How do youth snack?

As part of our recent Snacking study, Bord Bia completed a separate booster survey among 10-15 year olds in Ireland the UK. Mums completed the survey on behalf of their children. In total we recorded 4,886 snacking occasions.


Key differences between this segment and the adult were:

• More out of home snacking

In all, 26% of their occasions are out of home versus 22% of adult occasions. For their out of home snacking, two thirds of this take place in school.

• Higher snacking in the afternoon

The youth segment has the same peak
snacking period as adults: 3pm – 6pm. However the percentage of snacks at this time is higher with 31% of their snacks take place in the afternoon compared with 23% of adult snacks. This can be attributed to the need to snack after school to boost energy levels. 

 

• Not responsible for purchases of snacks

It is the mother who purchases more than three quarters of their snacks (unlike the adult population where 74% of snacks are purchased by themselves).

• Where snacks are purchased

Youth snacks are more likely to be purchased in a supermarket, accounting for almost nine out of ten of their at home snacks.

• Higher spend in Britain among youths than Ireland

The cost per snacking occasion (which could include a drink) is €1.86 in Republic of Ireland and £1.62 in the UK, which means that the British youths are spending more on snacks than the Irish.

• Multipack formats more prominent

A total of 44% of their snacks are from multipacks (compared with 34% of all adults’ snacks).

• Beverage choice varies

Drinks continue to accompany 42% of their snacks (which is the same figure as the adult population). However, the difference is the choice of beverages (see right).

• More variety and healthier snack options

They under index on confectionary and fruit categories and over index on dairy/eggs and sandwiches. Slightly healthier snacking could be attributed to the control of the parent on their snacking choices.


Source: Paula Donoghue, Brand Manager, Bord Bia – Irish Food Board