Snacks Are Back: Consumer Trends in Italy during Summer 2025

TUTTOFOOD analyzes Circana’s data on Food & Beverage sales and pricing dynamics in Italian retail channels (May–September 2024), highlighting significant trends such as increased demand for fresh pasta, yogurt, and snacks—key staples in Italian eating habits.

The TUTTOFOOD & CIBUS Observatory, developed with Circana Italy, unveils key consumer trends in Italian retail channels—including hypermarkets, supermarkets, independent stores, and discount outlets. The growing popularity of sweet and savory snacks stands out. Overall, the market displayed remarkable adaptability, with some categories thriving and others reflecting evolving pricing dynamics and consumer preferences.

May and June: Tourism Drives F&B Sales

In May and June, tourist flows significantly influenced consumption patterns, with 15 million tourists recorded in June alone, half of whom were Italians traveling through the Belpaese. Inflationary pressure eased compared to 2023, yet pasta consumption dropped by 3.3%, while fresh pasta sales surged by 6.7%. Preserves and condiments remained stable, whereas UHT dairy (-5.5%), packaged ice cream (-5.3%), and precooked meals (-4.3%) all saw significant declines.

July and August Sweet Snacks, Cheese, and Yogurt Shine

In July, staple food categories continued to struggle, with fresh milk (-3%), pasta (-3.8%), and UHT dairy (-6%) seeing declines. However, yogurt (+3.4%) and sweet snacks (+3.8%) saw significant gains, bolstered by the arrival of summer. Fresh pasta also posted a 2.4% growth compared to the same period in 2023.

By August, snack sales reached €144 million, with a 2.1% volume increase despite a 6% year-over-year rise in average prices. Cheese and yogurt also posted strong performances, growing by 1.9% and 5.8%, respectively, compared to the previous month. These trends highlight snacks’ growing relevance in everyday habits and meals. This trend is common to both retail and impulse-buy channels.

September: Consumption Rises Again

In September, the data solidified the winning categories of 2024, including the already mentioned cheese, yogurt, spreads, and snacks, while pasta, milk, and UHT dairy continued their downward trends. The month also marked a notable, albeit expected, recovery in overall consumption levels.