One in four Brits have been stuck in a snack loop for more than 10 years – grabbing the same tired treats time and time again, here’s how to expand your taste buds and try something new
Brits are reaching for the same old snacks time and again. A survey of 2,000 adults revealed that a whopping 77% are on ‘autopilot’ when they hit the snack aisle, mindlessly putting the same items into their basket each visit. A third confess to eating the same snack up to five times a week, with one in five admitting to doing so seven times.
While two-thirds are proud to be loyal to their favourite snack, a third admit they are fed up with their predictable choices. Yet, fear of disappointment keeps many from trying something new, with 18% anxious that a new snack won’t live up to its expectations.
The study was commissioned by Cheez-It, who has partnered with Drag Queen, Baga Chipz MBE, to encourage Brits to have a ‘cheesy affair’ and shake up their snack routine.
Baga Chipz said: “Let’s be honest babes, we’ve all been stuck with the same boring snack – day in, day out. It’s time to stop being loyal to something that’s not giving what it needs to give! I’m here to say: cheat on your usual nibble and have a little flirt with something new. Life’s too short for bland snacks – let’s make snack time fabulous, crunchy, and a little bit naughty.”
Those who remain faithful to their favourite snacks said they would choose them over anything else. The survey found these Brits are more devoted to their go-to snack than even their favourite takeaway.
Interestingly, 12% of people value their go-to snack more than their local pub or favourite telly programme. However, a shake-up in the snack department might be just what Brits are craving, with 34% keen to break away from their usual nibbles and a whopping 49% on the prowl for something more satisfying.
Of those eager to try something new, a fifth would heed Baga Chips’ advice and ‘cheat’ on their regular snack if it was a limited edition or had an extra-crunchy texture. For 17% they would stray for something spicy, and the same number are easily tempted by extra cheese.
A spokesperson for Cheez-It said: “Snack time should never be boring, but our research shows that Brits have gotten too comfortable with their same old choices. We’re asking snackers to try a cheezy bit on the side for some extra snackisfaction.
“What’s the worst that could happen? You might just find a brie-lliant new snack to brighten up your day.”
TOP TIPS TO TRY A NEW SNACK
- Flavour Dating: Give new snacks at least three tries before deciding they’re not for you
- Snack Switching: Don’t ditch your old fave all at once — alternate between your classic and something new
- Snack and Sip: Pair your new snack with a new drink — iced coffee, fancy cocktail, herbal tea
- Texture Twists: Focus on trying new textures, not just new flavours
- The Mood Match: Think about what mood you’re in — Go for a punchy flavour if you’re feeling bold
