In a recent survey conducted by CivicScience, 26,279 U.S. adults shared their snacking preferences, revealing intriguing patterns in when people choose to indulge. The survey, which ran from January 1 to March 16, 2025, highlights that the most popular time for snacking is between lunch and dinner, with 28% of respondents favoring this timeframe. Close behind, 27% of participants prefer to snack in the evening after dinner.
Interestingly, late-night snacking appeals to 20% of those surveyed, while 12% opt for a snack between breakfast and lunch. Twelve percent, meanwhile, reported that they rarely or never snack. These findings suggest a strong inclination towards afternoon and evening snacking among the American population.
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Gender differences in snacking habits are minimal, though slightly more men (51%) prefer evening snacking after dinner compared to women, who show a higher preference (54%) for snacking between lunch and dinner. This subtle gender variation underscores the universal appeal of snacking during these times.
Suburban residents emerge as the most frequent snackers, particularly in the evening after dinner, with 43% indulging during this period. This contrasts with city dwellers, who show a more balanced distribution across different snacking times. Rural residents, meanwhile, display a notable preference for evening snacking as well.
Income levels also influence snacking preferences. Those earning under $30,000 are more inclined to snack late at night, with 30% choosing this time. This trend diminishes as income increases, suggesting that financial constraints might influence snacking habits.
Age-wise, older adults aged 65 and above show a preference for evening snacking after dinner, with 27% favoring this time. They also have the highest percentage of individuals who rarely or never snack, at 22%. This contrasts with younger age groups, who are more likely to snack late at night.
Parental status reveals that grandparents are particularly fond of evening snacking after dinner, with 29% indulging during this time. Parents and non-parents exhibit similar snacking habits, indicating that family responsibilities might not significantly impact snacking preferences.
Overall, the survey paints a vivid picture of America’s snacking culture, highlighting the diverse factors that influence when people choose to snack. These insights offer a glimpse into the daily routines and preferences of different demographic groups, shedding light on the complex interplay between lifestyle and snacking habits.
This article’s data comes solely from CivicScience’s database, which contains nearly 700,000 poll questions and 5 billion consumer insights. Our AI content creation tool, DataScribe, supported the article.
