Snacking definitions: impact on interpretation of the literature and dietary recommendations

Snacking is a ubiquitous practice that has increased in recent years. However, the impact of snacking on the diet is difficult to assess because a variety of approaches have been used to define snacking (and snack foods) in the literature. This lack of a universally accepted definition complicates interpretation of the literature and limits the development of science-based recommendations for consumers. The purpose of this review is to illustrate this problem by showing that the conclusions derived from the literature are heavily dependent on the definition used or implied by the authors. It is suggested that the a universally accepted definition for snacking be developed by a coalition of stakeholders to provide a template for future research, guidance for the food industry and to enable the development of well-substantiated dietary recommendations.