In
today's fast-paced world, Americans are embracing the joy of small
indulgences—affectionately known as "little treats." According to
research conducted by NCSolutions, 62%
of Americans consider little treats crucial to their self-care routines, turning
to sweet, salty, and even spicy snacks for comfort, reward, and motivation.
This cultural shift presents an opportunity for grocerants—hybrid grocery and
restaurant concepts—to redefine how consumers experience meal occasions.
Grocerants,
positioned at the intersection of convenience and culinary innovation, are
uniquely suited to capture this growing trend. With bite-sized indulgences
becoming part of consumers’ daily rituals, grocerants can provide mini meals
tailored for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Late Night cravings—enhancing
their appeal to on-the-go diners who want variety without committing to a full
meal.
Mini Meals & Snacks Inspired by the Little Treat
Movement
Using
insights from NCSolutions, here are five
examples of mini meals across different dayparts that grocerants can introduce:
Breakfast
1. Mini
Croissant Trio – A selection of bite-sized
croissants with flavors like chocolate, almond, and matcha to satisfy the
morning sweet tooth.
2. Protein-Packed
Greek Yogurt Cups – Layered with granola and honey,
tapping into the 41% of consumers who love baked goods.
3. Milkshake
& Espresso Shot Combo – For those pairing indulgence with
function, this mix satisfies both caffeine cravings and the desire for a small
reward.
4. Fruit
& Dark Chocolate Skewers – A health-conscious yet sweet snack
aligned with the trend toward chocolate and candy bars.
5. Savory
Mini Breakfast Tacos – Eggs, cheese, and spiced potatoes
wrapped in mini tortillas for a balanced treat.
Lunch
1. Snack-Size
Charcuterie Box – A portable assortment of meats,
cheeses, and crackers that blend indulgence with salty and savory appeal.
2. Mini
Bánh Mì Sliders – A fun, bold option featuring
pickled vegetables and spicy mayo, perfect for Gen Z’s love of spice (28%).
3. Smoothie
Bowl To-Go – A nutrient-packed option with
granola and fresh fruit, aligning with trending beverage preferences.
4. Crunchy
Tempura Bites – Small, lightly battered shrimp and
veggies that satisfy midday snack cravings.
5. Soft
Pretzel Nuggets & Beer Cheese – An approachable snack that
resonates with comfort-food seekers.
Dinner
1. Gourmet
Mac & Cheese Cup – A rich, portion-controlled meal
that satisfies savory cravings.
2. Mini
Taco Trio – A variety of tacos featuring bold
flavors for customers who prefer spicy or salty treats.
3. Miso
Glazed Salmon Skewers – A premium, small-plate meal
catering to health-conscious indulgence seekers.
4. Bite-Sized
Flatbreads – A mix of BBQ chicken, Margherita,
and pesto varieties for late-day snackers.
5. Stuffed
Mushroom Caps – A sophisticated option that pairs
well with wine or craft beverages.
Late
Night
1. Ice
Cream & Cookie Bites – A fun fusion reflecting ice cream’s
top spot in favorite treats (56%).
2. Mini
Sliders with Loaded Fries – A playful indulgence combining fast
food appeal with portion control.
3. Chocolate-Dipped
Pretzel Sticks – Sweet and salty balance in a
portable format.
4. Hot
Honey Chicken Bites – A late-night favorite aligning with
Gen Z’s love of spice.
5. Boba
or Bubble Tea – A trendy beverage option satisfying
the impulse-buy culture.
Why Grocerants Should Invest in Little Treat Culture
Grocerants
are uniquely positioned to capitalize on this demand by offering carefully
curated mini meal experiences. With consumers spending a median of $30
monthly on little treats, and nearly 73% considering small indulgences
important to their quality of life, grocerants can build loyalty through
well-designed snack-sized offerings.
The
research by NCSolutions highlights that most
Americans purchase their treats in grocery stores (57%) and superstores (54%),
presenting grocerants with an advantage in integrating a menu that blends
convenience with indulgence. From pre-portioned snacks to limited-time
creations inspired by trending flavors, grocerants can create a habit-forming
treat culture that resonates with today’s consumers.
Think About This
As
the Grocerant Guru® knows, today's consumers crave personalized,
fun-sized indulgences. Grocerants can embrace the Little Treat Movement
by rolling out bold, snackable innovations that align with evolving
purchasing behaviors. Whether it's a morning milkshake, a mid-day
charcuterie bite, or a late-night slider, small indulgences are redefining the
way consumers experience food—one treat at a time.
Success Leaves Clues—Are You Ready to Find Yours?
One
key insight that continues to drive success is this: "The consumer is
dynamic, not static." This principle is the foundation of our work at Foodservice Solutions®, where Steven Johnson, the
Grocerant Guru®, has been helping brands stay relevant in an ever-evolving
market.
Want
to strengthen your brand’s connection with today’s consumers? Let’s talk.
Call 253-759-7869 for more information.
Stay Ahead of the Competition with Fresh Ideas
Is
your food marketing keeping up with tomorrow’s trends—or stuck in yesterday’s
playbook? If you're ready for fresh ideations that set your brand apart, we’re
here to help.
At
Foodservice Solutions®, we specialize in consumer-driven retail food
strategies that enhance convenience, differentiation, and
individualization—key factors in driving growth.
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