Business Intelligence group YouGov SixthSense has released the results of a report on the snacking habits of the UK populous, with favourable conclusions for those pushing for a healthier diet amongst both adults and children.
According to the study, over half of adults in the UK (55 per cent) snack on fresh fruit between meals, although biscuits (45 per cent), crisps (43 per cent) and bagged salads (41 per cent) also featured high on the list.
Children are also keen on fresh fruit, the report suggested, topping the snack league table at 69 per cent compared with crisps at 64 per cent and chocolates and sweets at 61 per cent.
'Whether or not children would actually choose fresh fruit over crisps or chocolate given the choice is irrelevant,' said James McCoy, research director for YouGov SixthSense. 'The mere fact that fruit comes top of the list suggests a strong awareness among children of what constitutes healthy eating.'
Over three-quarters of snackers eat their chosen product at home, with a third snacking at work, school or college, and only 16 per cent eating while travelling or commuting, the YouGov SixthSense report said.
'Snacking occasions are often planned, with snack products forming part of the weekly shopping trip, not necessarily the impulse purchase you might think,' Mr McCoy continued. 'Clearly, home is not only where the heart is, but also the snacks.'
While hunger tends to drive males to snack (45 per cent of adults and 64 per cent of children), women cited more emotional drivers such as boredom (44 per cent) or coping with stress (12 per cent).
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