CHICAGO—While many of us might think of snacking as a guilty pleasure, the right type of snack can play a role in weight loss by contributing to a feeling of fullness or satiety, that in turn may reduce the amount of food we eat at subsequent meals and limit overall food consumption. This is the point made by Re, Leatherhead, England, during a session at the 2013 Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) Annual Meeting and Expo.
“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,," said Roberta Re, Ph.D., nutrition research manager, Leatherhead Food Research, Surrey, England.
While the amount, frequency and types of snacks consumed in the U.S. and throughout the world continues to contribute to the obesity epidemic, some snacks, such as peanuts, nuts, and other high-fiber snacks, may limit overall daily food consumption.
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.
Kantha Shelke, Ph.D., principal , Corvus Blue, LLC, Chicago, said that food manufacturers are working to meet consumer needs for savory, satisfying snacks that also are healthy.
"You can make something just as delicious with a greater mixture of ingredients," said Shelke. “You can also increase quantity while limiting energy density. The satiety lasts longer and there’s no penalty for enjoyment."
When formulating healthier snack options food product developers should consider mouthfeel and texture in addition to ingredients and take note of growing product categories such as nutrition or energy bars.