Share it Several studies have shown a long-term increase in snacking, but the reasons for grabbing a bite or beverage have shifted over the past year. With the full force of the COVID-19 health crisis weighing on consumers, it's clear that emotions are playing an even greater role in their choices. "Snacking habits can tend to be a little bit more malleable than other kinds of traditional habits," said Brad Schwan, vice president of category marketing for Archer Daniels Midland. The ingredients provider has been reviewing different sources of data to get an understanding of how snacking behavior has been affected by the pandemic.