The increasing prevalence of snacking among US children from 1977 to 1996.
OBJECTIVE
To determine snacking trends and changes in nutrient contribution of snacking over time.


METHODS
Nationally representative data from the 1977-78 Nationwide Food Consumption Survey (NFCS77), 1989-91 Continuing Survey of Food Intake by Individuals (CSFII89), and 1994-96 (CSFII96) were used. The sample consisted of 21,236 individuals aged 2 to 18 years.


METHODS
For each survey year, mean numbers of snacks consumed, mean grams consumed per snack, and mean energy intake from snacks were computed, as was contribution of snacking to total energy intake and fat intake. Snacking was self-defined, and a snacking occasion consisted of all snack foods consumed during a 15-minute period. Differences in means between age groups and across survey years were compared.


RESULTS
The prevalence of snacking increased in all age groups. The average size of snacks and energy per snack remained relatively constant; however, the number of snacking occasions increased significantly, therefore increasing the average daily energy from snacks. Compared with non-snack eating occasions, the nutrient contribution of snacks decreased in calcium density and increased in energy density and proportion of energy from fat.


CONCLUSIONS
Snacking is extremely prevalent in our society. Healthy snack food choices should be emphasized over high-energy density convenience snacks for children.
Jahns
L
L
Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 27516-3997, USA.
Siega-Riz
A M
AM
Popkin
B M
BM
D000293:Adolescent; D017677:Age Distribution; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004034:Diet Surveys; D004041:Dietary Fats / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002149:Energy Intake / Q000502:physiology; D005247:Feeding Behavior / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D014481:United States
D004041:Dietary Fats