‘Healthy’ snacks that promote a feeling of fullness (satiety) may reduce the amount of food intake at subsequent meals and limit overall food consumption, according to a recent presentation at the 2013 Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) Annual Meeting and Food Expo in Chicago.

The presentation by Roberta Re, Nutrition Research Manager at research organisation Leatherhead Food Research, at the meeting on 16 July 2013 suggested that while the amount, frequency and types of snacks consumed in the US and globally continues to contribute to the obesity epidemic, some snacks, such as peanuts, nuts and other high-fibre snacks, may limit overall daily food consumption.

“Appetite control is an area of weight management that is receiving increased attention as the food industry aims to provide consumers with foods that will keep them fuller for longer, reducing inter-meal hunger and overall energy intake,” Ms Re said.

In her presentation Re referenced a study in which participants who regularly consumed almonds as a mid-morning snack reported increased feelings of satiety “resulting in a reduced energy intake at lunch and dinner with no increase” in overall calorie intake. In another study, participants’ overall daily intake was lowered after they received a regular portion of cereal as a snack each day for six weeks.

Food manufacturers work on limited energy density

Kantha Shelke, Principal at nutritional technology company Corvus Blue LLC, told the meeting that food manufacturers were working to meet consumer needs for savoury, satisfying snacks that are also healthy.

“You can make something just as delicious with a greater mixture of ingredients,” Ms Shelke said. “You can also increase quantity while limiting energy density. The satiety lasts longer, and there’s no penalty for enjoyment,” she said.

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