A recent study published in PLOS Global Public Health reveals that nearly a quarter of the calories consumed by U.S. adults come from snacks. A figure that surpasses the average caloric intake of a traditional breakfast. [Source]
The Ohio State University (OSU) research team, led by Professor Christopher Taylor of the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. This comprehensive survey included dietary habits of 23,708 adults over 30 years of age, spanning from 2005 to 2016.
According to the study, the average American adult consumes between 400 to 500 calories in snacks each day, predominantly comprising foods high in fats, carbohydrates, and added sugars. This intake is significantly more than the average breakfast, which ranges from 300 to 400 calories. Alarmingly, snacks contribute about one-third of the daily added sugar intake for most adults.
“Snacks are a ubiquitous and stealth contributor to overall intakes,” Taylor explained. He highlighted that the spontaneous nature of snacking, as opposed to the more planned approach to meals, significantly contributes to this trend.
The study also delved into the types of snacks preferred by Americans. The most common were convenience foods rich in fats and carbohydrates, followed by sweets and sugary beverages. Protein, milk, dairy, fruits, and grains were less common, with vegetables being the least consumed snack category.
Interestingly, the study found differences in snacking habits among adults with varying blood glucose levels. Those with controlled type 2 diabetes reported consuming fewer sugary foods and snacks overall compared to those without diabetes or with prediabetes. “Those with diabetes had lower proportional intakes in added sugars, which is a recurring theme in diabetes education,” Taylor noted.
It is important to note that the study has some limitations. As Tanya Freirich, a registered dietitian nutritionist in Charlotte, North Carolina, who was not involved in the study, points out, the reliance on a single day of dietary recall may not accurately represent habitual eating patterns. Nonetheless, she acknowledges the study as a significant starting point for understanding American snacking behaviors. [Source]
Erin Palinski-Wade, a New Jersey-based dietitian, emphasized that not all snacking is detrimental. Smart snacking can stabilize energy and blood sugar levels and prevent excessive hunger. However, the choice of snack is crucial. Palinski-Wade advises opting for snacks that balance healthy fats, carbohydrates, and protein, and avoiding those high in added sugars and saturated fats.
Echoing this sentiment, Taylor advocates for making “more insightful choices” at snack times. Instead of focusing solely on avoiding certain foods, he suggests aiming for a well-balanced diet throughout the day.
The study calls for a reevaluation of snacking habits, particularly considering the limited nutritional value of popular snack choices. This research not only highlights a critical area of dietary concern but also offers a pathway for healthier eating patterns.