Mondelez International’s 2026 State of Snacking report, produced in partnership with Mintel and Black Swan Data, surveyed consumers across 13+ global markets and analysed millions of online conversations to understand how the world snacks today. One finding stood out with striking clarity: snacking has become the connective tissue of social life. This is especially important for younger generations enjoying summer gatherings – concerts, rooftop hangs, beach days, backyard cookouts.
The Summer Festival Effect
Summer 2026 brings a packed calendar of music festivals, food markets, outdoor cinema, and spontaneous gatherings. And in each of these settings, snacking plays a specific role: it’s the shared ritual that turns a group of people into a group of friends.
In the U.S., 30% of salty snack consumers eat snacks specifically in social situations. 41% of consumers are now replacing full meals with snacks, a number that’s nearly doubled since 2019. When you’re navigating a festival schedule or bouncing between summer plans, a curated snack lineup isn’t just convenient – it’s a meal.
For younger consumers, the appeal is clear: 38% of Americans aged 18–24 say snacking is less stressful than preparing meals, while 57% of those aged 25–34 say snacks offer better value than a full meal.
Snacks Aren’t Optional. They’re Necessary.
More than two-thirds of consumers globally said that snacks are necessary when spending time with friends or family.
That word matters. It tells us that consumers don’t see snacking as a sidebar to the social experience, but as foundational. The snack table isn’t an afterthought at the party. It is the party.
The numbers show this across cultures:
- 86% of Thai adults agree that snacking is a great way to enhance social moments.
- 79% of Indian adults say it’s fun to try new snacks with friends just to see their reactions.
- 62% of French savory snack consumers are more likely to eat snacks when they’re with others than when they’re alone.
- 46% of UK chocolate consumers say socializing prompts them to eat chocolate.
This isn’t a regional trend. It’s a universal human behavior – and summer, with its concentration of social occasions, is when it peaks.
