size feeds none not a category could break your brand asset and biggest risk Future of snacking is modular, Future of snacking will be F

  59. Slide 59: The future of snacking is intentional, inclusive, and redefined by need

    The future of snacking is intentional, inclusive, and redefined by need GLP-1 users didn’t Indulgence isn’t the As SNAP benefits shrink, quit; they got smarter enemy of longevity snack aisle must stretch The future of snacking is about The future of snacking will be Future of snacking will be the jo

  60. Slide 60: Thank you

    Thank you Chris Costagli Vice President, Food Insights Lead Chris.Costagli@NielsenIQ.com Carly Levin Director, Strategic Thought Leadership Carly.Levin@NielsenIQ.com © 2025 Nielsen Consumer LLC. All Rights Reserved. Confidential and proprietary

NIQ Global Intelligence — Snackonomics 3.0 Part II webinar (July 2025) on 6ix