Abstract
BackgroundThe location and time of snack consumption may influence the composition, nutrient content and portion sizes of snacks. In this study, we aimed to determine and compare the time, location and frequency of snack consumption among different age groups of Canadians.MethodsNationally representative dietary data from the 2015 Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) were used (19,677 participants aged ≥2 years). Dietary data were obtained using 24-h dietary recalls. Participants were categorized according to the frequency of snack consumption (1 time, 2–3 times, ≥4 times). The snack consumption over 24 h was divided into four time periods: before 10 am, 10 am to 3 pm, 3 pm to 8 pm and 8 pm to 12 am. Meal and snack location was categorized as at home; someone else’s home; restaurants; and other.ResultsSnacking 2–3 times per day was the most common reported frequency (53.0%). Snacking at home (73.0%) was more prevalent than snacking away from home (27.0%). The most frequently reported time for snacking among Canadians was 3 pm to 8 pm (36.3%), and the least frequently reported time was before 10 am (8.1%). Snacking contributed to a high proportion of Milk and Alternatives (23.7%) and Vegetables and Fruit (23.4%) food groups and lesser proportions of Grain Products (15.4%) and Meat & Alternatives (9.4%) food groups among Canadians.ConclusionsHome is the main location, 3 pm to 8 pm is the main time, and 2–3 times per day is the most common reported frequency for snacking. A full understanding of snacking behaviors is needed in order to develop targeted strategies to improve the quality of snack food choices.
Highlights
IntroductionIn the United States, for example, the prevalence of snack consumption (from 71 to 97%), the number of snacks consumed per day (from 1.26 to 2.23), and the percentage of daily energy provided by snacks (from 18 to 24%) dramatically increased among adults from 1977 to 2003– 2006 [1]
The location and time of snack consumption may influence the composition, nutrient content and portion sizes of snacks
The proportion of male and female adults was significantly lower in higher frequencies of snack consumption (69.5 and 63.8%, respectively) compared to lower frequencies (85.5 and 84.9%, respectively)
Summary
In the United States, for example, the prevalence of snack consumption (from 71 to 97%), the number of snacks consumed per day (from 1.26 to 2.23), and the percentage of daily energy provided by snacks (from 18 to 24%) dramatically increased among adults from 1977 to 2003– 2006 [1]. The location and time of snack consumption may influence the composition, nutrient content and portion sizes of snacks [5,6,7]. A study conducted in Northern Ireland showed that the portion sizes of away-fromhome snacks of children were generally higher than snacks consumed at home [7]. To develop targeted strategies to improve the quality of snack choices of Canadians, it is essential to increase awareness of snacking behavior and understanding of time and place of snack consumption
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