Does the Nutrient Profile of Snacks Vary According to the Time of Day of Consumption?

Abstract

BackgroundResearch suggests that energy intake from snacking eating occasions (EOs) has increased over time, however little is known about the nutrient profile of snacks consumed across the day. Understanding how the nutrient profile of snacks varies across the day is important to determining health promotion messages and strategies. The aim of this study was to describe the nutrient profile of snacks consumed according to time of day of consumption.MethodsDietary data from two 24‐hour recalls collected during the 2011–12 Australian Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey (n=2457 men and n=2890 women, ≥19 years) were analysed. All EOs identified by respondents as “snacks” were analysed according to their time period of consumption (morning: 06:00–11:59, afternoon: 12:00–17:59 and evening/night: 18:00–23:59). Nutrient intakes per 1000 kJ (density method) and as a proportion of total nutrient intake were calculated for snacks consumed within each time period. The nutrient profiles of snacks were then compared across time periods using an F‐test with Bonferroni correction. All results were weighted and adjusted for sample design effects.ResultsAmong both men and women, the nutrient profile of snacks varied according to the time of day of consumption. For example, snacks consumed in the morning were significantly lower in energy but had higher nutrient densities of protein, calcium, folate and sugars than snacks consumed later in the day (P<0.01). The morning snack was also the highest contributor to total calcium and folate intakes and contained more fibre (men only) but less total fat (women only) and saturated fat (women only) per 1000 kJ than snacks consumed in the afternoon or evening/night (P<0.01).ConclusionsFindings from this study suggest that snacks consumed during the morning are more nutrient‐dense and healthier (i.e. higher in protein, calcium and folate) than those consumed later in the day. However, further research examining how snack food choices vary across the day is needed to inform health promotion messages that encourage healthy snacking behaviours.Support or Funding InformationAustralian Research Council (DP130100713)