National Snack Day marks the celebratory spirit of snacks and takes place on March 4 every year. From the twirls of a soft pretzel to the crunch of roasted almonds, we love snacks in all of their glorious shapes, tastes, and colors. This quirky holiday is the brainchild of Jane Shoemaker-Galloway. There’s a snack for every occasion. From Saturday night hot wings to Monday afternoon’s biscuits, getting through the day is easier with a snack in our hands. Throw a party, invite your pals, and claim your favorite bite of heaven on National Snack Day.
History of National Snack Day
Munching is a favorite pastime in the U.S. The average American eats more than 17 pounds of snacks in a year. From football games to late-night movies, snacking is an important part of the culture. This is why an entire day is dedicated to it. National Snack Day is the initiative of Jane Shoemaker-Galloway. ‘Snack’ is derived from ‘snacken,’ the Dutch word for ‘to bite.’ The concept of snacks dates back to centuries ago when any food that didn’t require utensils to prepare was considered ‘low class.’ Can you imagine that the 21st century’s holy trinity of snacks — peanuts, popcorn, and pretzels — were once considered ‘lower-class foods?’
Americans embraced the formal concept of snacking in the 15th century and added the word ‘snack’ to their vocabulary in 1402. Soon after, peanuts, which arrived on the Atlantic coast with slave ships, gained prominence as the most popular item of snacking. The biggest rise of snacking was observed in the Prohibition Era, with the creation of numerous snack companies such as Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, Butterfinger, Snickers, Ritz Crackers, Fritos, and Lay’s Potato Chips.
In today’s day and age, the idea of snacking has largely evolved and is often looked down upon. Surplus food, something that was once considered a luxury, is now seen as a threat to health. Similarly, the hunt for healthy alternatives to classic snacking staples is on the rise. On National Snack Day, we pledge to put our best snacks forward and enjoy the day one crunch at a time.
National Snack Day timeline
The word ‘snack’ is adopted into the English language and is used as a noun.
The Columbian Exposition popularizes snacking by introducing a number of evergreen snacks to the market.
American manufacturer Milton Hershey establishes the biggest candy plant in the world, popularizing chocolate bars in America.
Jane Shoemaker-Galloway anoints March 4 as National Snack Day.
National Snack Day FAQs
What is the most popular snack in America?
Ritz Crackers is the most popular snack in America, followed by Lay’s, Doritos, and Fritos.
What are the perfect snacks for a picnic basket?
Sandwiches, pretzels, and hot chips can make for the perfect additions to your picnic basket snack menu.
When is the best time to snack?
Maintaining a gap of two to four hours between your supper and snacking is considered ideal.
National Snack Day Activities
Have a seven-course snack meal
Thinking of chucking the veggies and rice for a snack-filled supper? Start the meal with a bowl of fruit loops, followed by a plate full of marshmallows. For the main course, have Pop-Tarts straight out of the toaster, followed by a hefty mouthful of your favorite potato chips. End the meal with a bowl of mint-chocolate ice cream.
Experiment in the kitchen
If the sound of chocolate-covered popcorn, spicy pretzels, and caramel sardines intrigues you, then National Snack Day is the perfect time for you to put the chef jacket on and experiment a little in the kitchen. Remember, there are no rules. So dip your Cheetos in mayonnaise and invent your own signature snack.
Go snack shopping
Bond with your family in the aisles of the grocery store. Share special memories related to particular snacks and reignite your relationships. In every culture, the common thread of belonging comes from the shared love of food. Mark the special day of March 4 by coming together to bond over glorious snacks.
5 Never-Heard-Before Facts About America’s Crazy Snacking Habits
It’s an expensive love affair
Americans spend an average of $9.22 a week on snacks, which adds up to $479.44 per year.
Potato chip supremacy
80% of all habitual snackers hail potato chips as a prime staple.
Let’s get freaky
A considerable amount of Americans want to try weird snack combinations such as chocolate pizza or balsamic vinegar-covered strawberries.
A matter of health
55% of all snackers prioritize healthy snacking and prefer snack items that boost energy.
Sun’s in, snacks out
60% of adult Americans snack after 8 p.m., hailing the habit as a “guilty pleasure.”
Why We Love National Snack Day
It’s a part of every culture
Snacks, like every other kind of food, are an important part of one’s culture and bring people together. It is passed down to generations and is unique to every family. Food deserves to be cherished, regardless of the negative connotations being attached to it. National Snack Day celebrates the innate habit of snacking, but in moderation of course.
It promotes healthy living
Snacking in moderation prevents binge eating and reduces hunger pangs. When done right, snacking can be a great addition to your health routine. On March 4, we get a chance to celebrate all the wonderful ways in which snacks bring enjoyment to our lives.
It’s a great reward for little effort
Snacking brings people together and is one of the things that is often reduced to an afterthought. From store-bought products to 3-minute popcorn, snacks are quick and easy to prepare and enjoy.
National Snack Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | March 4 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | March 4 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | March 4 | Thursday |
| 2028 | March 4 | Saturday |
| 2029 | March 4 | Sunday |
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