Has meal snacking replaced traditional three meals a day?
Snacking can be a highly debated food topic. Has the continual, all-day snack grazing replaced the traditional three meals a day?
Is snacking part of your daily routine? Every week there seems to be a different study, eating plan or suggestion on what, how and when to eat. While older generations believed in three meals a day, more people are skipping those regulated eating times. Meal snacking is becoming more popular.
One popular notion is that people should consumer three meals and two snacks a day. This concept has been widely touted by many people in the food world. While a practical concept, the reality isn’t quite that simple. Busy lifestyles make it difficult to sit down and eat an entire meal.
In a recent study by Farm Rich, the people surveyed showed that more and more people are grazing throughout the day. The idea of meal snacking seems to be taking hold. This concept says that snacks are replacing regular meals.
(Photo by Steffi Loos/Getty Images)
According to Shannon Gilreath, Director of Marketing, Farm Rich. “People are no longer feeling bound to the traditional three meals a day, which gives them more variety and time back to do the things they enjoy most, and for many, that doesn’t involve a ton of time in the kitchen, especially on busy days.” This idea is greatly supported by millennials who think that three meals a day is a thing of the past.
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Whether people call this concept meal snacks or small plates, more companies are embracing this food trend. While kids might have pre-packaged, portioned lunches, adults are gravitating to the more elevated snack versions. Meat, cheese and nuts all top consumers top choices for snack meals.
Although consumers have numerous reasons for grabbing snacks versus an entire meal, two of the top reasons for choosing snacks is curbing cravings and keeping fueled throughout the day. Given these two scenarios, it is important that the snacks balance protein and carbs. Whether it is a handful of nuts with some apples or cheese slices with some crackers, the snack balance is key to satisfaction.
One interesting aspect to this food trend is that snacks or small plates can reduce food waste. Think about how much food can be wasted in a larger meal. Whether it is too much food piled on a plate or leftovers headed to the trash, the smaller meals or snacks may not lead to abundant food waste.
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Where do you stand on the meal snacking versus traditional three meals a day? Do you think that this food trend says more about consumers’ preferences or that people’s lifestyles are just too busy?