What you snack on partly depends on when and where you are. Savory (not sweet) snacks peak at midday, according to the NPD Group.
The desire for something sweet grows after dinner and peaks at 8 p.m. More than a third of sweet snacks are eaten after dinner.
Healthier snacks are more likely to be eaten on-the-go and away from home. More than 40 percent of snacks packed for school or work, or for in the car, are classified as "better for you" snacks.
NPD also reported that many snacks are eaten instead of a meal or as part of a meal. At Tufts University, they say the growth of snack foods eaten at mealtimes is driven by items already in the house, so it's more important to get them on the shopping list.
About 50 percent of all "eating occasions" are now snacking; 21 percent of Americans graze throughout the day.
