Location: Food Surveys Research Group
Title: Snack Consumption by U.S. Children and Adolescents, What We Eat in America, NHANES 2017-March 2020Author
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Submitted to: Worldwide Web Site: Food Surveys Research Group
Publication Type: Research Technical Update Publication Acceptance Date: 4/24/2024 Publication Date: 4/30/2024 Citation: Hoy, M.K., Sebastian, R.S., Goldman, J.D., Moshfegh, A.J. 2024. Snack Consumption by U.S. Children and Adolescents, What We Eat in America, NHANES 2017-March 2020. Worldwide Web Site: Food Surveys Research Group. Available: https://www.ars.usda.gov/nea/bhnrc/fsrg/wweia/dbrief. Interpretive Summary: Snacking is generally considered to be foods and beverages consumed between meals. Nutrient dense foods such as fruit, vegetables, cheese, and nuts and seeds contribute to overall nutrient intake, particularly those identified as nutrients of concern by the 2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The purpose of this report is to provide current information about snacking among U.S. children and adolescents. Overall, 93% of children and adolescents report having one or more snacks on a given day. There are no differences in snacking between males and females, but frequency of snacking declines with age. Non-Hispanic black children and adolescents snack less frequently than other race/ethnic groups. There are no differences in frequency of snacking by income level. Daily intakes of energy and most nutrients are higher among snack consumers compared to non-consumers but there are no differences by age group. Snacks contribute about one-quarter or less to total nutrient intake of snack consumers but 42% of added sugar intake. The most frequently consumed foods at snack occasions are snacks and sweets, followed by fruit. Aside from water, sweetened beverages are the most consumed beverage. The frequent consumption of these foods may explain the contribution of snacks to added sugar intake. Technical Abstract: Snacking is generally considered to be foods and beverages consumed between meals. Foods that are nutrient dense such as fruit, vegetables, cheese, and nuts and seeds contribute to overall nutrient intake, particularly those identified as nutrients of concern by the 2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The purpose of this report is to provide current information about snacking among U.S. children and adolescents. One day of dietary intake data from What We Eat in America (WWEIA), NHANES 2017-March 2020 Prepandemic were used. Prevalence of snack consumption and nutrient intakes were compared using two-tailed t-tests and linear trends in snack consumption were examined by regression analysis. The WWEIA Food Categories were used to describe food intake. Overall, 93% of children and adolescents report having one or more snacks on a given day. There are no differences in snacking between males and females, but frequency of snacking declines with age (P<0.001). Non-Hispanic black children and adolescents snack less frequently than other race/ethnic groups (P<0.001). There are no differences in frequency of snacking by income level. Daily intakes of energy and most nutrients are higher among snack consumers compared to non-consumers but there are no differences by age group. Snacks contribute about one-quarter or less to total nutrient intake of snack consumers. However, 42% of added sugar intake by snack consumers is obtained from snacks. The most frequently consumed foods at snack occasions are snacks and sweets, followed by fruit. Aside from water, sweetened beverages are the most consumed beverage. The frequent consumption of these foods may explain the contribution of snacks to added sugar intake. |
