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TL;DR
It found that snacks account for about 20% of daily energy intake and that food quality, timing of consumption, and convenience are key characteristics influencing their role in diet.
Nutrients · 2 authors, 1 centre
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It found that snacks account for about 20% of daily energy intake and that food quality, timing of consumption, and convenience are key characteristics influencing their role in diet.
The synthesis identified themes including cues and motivations for snacking, diet composition, and weight management. Key findings indicate that food quality, time of consumption, and convenience are emergent characteristics, with time of day influencing food choice. Snacks can contribute to or detract from a healthy diet; strategic selection of options like fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy can improve diet quality. A major limitation noted is the lack of a standard, universally recognized definition of a snack. The review provides evidence to inform nutrition education, programs, and policies.