Kids After-School Snack Attacks

Published: 09 June 2008

A new survey highlights that for 64% of British children school home-time is the peak snacking period. This is followed by mid morning (24%), and before bedtime (11%).

When asked to list their favourite after school snacks, school children aged 11-16 years old voted for crisps (48%), chocolate/sweets (39%), biscuits/cakes (32%) and fizzy drinks (27%).  A similar picture emerges for children aged 4-11 years old with crisps (51%), biscuits (44%), chocolates/sweets (40%) and fizzy drinks (24%) emerging as the most popular home-time snacks. 

The findings support latest figures from the International Association for the Study of Obesity which claim a third of British children are now overweight.  However the healthy eating message does seem to be filtering through to British children with 32% of 11-16 year olds and 54% of 4-11 year olds claiming they also snack on fruit.  Yogurt and smoothies also emerged as popular among 27% of 11-16 year olds and 42% of 4-11 year olds.

The survey which was commissioned by the Federation of Bakers (FoB) also revealed that 1 in 4 parents admit they struggle to persuade their children to eat healthier snack foods.  Overall 66% of 11-16 year olds claim their parents know what they snack on and how much they spend.  For a third (34%) of those aged 11-16 years, this spend is £5 during an average school week.  However 20% of girls aged 11-16 years claim they do not tell their parents what they snack on or how much they spend.

According to nutritionist Fiona Hunter, "We sympathise totally with parents predicament. It's an unrealistic situation to totally ban children from having their favourite treats.  A preferable option is to try to balance the treats with more nutritious snack foods.  Toast is the ideal post-school snack as it's speedy and can be served with a range of toppings.  What's more white bread is fortified with calcium, iron, and the B vitamins (niacin and thiamine) so children are receiving the nutrients they need for growth and development."

For additional advice on healthy snacks for children plus quick and tasty ideas, parents/carers can log on to www.fabflour.co.uk and have a look in the media section under publication for a factsheet called Snack Smart Advice For Mums- How To Handle Children's Snack Attacks.
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Notes to editors
1. The Snacks Report was commissioned by FoB/FAB. The research was conducted by Consumer Analysis Limited in May 2008. It comprised 500 interviews with people aged between 11 and 16 years from England, Scotland, Wales and NI.

2. The Healthy Eating for Children Report was commissioned by FoB/FAB and conducted by Opinium research in May 2008.  2000 parents/carers were asked to list the top after-school snacks of children aged between 4-11 years old.

For further information, please contact:
Claire Donnelly 0207 493 2521/07788 724912. clairedonnelly@nabim.org.uk
Eva Neary 0207 493 2521. evaneary@nabim.org.uk