Casual hosting promotes convenient snack options: study

National research commissioned by Smith’s Chips has revealed Australians are increasingly moving away from formal dinner parties and large gatherings, embracing more casual, value-conscious occasions centred on convenience, connection and shareable food.¹

The findings have provided a snapshot of changing consumer behaviour in Australia and the role FMCG brands play in modern entertaining.

“Australians are taking the pressure off hosting. People are swapping perfectly curated tables for more relaxed get-togethers where everyone feels comfortable, and that’s creating more opportunities to connect,” said Katherine Twomey, Senior Marketing Manager at PepsiCo ANZ.

“For 95 years, Smith’s has been part of those moments — from family celebrations to spontaneous catch-ups — and while the way we host has evolved, the simple joy of sharing good food with good company hasn’t changed.”

Key findings of the research include:

• 47% said hosting at home has become their new normal and something they do more often than going out.
• 44% now prefer smaller, more intimate gatherings compared with five years ago.
• 42% said hosting at home is cheaper than going out, highlighting the impact of ongoing cost-of-living pressures.
• 28% report hosting more at home because eating out has become too expensive.
• 17% are increasingly relying on supermarket shortcuts such as ready-made platters and convenient entertaining solutions.
• 15% are more likely to ask guests to contribute food or drinks than they were previously.

The research also showed convenience and practicality are becoming increasingly important considerations for hosts.

Across generations, Australians are prioritising keeping costs down (19%), convenience (15%) and quality ingredients (15%), while only 5% say trying a new recipe is their top priority.

For FMCG manufacturers and retailers, the findings highlighted growing demand for:

• shareable snack formats and grazing occasions;
• convenience-led entertaining solutions;
• affordable products that support at-home socialising;
• brands that can play a role in connection-driven occasions.

The study also revealed that despite evolving social rituals, some consumer behaviours remain remarkably consistent.

Only 15% of Australians arrive empty-handed when a host says “don’t bring anything”, with snacks continuing to be a go-to contribution for gatherings across generations.

And when it comes to flavour preferences, nearly half (49%) of Baby Boomers who eat Smith’s choose the brand because it’s Australian-made.

_{1. The study was conducted by Pureprofile on behalf of Smith’s Chips from 7–13 July 2026, surveying a nationally representative sample of over 1013 Australians aged 18+ years.}

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