Snacks aren’t just filling the gaps between meals anymore. They’re becoming the meal. Today’s consumers are eating on their own schedules, opting for smaller portions, portable options, and foods they can mix, match, and share. As snacking occasions continue to grow, operators have an opportunity to offer flexible menu items that fit the ways guests are eating today.
And sometimes, the biggest opportunity comes in the smallest package.
Snacks Fill Up the Plate
According to IFIC, 74% of Americans snack at least once a day, and more than half have swapped a traditional meal for a snack or smaller bite.¹ Additionally, Datassential reports that nearly 90% of U.S. consumers snacked outside regular mealtimes in the past month.² In other words, the lines between meals and snacks are blurring, creating new opportunities for operators to think beyond traditional appetizers and sides.
Small Portions, Plenty of Daypart Possibilities
Consumers are looking for foods that meet their on-the-go lifestyle.3 Bite-sized formats like mini maple waffles, cage-free egg bites and hash brown bites offer just that. They also give operators room to do more with less, working across occasions from grab-and-go breakfasts and afternoon snacks to shareable brunch boards and late-day treats. Think grab-and-go breakfasts, light lunches, afternoon snacks, shareable appetizers, desserts and limited-time offers.
Little Bites Go Far on Menus
Michael Foods’ Mini Maple Waffles can move well beyond the breakfast plate. They’re a natural fit in endless menu ideas built around sampling and sharing, such as:
- Mini waffle flights
- Sweet-and-savory tasting boards
- Waffle skewers with fruit
- Dessert samplers
- Kids’ snack boxes
Because they’re familiar, but easy to remix, mini waffles can give guests something recognizable with a little more personality.
Egg Bites Bring the Protein
Packing plenty of protein into a small format, egg bites are an easy fit for breakfast flights, grab-and-go meals and pairings with fruit or mini waffles. They’re also a simple way to add more protein-forward menu items and flexible, customizable menu ideas throughout the day.
Hash Brown Bites Join the Party
Hash brown bites are just as ready to mix things up. Add them to snack boxes, brunch boards or shareable appetizer spreads. Pair them with egg bites, serve them with dips, or team them up with mini waffles for a sweet-and-savory combo.
Mix, Match and Make It Memorable
The fun is in the mix. With mini waffles, egg bites and hash brown bites, operators can turn small formats into big menu possibilities. Easy to serve, easy to pair and flexible across dayparts, these little bites make it simple to keep menus fresh while giving guests more ways to snack, share and enjoy.
Ready to capture more snacking occasions? Explore Michael Foods’ bite-sized products and recipe inspiration for portable, customizable and shareable menu ideas across the day.
Sources:
1Spotlight Survey: American Perceptions on Snacking, IFIC, 2024
2Hotshot Report: Little Treat Culture, Datassential, 2025
3New Circana Research Uncovers Emerging Trends Disrupting Consumer Behavior and Meal Patterns, Circana, 2025