Added sugar, saturated fat, and sodium intake from snacks among US adolescents by meal location

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pmedr.2021.101630

Commentary

A study showed that the number of food and beverage snacks consumed and the intake of added sugars, saturated fats, and sodium among adolescents aged 12-19 years in the United States was significantly higher than in locations away from home. This result is consistent with the analysis of data collected in the previous two cycles of NHANES (2005-2006, 2007-2008) and indicates that adolescents aged 12-19 years consumed more sugar from food (54.4%) beverages (65.8)

While 55-70% of the calories consumed from SSBs were consumed at home, other age groups reported that the frequency of consumption of high-calorie foods (i.e. fast food) and away-from-home snacks were associated with higher energy, SSB, sodium and fat intake in children.

The results indicated that foods and beverages and types of snacks were similar at home and away from home, and that the amount of added sugar, saturated fat and sodium from food and beverage snacks consumed at home was higher in away-from-home eating and drinking. Given the role of the home food environment's influence on adolescents' food choices, the home environment can be targeted to improve adolescents' diets, but more research is needed t examine snack-related behaviors, availability and sources, and frequency and portion sizes of intake.