Kids Eat 1,146 Snacks a Year Costing Parents £1,059, Survey Finds

A survey of 1,200 parents of school-aged children has revealed that the average child consumes 1,146 snacks per year, costing a total of £1,059. The research, commissioned by Pilgrims Choice, found that children typically eat three snacks daily, with each snack costing around 92p. Common snacks include yoghurts, chocolate bars, and cheese.

Summer Holiday Snacking Peaks at 11:54

During the six-week summer holiday, parents can expect to hear their children declare 'I'm hungry' approximately 104 times, with 11:54 considered the peak snack time. This constant demand places extra pressure on 27% of parents to keep their cupboards and fridges stocked with food their children will actually eat, while still trying to make healthy choices.

Parents Seek Snack Inspiration

Pilgrims Choice 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.”

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Kids Are Adventurous with Flavours

The study also found that 39% of parents tend to give their kids snacks that are quick and easy, despite knowing the child is bored of them. However, 47% said their children are somewhat adventurous about trying new snacks, flavours, or flavour combinations. Specifically, 47% of kids would try dark chocolate, 45% would eat nuts, and 33% are open to sweet-and-savoury combinations. 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. While 34% said their kids eat more healthy snacks than unhealthy ones, 78% would like their child to eat healthier snacks than they currently do.

Top Snacks and Flavours Revealed

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.”