Snacking has been on the rise for some time, but even more so during the pandemic as people seek out comfort and simplicity through food. At a time when people are eager to treat themselves, Target is launching a snack brand with more than 700 indulgent products, from ice cream to macarons.

Japanese company Salad Stand is freshening up the vending machine space by swapping out fast food snacks for more daily salads. With on-the-go healthy snacking on the rise, there's an opportunity to tap the growing potential of vending machines as a portal to reach all consumers.

As Americans’ snacking habits grow, many are looking to satisfy their taste buds with new and interesting flavor profiles. My/Mochi, an ice cream snack with East Asian origins, has risen to international popularity as people are discovering new tastes everywhere, from TikTok to Netflix.

From opting against three square meals to getting more creative in the kitchen, daily food and drink routines have been shaken up as many people have embraced hybrid working. How might these changes create new opportunities for brands around snacking, meal preparation, and forging healthy habits?