TRACY, Calif. (Oct. 4, 2018) – Californian’s status as Team Sweet or Team Salty when it comes to snacking may be determined by geography, according to a new survey by Real California Milk. The survey, which examines statewide snacking preferences, reveals geographic and gender differences on taste, but an overall agreement on the importance of making healthy snacking choices.
Team Sweet vs. Team Salty
When it comes to taste preferences, Northern California residents are more likely to prefer salty snacks compared to Southern California residents (57% vs. 49%). Among all major California cities, San Francisco residents are the most opinionated, with 61% preferring salty snacks. Between genders, 57% of California men crave salty snacks more often, compared to just 46% of women. Overall, the debate lives on as half of all Californians snack salty and half prefer sweet.
Californians Care More about What a Snack Can Do for Them
Beyond taste, the functional benefit of a snack ranked even higher with survey respondents, showing two-thirds (67%) of Californians looking to satisfy hunger when hit with a snack-attack. With an increased number of consumers replacing 1-2 meals per day with snacks, reaching for a healthy option becomes even more important.*
Protein is an essential component of any healthy eating plan and helps snackers feel full longer. Those looking to quiet a hungry stomach should consider foods made with real milk like cheese, yogurt and cottage cheese for quality protein, calcium, vitamin D, vitamin B12 and other nutrients. Research shows that whole milk dairy is even more satiating and can also be beneficial for maintaining health for all ages.
More Fun Facts about California’s Healthy Snackers
- One-third lean towards snacks that have a health benefit
- 32% reach for snacks that provide protein
- 31% look for quick bites to maintain energy levels
- 27% want snacks that provide essential nutrients (e.g., vitamins and minerals like calcium and vitamin D)
- One-fourth of younger residents (age 18-34) consider snacks that help their mind stay focused
- San Francisco residents are more likely to look for essential nutrients when choosing a snack, 6 percentage points higher than average Californian (33% vs. 27%)
Real California Milk Offers Endless Options for Healthy Snacking
Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend three servings of dairy foods each day, which are packed with the essential nutrients needed for energy, focus and overall wellness. Real dairy also delivers on both sweet and salty flavor profiles. Try simple California Cheese Pops for a fun afterschool snack, a naturally sweet Super Berry Smoothie to jumpstart the day or Cheesy Mexican Hummus Roll Ups as a healthy, savory way to brighten up the afternoon slump.
California is home to more than 1,300 dairy farms, 99% of which are family owned. When shopping for snack ingredients, be sure to look for the Real California Milk seal as it guarantees products are made with 100% Real California Milk.
Whether you are Team Sweet or Team Salty, visit www.realcaliforniamilk.com for snacking inspiration and to locate products with the Real California Milk seal.
*Technomic, “Snacks increasingly replacing meals for consumers,” March 6, 2018 https://www.technomic.com/newsroom/snacks-increasingly-replacing-meals-consumers
All survey figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 1,087 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 14th-21st September 2018. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all Californian adults (aged 18+).