Surprising variety of snacks youngsters eat a yr – costing mother and father over £1,000
A poll of 1,200 parents of school-aged children found kids get through three snacks a day at around 92p each
Parents have to keep their cupboards stocked over the summer holidays(Image: Getty Images)
Children eat an average of 1,146 snacks a year – costing a total of £1,059. A poll of 1,200 parents of school-aged children found they typically get through three snacks a day at around 92p each. These often include yoghurts, chocolate bars and cheese.
Over the six-week summer holiday, youngsters will declare ‘I’m hungry’ 104 times – with 11:54 considered to be peak snack time’. As a result, 27% of parents feel extra pressure to keep cupboards and fridges stocked with food their children will actually eat, while still trying to make healthy choices.
The research was commissioned by Pilgrims Choice, which has partnered with comedian and cook, George Egg, to provide snack inspiration for parents and encourage kids to try different food combinations.
George Egg said: “There are plenty of tasty snack options for families to try, beyond crisps and biscuits.
“Even in the summer holidays snacking doesn’t have to break the bank – although the never-ending requests for food can break a parent’s patience.
“There are likely some fabulous flavour combinations hiding away in your fridge, just waiting to be paired up with something else – you’d be surprised.
“Mature cheddar, curry paste and walnut, or what about cheese, pickled onions and jam.”
Parents are always on the lookout for healthy nutritious snacks(Image: Getty Images)
The study also found 39% of parents tend to give their kids snacks that are quick and easy, despite knowing the child is bored of them. Yet, almost half (47%) said their children are somewhat adventurous about trying new snacks, flavours, or even flavour combinations.
It turns out, 47% of kids would happily try dark chocolate, 45% would eat nuts and 33% are open to sweet-and-savoury flavour combinations. Some bolder flavours children are willing to try include chilli jam, gherkins, jalapeños and kimchi.
Nearly seven in ten parents feel guilty if they don’t have a variety of snacks available for their children. And although 34% said their kids do eat more healthy snacks than unhealthy ones, 78% would like their child to eat healthier snacks than they currently do.
A spokesperson for Pilgrims Choice said: “Some kids are naturally hesitant about new flavours and trying new foods – let alone combining tastes and textures.
“So we’re delighted to work with George Egg to help encourage kids and parents alike to break free from the snacking repetition and really tantalise those taste buds.”
THE TOP 15 SNACKS EATEN BY SCHOOL-AGED CHILDREN:
- Fruit
- Biscuits
- Crisps
- Yoghurt
- Chocolate bars
- Chocolate snacks
- Sweets
- Cheese
- Cereal bars
- Popcorn
- Crackers
- Toast / bagels
- Nuts
- Yoghurt pouches
- Breadsticks
THE TOP 20 FLAVOURS PARENTS SAID THEIR SCHOOL-AGED KIDS WOULD TRY:
- Dark chocolate
- Nuts
- A salty and sweet combination
- Hot honey
- Tomato salsa
- Smoked salmon
- Mushrooms
- Olives
- Pickled onions
- Chilli jam
- Curry paste (such as Korma or Thai)
- Beetroot
- Marmite
- Chilli flakes or very spicy seasoning
- Chutney
- Hot sauce (such as Tabasco)
- Seaweed
- Gherkins
- Jalapeños
- Kimchi
