A new survey sponsored by Driscoll’s revealed that 97 percent of survey participants indulge in a between-meal nibble at least once a day and almost three fourths of afternoon snackers feel they should be making healthier snack choices. Half, 50 percent, of those surveyed snack around 3 p.m. and 79 percent of those respondents snack in order to refuel or beat “the afternoon slump.”
The survey also revealed that the time of day people reach for their snacks affects their snack choice. People who snack between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. are more likely to choose fresh fruit.
“It’s great to see that people often make a fresh fruit choice as an afternoon snack,” said Frances Dillard, director of marketing, Driscoll’s, in a prepared statement. “We know that it’s not easy to always make a healthy choice. That’s why we are excited to launch a campaign that will introduce great tasting blueberry snacks to replace the unhealthy 3 p.m. snack, especially as people are trying to keep their New Year’s resolutions on track.”
The Driscoll’s survey also found:
- 81 percent of those who work in an office setting away from home continue to work while eating their snack
- Respondents who indulge in healthier snacks like fresh fruit are more social at snack time
- 45.7 percent snack on something less healthy, like salty foods, candy and baked goods
“It’s natural for people to crave a snack around 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.,” said Bahar Tak, editor, Shape Magazine. “It has to do with the circadian cycle and is triggered by many factors such as drop in body temperature, stress, increased levels of melatonin and even the type of light in our environment.”
