WARNING!
This is an older article that may not reflect Dr. Mercola’s current view on this topic. Use our search engine to find Dr. Mercola’s latest position on any health topic.
Between 1977 and 2002, the percent of the American population eating three or more snacks a day -- and most of it junk food -- increased to 42 percent from 11 percent. Further, researchers found, the percent of children surveyed who said they had eaten three meals on the previous day went down, while those who had had a snack went up more than 40 percent.
The U.S. consumed over $68 billion in packaged snack foods in 2008, up from $60 billion in 2004. Among the newest and best-selling concepts are small packs of cookies and other junk foods. The spread of snacking has been abetted by over-scheduled children and the death of the family dinner.