Summer Snack Psyche: New Wasa Survey Reveals Majority of Travelling Americans Give Themselves a "Free Pass" to Snack on Whatever, But May Come at an Unhealthy Price

Wasa Summer Snack Strategies Let You Have Your Snack and Eat It Too

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Jun 07, 2017, 08:00 ET

CHICAGO, June 7, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Now that summer is almost here, Americans are ramping up their travel plans and working up an appetite while on-the-go, but they may be in need of some healthier snack options. Wasa (pronounced "vah-sah"), the world's largest and most renowned baker of crispbread, commissioned a survey looking into America's summer snack psyche. They found that 83 percent of Americans admit to giving themselves a snacking "free pass" when traveling. That "free pass" may come at a price in the form of snacks that are high in sugar and fat, leaving them unsatisfied and experiencing feelings of regret.

In fact, Americans often let their snack guard down when hunger pangs are too intense to resist, but in hindsight, most wish they hadn't given in. Additionally, the survey found 84 percent of Americans have experienced a "snack regret" with millennials (92%) feeling the most burden of their poor snack choices. Many give into cravings by overindulging or choosing unhealthy snacks. While cravings may be fulfilled for the moment, "snack regret" kicks into high gear when one remains hungry and unsatisfied – mentally and physically.

The survey also found that in the summer most Americans (84 percent) wouldn't visit places without bringing along a snack – think the beach, a bike ride and hiking – so if a snack is going to be packed, Wasa recommends choosing an option with nutritious, high-quality ingredients to fuel those summer activities.

As a no regret snack perfect for satisfying hunger throughout the day, Wasa has developed summer snack strategies inspired by its latest survey:

Summer Snack Strategies by Wasa

Reimagine Snacks for No Regrets – Americans mainly experience "snack regret" when overindulging on their snacks (51 percent), or when their snacks are unhealthy (40 percent). Wasa has reinvented many "free pass" snacks – the often sweet and salty ones we crave – by incorporating high fiber, protein and other healthier options. Wasa's creamy chocolate "cookie" uses Wasa Crisp 'n Light 7 Grains topped with chocolate yogurt and sprinkled with mini white and chocolate chips. More reinvented recipes can be found here.
Mind Your Snack Attack Ps and Qs – More than half of Americans take snacks along to popular summer destinations including the beach (64 percent) and hiking (56 percent). When considering snacks in these scenarios, think Ps and Qs – portability, packability, quality and quantity. As you pack for your next summer adventure, fill up light-weight bento boxes filled with Wasa crackers and various topping such as meats, cheese and dips to fuel your adventure and enjoy while on the go.
Know Your Snacking Hour – While 72 percent of Americans say their summer "snacking hour" hits mid-day, a majority of employed Americans (72%) also report they frequently end up snacking rather than taking a full lunch break at work. By being prepared for your snacking hour or hours, you can fight the dreaded "hangry" feeling. Consider a snack prep Sunday before the week ahead – slice vegetables and fruit, pack portable spreads like hummus and nut butters, pack in portable containers and grab & go without a second thought. As mid-day approaches, you'll have all the necessities for a satisfying and healthy snack.
Control Your "Snack Persona" – When it comes to their TV genre "snacking persona," 42 percent of Americans describe theirs as reality TV – their snacking choices are spontaneous. While summer is all about spontaneity and freedom, a spontaneous "snack persona" can lead to unplanned snacking, and potentially "snack regret." While your favorite reality shows come back into play this summer, aim for a more calculated snacking schedule to keep you full, focused and in control.

About The Survey
The Wasa Survey was conducted by Wakefield Research (www.wakefieldresearch.com) among 1,000 nationally representative U.S. adults ages 18+, between May 8^th and 15^th, 2017, using an email invitation and an online survey. Quotas have been set to ensure reliable and accurate representation of the U.S. adult population 18 and over. Results of any sample are subject to sampling variation. The magnitude of the variation is measurable and is affected by the number of interview and the level of the percentages expressing the results. For the interviews conducted in this particular study, the chances are 95 in 100 that a survey result does not vary, plus or minus, by more than 3.1 percentage points from the result that would be obtained if interviews had been conducted with all persons in the universe represented by the sample.

About Wasa
Since 1919, all-natural Wasa (pronounced "Vah-sah") has been the world's most renowned and largest baker of all-natural, whole grain crispbread. As for its name, Wasa is associated with the name of the Swedish king Gustav Vasa and was picked by Wasa founder Karl Lundström to create an easily recognizable brand for all Swedes. Based in Stockholm, Sweden, since 1999 Wasa has been owned by the Barilla Group. Wasa products are baked in facilities in Fillipstad, Sweden; and Celle, Germany, and sold in over 40 countries throughout the world.

Media contact:
Stephanie Garris
Public Relations Manager
Barilla America, Inc.
[email protected]
847-405-7500

SOURCE Wasa