Unhealthy snacks account for a quarter of the daily calorie intake for people in Britain, according to research from gut health company Zoe. The survey of 1,000 participants found that 95 percent of individuals snack regularly and often lack awareness about healthier choices.
On average, people are consuming as many as 600 calories per day from snacks. This represents approximately a quarter of the recommended daily intake of 2,500 calories for men and 30 percent of the 2,000-calorie recommendation for women.
Snack bar, cereal bar, or protein bar emerged as the most popular choice for 68 percent of respondents. Crisps, biscuits, and chocolate were also frequently cited as preferred snacks. When making snack decisions, consumers primarily considered convenience and price, with the sugar content ranking as only the fourth most important factor.
Experts suggest that nutrient- and fiber-rich options such as houmous, fruit, nuts, or seeds are preferable choices. Consuming unhealthy snacks has been linked to higher body mass index (BMI) and increased visceral fat, both of which are associated with a greater risk of metabolic diseases, including stroke, cardiovascular disease, and obesity.
Professor Sarah Berry, chief scientist at Zoe and professor of nutritional sciences at King's College London, stated, "The UK is undeniably a nation of snackers, but for too long the snacking food category has optimized for convenience over nutritional quality and gut health." She added that while snacking itself is not inherently problematic, the poor nutritional quality of commonly consumed snacks is a concern. The research suggests that healthier snacking habits can be beneficial for the gut microbiome and overall health.
Furthermore, the timing of snacks appears to be significant. Zoe's research indicated that individuals who regularly snack after 9 p.m. tend to exhibit worse health outcomes. The study also noted that faster eaters consumed, on average, 120 more calories daily than slower eaters. A reduction in eating speed of approximately 20 percent could lead to a decrease in energy intake of about 15 percent.