People spending over £1,000 a year on snacks during cost of living crisis

Research shows that UK families are spending £1,200 a year on snacks despite the current financial crisis many are facing.

The Glasgow Standard went to see how much we could spend on cheap foods compared to more expensive and heathier alternatives.

The study by Cracker brand Jacobs found that people are spending a fifth of their total food budget on snacks.

Following our experiment, where we revealed that for the same price you can buy double the amount of crisps, chocolate and fizzy juice compared to fruits and smoothies, experts say the issue shows no sign of stopping.

Catherine Canning, who studies consumer behaviour at Glasgow Caledonian University, said: “As a nation we have always loved snacking – snacks originally came about because consumers were ‘time poor’ and had disposable income.

“What we saw over lockdown was the rise of snacking as we indulged in more Netflix and other ways to reduce boredom.

“In March 2023, the cost of food has invariably changed things – some experts reckon we eat snacks because we are hungry or not getting enough nutrition from our meals, but I also know that snacking is a comfort habit, not always a good one!

“So I think it can be an issue if people are snacking on sweet, sugary carbs and not eating the healthier versions, nuts, fruit, nut butters. Research shows as we are coming out of the pandemic, consumers continue to snack.

“What we can see is a trend where some consumers are focusing on health and in contrast, in Scotland we have the challenges of obesity, heart disease etc.”

Healthy living involves being both active and eating well.

Missing a meal could also mean missing out on essential nutrients. 55% of consumers replace a meal with a snack.

With people cutting back on costs, it’s no wonder many are replacing nutritious meals with filler foods.