The LA Times reports that America has become a nation of healthier snackers according to NPD, (formerly National Purchase Diary) a leading North American market research company.
NPD has declared fresh fruit the most popular snack food in the country especially among children.
Over the course of a year, Americans snack on fresh fruit an average of 10 times more than they snack on chocolate and 25 times more than they snack on potato chips, according to NPD’s recent “Snacking in America” report.
Based on NPD's findings, here are the top three snack foods:
- Fruit
- Chocolate
- Potato chips
Here is the breakdown for times people eat:
- Snacks now account for 20 percent of all eating occasions.
- Breakfast accounts for 28 percent.
- Lunch accounts for 25 percent.
- Dinner accounts for 27 percent.
More of those snacks are being consumed in the morning at home. The number of morning snacks that the typical person eats over the course of a year has increased by 22. Afternoon and evening snacks at home have held pretty steady over the last five years.
NPD experts offer several explanations why fruit is the top snack choice.
- Fresh fruit is a favorite among children and senior citizens. The older people get, the more fruit they eat.
- Fresh fruit can be eaten at all times of the day. It works as a morning snack, afternoon pick-me-up and even as dessert.
- Americans are caring more about their health.
- People who eat healthy snacks tend to snack more often, so they have more chances to eat fresh fruit.
Fruit is a convenient snack to pick up and eat when you are hungry. And there are so many different fruits to choose from.
The next time you are hungry, snack on a piece of fruit of your choice.
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