- Home
- News
- Family News
- Parents face almost 170 snack requests per child over the summer holidays, new research suggests
Parents face almost 170 snack requests per child over the summer holidays, new research suggests
Children ask for almost four snacks a day during the summer break, with biscuits topping the list.
- MadeForMums
Published: July 20, 2026 at 10:23 AM
Save
- Share on facebook
- Share on twitter
- Share on pinterest
- Share on whatsapp
- Share on reddit
- Share on tumblr
With the school summer holidays underway, many parents may feel like they're constantly hearing the words, "Can I have a snack?"
Ad
New research has found the average child asks for 3.9 snacks a day during the six-week break, adding up to around 168 requests per child, or more than one billion snack requests across the UK over the holidays.
What to see more MadeForMums in your search results? Tell Google!
From parenting news to expert advice and trusted product recommendations, make sure you don't miss the MadeForMums content that matters to your family. Add MadeForMums as a Preferred Source on Google.
The findings, from research commissioned by Imaginakery, also reveal many families struggle to balance convenience with healthier choices during the long summer break. The research forms part of The Great British Snacking Crisis, a new report examining children's snacking habits and the pressures families face during the school summer holidays.
Snack requests start early and don't stop
The research found one in five (20%) parents receive their child's first snack request before 8am, while 28% say children are most likely to ask for snacks just before mealtimes. A further 17% say requests even continue at bedtime.
Some parents admit they find it difficult to say no. One in 10 (10%) say they never refuse snack requests, while 72% say they're unlikely to refuse more than five requests in a single day.
The survey also highlights some of the compromises parents make during the holidays:
- 79% have served a sweet treat for breakfast.
- 21% have used snacks as a bargaining tool.
- 2% admit giving in because they're too tired.
It found that parents can struggle with making healthy snack choices, with one in four (25%) admitting they don't know the recommended daily sugar limit for children and 11% saying they don't understand the food traffic light labelling system.
However, the findings suggest many parents are keen to make healthier choices but feel limited by what's available. More than four in five (81%) would like to see more lower-sugar snacks on supermarket shelves, while almost two-thirds (63%) say they would switch if suitable alternatives were available.
Some children are hiding snacks around the house
The research also uncovered some of the more surprising habits children have developed around snack time.
More than a quarter (27%) admitted hiding snacks under their pillow, while the same number stash them in their pockets. Around 22% have hidden snacks behind sofa cushions and 15% have tucked them away inside toys.
Top 10 snacks children eat most often
- Biscuits (69%)
- Chocolate (59%)
- Crisps (57%)
- Fresh fruit (57%)
- Yoghurts (55%)
- Sweets (48%)
- Cake (39%)
- Cheese (33%)
- Toast (29%)
- Baked goods (28%)
Expert shares tips for healthier snacking
Nutritionist Dr Emma Derbyshire says small changes can help families build healthier snacking habits without making food feel restrictive.
Rather than labelling foods as "good" or "bad", she recommends talking to children about how different foods help fuel their bodies. She also suggests keeping healthier snacks visible and easy to reach, involving children in preparing fruit and vegetables, and setting a positive example by eating healthy snacks together.
She also recommends preparing snacks in advance to make healthier choices just as convenient as grabbing crisps or biscuits from the cupboard.
Healthy snack ideas for little ones
If you're looking to mix up snack time this summer, these easy ideas are packed with goodness and simple to prepare.
Ad
- Fruit smoothie: Blend banana with soft fruit and milk or yoghurt for a refreshing, vitamin-rich snack.
- Pitta and hummus: Toast pitta, cut into strips and serve with hummus for a snack that's high in fibre and protein.
- Halved grapes: Perfect for on the go, remember to always cut seedless grapes in half to reduce the choking risk for younger children. Older children might enjoy frozen grapes in the summer heat, too.
- Veggie sticks: Cucumber, carrot and pepper strips count towards their five-a-day, and can be combined with hummus or peanut butter for some protein.
- Eggy bread: A filling snack that combines protein and carbohydrates to keep little tummies satisfied.
- Fromage frais: A handy source of calcium, especially for toddlers, and easy to serve at home or on the move.
- Malt loaf: Naturally sweet and a great alternative to cakes or biscuits for an afternoon snack.
- Oatcakes with cream cheese: Oats provide slow-release energy, while cream cheese adds a calcium boost.
Authors
MadeForMums
Ad
Ad
Loading...
Ad
Loading...