Gen Z are the biggest snackers – eating nearly double the amount that Boomers do each month.A poll of 2,000 adults found under 29s chomp through an average of 81 snacks in this time – nearly 1,000 a year, against Boomers’ 45, or 540 a year.With 71 per cent of Gen Z grazing on small bites throughout the day, followed by Millennials (63 per cent) and Gen X (43 per cent) – while just 27 per cent of Boomers will do this.It emerged eight in 10 Brits reach for an unhealthy snack every week, like biscuits, crisps or chocolate. Photo released 01/07/2026 Credit: SWNS
GEN Z are the biggest snackers – eating nearly double the amount that Boomers do each month.
A poll of 2,000 adults found under 29s chomp through an average of 81 snacks in this time – nearly 1,000 a year, against Boomers’ 45, or 540 a year.
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Will Young has teamed up with European Mushrooms Credit: SWNS
Known as Will the Farmer from Love Island, he says he eats five or six healthy snacks throughout the day Credit: SWNS
With 71 per cent of Gen Z grazing on small bites throughout the day, followed by Millennials (63 per cent) and Gen X (43 per cent) – while just 27 per cent of Boomers will do this.
It emerged eight in 10 Brits reach for an unhealthy snack every week, like biscuits, crisps or chocolate.
As a result they are left feeling sluggish (18 per cent), bloated (18 per cent) and thirsty (14 per cent) – with 12 per cent also reporting fatigue.
And 91 per cent of those who noticed the effects of eating unhealthy snacks, felt an energy crash afterwards – with a mid-afternoon slump between 2pm and 4pm most likely for 25 per cent, and the national average ‘crash time’ being 3.06pm.
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Dr Carrie Ruxton, a dietitian from European Mushrooms, which commissioned the research, said: “Timing snacks properly can help prevent energy crashes and boost essential nutrients.
“Smart snacking with foods like mushrooms, focusing on sustainable energy, filling fibre and B vitamins can help maintain energy levels throughout the day.
“Blood sugar levels naturally decline a few hours after eating, which can lead to fatigue, brain fog and reduced focus.
“Snacking cleverly can help stabilise energy and prevent those dips.”
The study also found 41 per cent admit to eating late at night when scrolling or watching TV, despite not being truly hungry, while 21 per cent wake up hungry but delay eating their first meal a few times each week – as they’re in a rush.
Gen Z also said they enjoy eating snacks more than main meals (41 per cent versus national average of 31 per cent) and that having a snack or two lined up gives them something to look forward to (36 per cent against the national average of 28 per cent).
Being the biggest nibblers of smaller bites through the day, it stands to reason Gen Z are also most likely to grab ones that aren’t very healthy (62 per cent versus the national average of 52 per cent).
And after eating unhealthy bites, Gen Z and Millennials were equally likely to report fatigue (17 per cent for both) and difficulty concentrating (10 per cent for both) – which was higher than the overall average.
Across all age groups, the average time of day these highly processed, sugary or salty snacks are reached for is 3.26pm – with 24 per cent citing tiredness, low energy, or boredom as the reason.
While the top three excuses were craving saltiness or sweetness, convenience or a reward.
But while 15 per cent said healthy snacks were boring, 35 per cent said the ideal snack would be healthy.
Nearly seven in 10 (67 per cent) of those polled, via OnePoll.com, did not know mushrooms contain B Vitamins which help reduce tiredness and fatigue and are a natural source of Vitamin D.
Snacker Will Young (known as Will the Farmer from Love Island), who has teamed up with European Mushrooms, said: “We’re a nation of snack lovers, but most of us are reaching for the wrong snacks.
“I tend to eat five or six healthy snacks throughout the day rather than three main meals.
“Whether I’m heading to work, the gym or meeting friends, I often grab a sneaky snack on the go, such as mushrooms either on toast, in an omelette or air fried into a savoury popcorn-style snack.
“Many people often reach for food when their energy dips, but they often choose the wrong foods at the wrong time which leads to bigger crashes.
“We don’t need to stop snacking; we need to snack smarter.”
Dr Ruxton added: “Mushrooms are packed with B vitamins that support energy release from our foods, so could be added to a morning snack for an energy boost.
“They also help reduce tiredness and fatigue as they’re naturally low in sugars, providing a steady energy source and an option for a picky bits platter later in the day.
“They also contain fibre and nutrients which support immune function.
“Unlike highly refined snacks, mushrooms work with the body’s energy rhythm and not against it, which can help Brits to avoid reaching for another quick fix.”
