Snacking Among US Children: Patterns Differ by Time of Day

Objective: Evaluate foods and beverages consumed, and energy and nutrient densities that constitute morning, afternoon, and evening snacking periods among children in the US. Design: Evaluate snacking behavior using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2009-2012. Participants: Children aged 4-8 and 9-13 years (n = 3,647). Variables Measured: Self-reported foods and beverages reported as snacks were aggregated into morning (0:00-12:00 hours), afternoon (12:00-18:00 hours), and evening (18:00-24:00 hour) snacking periods. Analysis: Intakes and amounts consumed during different snacking periods were analyzed from per capita weighted averages using SAS 9.2 and SUDAAN software. Statistical differences were detected using Student t test for means and chi-square test for prevalence data. Results: Snacking contributed 25% of daily energy in both age groups, with the morning snacking period contributing the least energy. The most frequently consumed food groups across all snacking periods were water, snacks and sweets, nonalcoholic beverages, milk and dairy, and fruit. Nutrient densities varied among different snacking periods; the morning snack period for 4- to 8-year-olds was the most nutrient dense. Conclusions and Implications: Snacking is an important contributor to energy and nutrients in children's diets, but foods and beverages selected vary by time of day and age. Modifying snacking choices, especially in the afternoon, could improve the nutritional quality of children's diets.