Potato chips were the snack of choice for consumers in the south of the US.
General Mills has discovered how consumer snack preferences differ from the east coast of the US to the west coast, released as part of new research into the activities and foods American consumers enjoy most during the summer.
According to the Minnesota-based company, granola and protein bars were the most popular lunchbox snacks among consumers in the northeast; overall, nearly a quarter (24%) listed one or the other as their favourite choice.
But 30% of consumers in the south prefer to snack on chips, popcorn, crackers or pretzels. Consumers in the midwest and west coast appear to be the healthiest: 27% of those surveyed opted for fruit and vegetables as their favourite snack.
The information has been released as part of a survey of nearly 1,000 American parents, conducted in partnership with the Box Tops for Education programme – an on-pack coupon scheme operated by General Mills where consumers can earn funds for their local schools.
“We were excited to learn all of the different ways families are enjoying their time together this summer, including how they are snacking,” said Maria Lopez-May, senior manager of the Box Tops for Education scheme for General Mills.
The survey also found that family time dominated consumers’ summer food occasions: back-yard barbecues (50%) and picnics (34%) are the most popular family activity during summer, compared to sporting events on just 15%.
Most US families will keep their summertime activities simple, with many opting for a holiday close to home.
Lopez-May continued: “As families snack this summer, it’s important to remember to clip Box Tops for your local schools. With Box Tops on several new and iconic brands – including Nature Valley granola bars, Annie’s Organic snacks, Chex Mix and more – General Mills offers a variety of options that not only fit into families’ differing interests and latest trends, but also gives back to their local communities.”
America’s K-8 schools have earned more than $840 million through the Box Tops for Education program since it started in 1996, with approximately 32 million households participating last year.
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