CHICAGO - Consumers are snacking significantly more now than they were just two years ago. Almost half (48%) of consumers polled say they??re now snacking at least twice a day, compared to 25% in 2010.

Restaurants are capitalizing on the growing snacking occasion by offering quick, portable, smaller-portioned, low-priced food and drink in a myriad of ways to continue gaining share of snack purchases. Restaurants now claim 22% of consumers?? snacking occasions, up from 17% in 2010.

"Recent consumer research indicates that snacking is becoming a larger part of consumers?? daily lives," said Technomic Executive Vice President Darren Tristano in a press release. "Pressure from the nutritional disclosure legislation has prompted the foodservice industry to reduce calorie counts in meals. As a result, Americans are now more inclined to 'graze?? throughout the day, seeking snacks that provide fuel between traditional meal parts."

In its recent "Snacking Occasion Consumer Trend Report," Technomic found that major chains are using late-night hours to promote value-oriented snack items and bar plates to cater to younger customers who visit more often for late-night snacks. More than a third (37%) of consumers have broadened their definition of snacks to include more types of foods, beverages, and restaurant fare.

The mini sandwich, slider or wrap has evolved from a simple snack item to a downsized gourmet version of signature full-sized offerings. Impulse purchases of snacks are up from two years ago. Sixty-two percent reported that most of the snacks they purchased for away-from-home consumption were impulse purchases. More than 33% of consumers expect to eat more healthful snacks in the coming year, indicating greater importance for operators to offer and promote better-for-you snacks.

Read more on snacking trends in NACS Magazine.