Comparison of a higher protein yogurt vs. other commonly consumed afternoon snacks on time to meal request

Abstract

PurposeTo determine whether an afternoon snack of higher‐protein yogurt, (14 g protein, HPY) delays the onset of eating vs. other commonly consumed eucaloric snacks varying in macronutrient content, including Pretzels (P), Crackers (Cr), Chocolate (Ch), and No Snack (NS).MethodsUsing a randomized crossover design, 23 women (age 27 ± 1y; BMI 23.4 ± 0.6) were acclimated to each snack for 3 consecutive days. On day 4, the participants consumed a standard breakfast, at home, and came to our facility 1 hr prior to their habitual lunch time. A standard lunch was provided followed by their respective snack (160 kcal) consumed 3 h post‐lunch. Subjective appetite was assessed by VAS completed every 30 min throughout the afternoon until dinner was voluntarily requested.ResultsNS led to an earlier dinner request time (2:09 ± 0:37 h) vs. HPY (2:43 ± 0:39 h; p<0.001), P (2:40 ± 0:31 h, p<0.001), and Cr (2:24 ± 0:38 h p=0.08), but not Ch (2:18 ± 0:39 h post‐snack). Between snacks, HPY and P had a greater delay in eating vs. Ch (p<0.05, both); HPY also led to a greater delay vs. Cr (p=0.09).ConclusionsA higher‐protein afternoon yogurt snack delayed subsequent eating vs. crackers and chocolate while a pretzel snack delayed subsequent eating longer than chocolate, suggesting that macronutrient content and sensory characteristics of snacks influence energy intake regulation. Funded by: General Mills, Inc.