Mindful Snacking with Mondelez International

Do you love snacking? I think most Malaysians will say yes to this. Perhaps the only difference would be on what type of food we love to snack on. Some likes sweet ones like chocolates and candies, some likes savory ones like potato chips, while some likes to snack on fruits. Snacks are increasingly being consumed at any time of the day. It has become a way of life for an overwhelming majority of consumer especially Malaysians who tend to snack 6-7 times a day. To some, snack provides fuel for energy, a boost to jump-start the day or it can simply be a treat. In 2018, the sales volume for manufactured snack products in Malaysia was approximately RM1.28 billion. This is expected to increase. There has also been an increased consciousness on health and wellness that influences the mindset of consumers when it comes to snacking.

Mindful Snacking with Mondalez International

Hence, Mondelēz International (Malaysia), the maker of Cadbury Dairy Milk, Oreo, Chipsmore, belVita Breakfast Biscuits, Jacob’s, Tiger Biskuat and Twisties recently held an interactive and informative workshop titled SMR-ter Snacker Session. The aim is to spread awareness on mindful snacking and empowering us to snack right, without having to choose between snacking and eating right. Instead, we should focus on tasting and savoring each bite. Mindful snacking can lead to positive relationship with food, more satisfying snacking moments and being less likely to overeat. It also helps to reduce external eating as it reduces the responsiveness of individuals to external cues such as appealing food packaging or advertisements.

The panel of speakers for SMR-ter Snacker Session were:

• Pei Gee Chew, Nutrition & Strategy Communications Lead for Mondelēz AMEA
• Dr. Satvinder Kaur, Assistant Professor, Head of Program for Nutrition with Wellness, Faculty of Applied Sciences, UCSI University
• Mr Nash Idrus, dad and Key Opinion Leader

The experts shared their point of view on Snacking Made Right – Mondelez’s new strategic purpose and focus, while Mr Nash Idrus shared his perspective from a parent’s point of view. The session was moderated by Sheahnee Iman Lee.

What is Mindful Snacking

Mindful Snacking is eating with intention and attention, focusing on the present moment, and savoring how the food tastes so you really enjoy it. Attitudes about snack foods have undergone a metamorphosis – once considered guilty pleasures, snack foods have become a favorable option for many on-the-go consumers of today. Hence, there is a need to empower consumers on snacking right and knowing how much to eat in order to have a pleasant snacking experience.

How to Snack Mindfully

1. Minimize distractions by paying attention to eating and being present in the moment
2. Portion out your snack to enjoy nutritious bite in small quantity
3. Focus on the smell and taste
4. Notice the textures
5. Chew thoroughly
6. Finish one bite before starting the next
7. Reach out for your snack with your non-dominant hand

Consumers today are increasingly health-conscious and more knowledgeable about what are the options available in the market. While wellness is trending, indulgent snack foods also are staging a comeback by walking the line between health and enjoyment. Low-calorie, high protein ice cream varieties and thinner versions of cookies are on the rise.

Aside from that, consumers also tend to choose products that were produced sustainably with high quality ingredients that respect people and planet at every step of the way.

Speaking at the event, James Kane, Managing Director, Mondelez International (Malaysia) expressed, “Consumers should not have to choose between snacking and eating right. We want to empower people to snack right by embracing mindful snacking. With our wide range of snack foods, we are offering options to consumers – whether they are craving for a yummy bite or that feel-good moment for their well-being. We are also expanding our portfolio of well-being snacks and improving the nutrition and ingredient profile of our biggest selling brands. We strive to deliver great tasting snacks that offer good nutrition, made with ingredients people know and trust, to our consumers. Our Snacking Made Right is built on the promise to offer consumers the right snack, for the right moment, made the right way.”

Let’s spread the message of mindfulness in fostering a healthier relationship with Malaysia’s favorite asset: food!