We’re sweet on our three treats a day
PEOPLE scoff nearly 70,000 snacks in their lifetime with the average Briton tucking into three every day.
The most common treats to snack on are biscuits, slices of toast and chocolate bars, while healthier items such as fresh berries are a favourite too.
However, more than four in 10 admitted they usually reach for sugary snacks compared to just one in four who will opt for fruit.
The prime time for a craving is between lunchtime and dinner.
A third like to have a munch between 2pm and 4pm, with 19 per cent opting to have something to keep them going between 4pm and 6pm.
Dr Emma Derbyshire, a registered public health nutritionist, said: “Biscuits and chocolate bars are not only high in calories but full of fat and sugars which won’t give us the sustained energy release we need.
“Cooking and preparing meals with fresh fruit and vegetables is definitely going to help you stay fuller for longer and that helps you avoid the need to turn to high sugar and high fat snacks in between meals.
“Not only will the high fibre keep you feeling full, you’ll also benefit from the high concentrations of nutrients like Vitamin C in berries.
“All of which makes them a great snack choice.”
The study also found 39 per cent chose to snack because of its convenience while a third said it lifts their mood.
And four in 10 admitted they were tempted to snack more since lockdown measures had been introduced. Spending more time at home, snacking when bored or with little to do and enjoying a nibble on something when stressed were among the reasons for the increase.
But a quarter blamed it on buying more during their weekly shop, while two-fifths find comfort when they are eating their favourite treat.
In the research, which was conducted via OnePoll, 47 per cent said that they would describe themselves as a “grazer”.
The survey of 2,000 adults was commissioned by Love Fresh Berries.