The history of snacking, also called the evolution of snacks in the United States, spans just over 75 years. The craving for something sweet, salty, or fatty was the primary catalyst. One of the first products to appear was a tin of potato chips (not a bag).
The Early Days
The National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C., reveals that between 1950 and 2000, the country transformed into a nation of “snackers.”
Between 1978 and 1983, records show a surge in the number of new food products (appetizers, bakery items, candy, gum, snacks, and condiments) alongside an increase in the population’s Body Mass Index (BMI).
Sporting Events and Vehicles
Another major influence on consumption was the first Super Bowl in 1967. The event, centered around watching a game on television, turned comfort food and snacks into the main course. Additionally, the event lasts at least a couple of hours, encouraging continuous grazing. Interestingly, the avocado industry began advertising during halftime in the 1990s, following the start of NAFTA.
What do Ford vehicles and Fritos have in common? Vehicle assembly lines inspired the national-scale production of corn chips. During the same decade of the 1960s, museum records show the emergence of matching bowl sets designed specifically to include dip.
Another intersection between vehicles and snacks occurred when General Motors included cup holders in its models. By 1980, they became a standard feature in new cars, making it easier for people to enjoy food and drinks without spills or splashes.
Nowadays
In 2023, a study titled “Snacking Consumption among Adults in the United States: A Scoping Review” highlighted that snacks are a staple of the American diet, representing approximately 20% of total energy intake. Most U.S. adults consume between one and three snacks per day.
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Old-time favorites: Peanuts and Popcorn
In the late 19th century, circus caravans sold roasted peanuts, which gained massive popularity and a loyal fan base when they made their way into baseball stadiums.
During the same era, street vendors sold popcorn at fairs and parks. Sales of this snack skyrocketed during the Great Depression (1929–1939). The reason? The perfect pairing of popcorn in movie theaters.