Children in the UK eat an average of 1,146 snacks per year, costing families a total of £1,059 annually, according to a new poll of 1,200 parents of school-aged children. The research, conducted by Pilgrims Choice, found that children typically consume three snacks a day at an average cost of 92p each. Common snacks include yoghurts, chocolate bars, and cheese.
Summer Holiday Snacking Peaks at 11:54
Over the six-week summer holiday, children declare 'I'm hungry' an average of 104 times, with 11:54 considered the peak snack time. This constant demand puts pressure on parents: 27% feel extra pressure to keep cupboards and fridges stocked with foods their children will eat while trying to make healthy choices.
Parents Seek Quick Fixes Despite Boredom
The study found that 39% of parents give their children quick and easy snacks, even though they know the child is bored of them. However, nearly half (47%) of parents said their children are somewhat adventurous when it comes to trying new snacks, flavours, or flavour combinations. Specifically, 47% of kids would happily 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.
Guilt and Health Concerns Drive Snack Choices
Nearly seven in ten parents (68%) feel guilty if they don't have a variety of snacks available. Although 34% said their children eat more healthy snacks than unhealthy ones, 78% would like their child to eat healthier snacks than they currently do. Pilgrims Choice has partnered with comedian and cook George Egg to provide snack inspiration 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.” He added: “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.”
Top 15 Snacks and 20 Flavours Kids Try
The top 15 snacks eaten by school-aged children are: fruit, biscuits, crisps, yoghurt, chocolate bars, chocolate snacks, sweets, cheese, cereal bars, popcorn, crackers, toast/bagels, nuts, yoghurt pouches, and breadsticks. The top 20 flavours parents said their kids would try include: 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, and kimchi.
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.”
