CHICAGO – A new international study by the NPD Group of eating patterns reveals that between-meal snacking varies widely across the countries of Brazil, Russia, India, Mexico and China.

Whereas in India and Mexico, there are two peak times for between-meal snack occasions, there are three in the other BRIMC countries. India has a before-breakfast occasion while Russia and China have the latest peak times for between-meal snacking.

Meanwhile, the U.S. has three peak times for between-meal snacking, whereas Brazil and Mexico have two – mid-morning and late afternoon/early evening. (Brazil and Mexico have an 8 pm evening meal, which eliminates the need for a late-evening snack.) 

“The frequency, timing of, and nature of meal and between meal occasions throughout the day are the building blocks for developing a strategy for positioning food and beverage products for the BRIMC countries,” said Ann Hanson, executive director, product management and author of the International Food and Beverage Habits Brazil, Russia, India, Mexico, & China study.  “Understanding the differences as well as the similarities in eating behaviors among the BRIMC countries will help food companies assess the potential for expansion and growth in these countries.”

Fruit is the most frequently consumed between meal foods in all BRIMC countries except for India where cookies and other baked sweets are the most popular snack food.