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A new survey has revealed the nation’s deepest, darkest snacking confessions — with three in five admitting they have a secret stash hidden somewhere in their home.
A poll of 5,000 U.S. adults from all 50 states who are up-to-date on pop culture found that more than half (53%) have no shame in eating an entire bag of chips in a single sitting, with those in Maryland (64%) and Wyoming (63%) being most likely to do so.
Meanwhile, other “snacking confessions” include going entire days without any real “meals,” just snacks (39%), while nearly one in five (18%) admit to lying about what they’re snacking on so they don’t get judged.
Almost one in five Californians (18%) have even canceled plans just to stay home and snack, more than any other state.
In total, those polled reach for a snack an average of four times per day, and the afternoon hours between noon and 5 p.m. are the ideal time to snack (39%).
This may be because nearly four in five of those polled (79%) consider themselves to be “snack people,” who prefer to graze throughout the day, rather than “meal people,” who only eat main meals during the day (21%).
Many even have designated “snack caches,” or untraditional places where they keep snacks. Three in five respondents (60%) keep their stashes inside their home, with most hiding them in their bedroom (67%). Others opt for the living room (35%), garage, attic, or basement (10%), and even the bathroom (8%).
On the flip side, 6% hide snacks outside their home, and those in Arizona (11%), California (11%), and North Dakota (11%) lead the charge.
Popular outside snack stashes include their car (57%), office desk (41%), a friend or family member’s house (23%), or even their gym locker (18%).
Commissioned by Popchips and conducted by Talker Research, the survey suggests that Americans are far from alone in their snacking secrets.
According to the results, 53% agree that it’s more enjoyable to snack with friends than to snack alone.
Another two-thirds (69%) even take things a step further and admit they only feel like they can be their real selves, without pretending or holding back, when they’re snacking with friends.
While parties (60%) and game nights (59%) ranked as the best activities to snack with friends, those in Georgia and South Carolina (both 58%) most prefer watch parties.
“The findings reveal a nation that is increasingly embracing snacks as more than just a between-meal indulgence. It’s true: Snacking has officially become a lifestyle, said Nicole Stefanacci, brand manager at Popchips. “There’s just something wonderfully honest and unfiltered about the way people snack.”
Results also revealed that respondents most often bust out the snacks to watch sports (56%) or sitcoms and comedies (54%) with friends.
Whether alone or with friends, the results also uncovered what types of snacks people are most likely to eat based on the content they’re watching.
Chips topped the list for the best snack when watching “The Pitt” (31%), “Abbott Elementary” (22%), and “Industry” (19%).
But when it comes to TV with a touch of drama, popcorn is the snack of choice for “Love Island” (23%), “Heated Rivalry” (18%), “Euphoria” (18%), and “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” (18%).
“From secret snack stashes to watch parties and game nights, Americans are making snacks a central part of how they relax, socially connect and enjoy moments that matter most,” said Stefanacci. “Maybe it’s eating the whole bag during a great show, keeping a secret stash nearby or turning a night in with friends into a full snack spread. These are the real moments that fuel our social connection.”
Research methodology:
Talker Research surveyed 5,000 U.S. adults (100 in each state) who are up-to-date on pop culture and have access to the internet; the survey was commissioned by Popchips and administered and conducted online by Talker Research between May 7 and May 19.
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