Nearly 8 in 10 pub-goers buy packaged snacks (food not from the kitchen), with 1 in 5 of these consumers doing so during every or most visits. Crucially, almost two thirds will make in-venue snacking decisions. A further 1 in 5 know the type of snack they want before visiting, but not the brand. This signposts an enhanced opportunity for success by increasing visibility at the point of sale and projecting the right message to connect with the snacking audience.
The data suggests pub snacking remains steady even amid uncertain economic conditions, with around half of consumers stating they don’t expect their buying behaviour to change over the next 12–18 months. This level of consumer confidence reinforces the reliability of the snacking out-of-home revenue stream.
Interestingly, Gen Z are particularly engaged with pub snacking. Their approval signals optimism, given this demographic already represents 25% of the global population and is forecast to become the wealthiest generation. Their openness to trying different flavours and formats sets them apart from other age groups. For all these reasons, brands with an understanding of Gen Z’s motivations and behaviours are well-placed to secure both short- and long-term wins.
Affluent snackers, defined as those earning £50k+ annually, spend an average of £68 more per month in the out-of-home market than their non-affluent counterparts, making them a crucial demographic to understand and target marketing efforts towards.
So, what are today’s pub-goers nibbling?
Crisps, nuts, and pork scratchings dominate the pub-snacking repertoire. All the same, there’s space to diversify beyond these traditional options and flavours, particularly for younger and more adventurous audiences. But there’s a curveball to work around- the biggest barrier to purchase isn’t price… many consumers just don’t think about snacks when ordering drinks.
This insight alone is actionable for suppliers and operators alike, suggesting a focus on promotions, alignment with big trends (for example health and wellness), and product visibility can shift habits and encourage more spontaneous purchases.
The implications for suppliers are clear. A deeper understanding of consumer expectations, preferences, and spending behaviours can support the development of more compelling sales stories for wholesalers, enable better menu planning for operators, and ultimately help brands and venues grow business together.
Andrew Hodgson, CGA by NIQ’s Client Business Partner – Foodservice commented: “Pubs are a key part of UK culture, and snacks are a key part of the pub experience. We have found that the opportunities for success aren’t just in understanding what people eat, but knowing when and why they buy, as well as why they won’t. This gives suppliers and operators the tools to make smarter decisions about range, promotion, and placement. At the end of the day, understanding these behavioural drivers can support and promote connection with consumers and shape snacking habits before they’re fully formed.”
Andrew Hodgson, CGA by NIQ’s Client Business Partner – Foodservice commented: “Pubs are a key part of UK culture, and snacks are a key part of the pub experience. We have found that the opportunities for success aren’t just in understanding what people eat, but knowing when and why they buy, as well as why they won’t. This gives suppliers and operators the tools to make smarter decisions about range, promotion, and placement. At the end of the day, understanding these behavioural drivers can support and promote connection with consumers and shape snacking habits before they’re fully formed.”
New report from CGA by NIQ, Food Insights Spotlight Report: Snacking in Pubs 2025, provides valuable insights to help strengthen customer relationships, drive sales, and build snacking offerings to meet the demands and preferences of the contemporary consumer. The report sets out the big trends and evolving consumer expectations, as well as the barriers preventing consumers from out-of-home snacking. CGA by NIQ empowers manufacturers, suppliers, and operators with the consumer insights needed to adapt and succeed in this rapidly evolving market. To learn more, contact the CGA by NIQ experts here.
