Tag: Snack science

According to a 2021 study, more than 20% of the daily energy intake for Americans comes from snacks. The question of how often should you eat snacks in a day is not one-size-fits-all, as the answer depends on individual needs, lifestyle, and health goals. This guide breaks down the science behind snacking frequency and helps you find the right rhythm for your body.

On average, a single peanut M&M weighs approximately 2.5 grams, making a 45g bag contain around 18 individual candies. However, this number is not exact due to slight variations in the size and weight of each peanut and its chocolate coating. This calculation provides a reliable estimate for how many peanut M&Ms are in a 45g bag.

According to research published in *The BMJ*, 14% of adults and 12% of children show characteristics of "food addiction," with ultra-processed products like corn chips often implicated. The question of why are corn chips so addicting, however, is not a simple one, involving a calculated interplay of taste, texture, and brain chemistry.

According to a study published in BMC Nutrition, researchers found that roasted almonds experienced significantly improved disintegration rates during simulated gastric digestion compared to their raw counterparts. This suggests that dry roasted almonds might indeed be easier to digest for some individuals.

According to the M&M's official website, Peanut Butter M&M's are indeed made with real peanut butter. However, this ingredient is part of a larger, more complex filling that also includes palm oil and other additives, leading many to question what 'real' peanut butter means in this context.

According to food scientists, the perfect combination of salt, fat, and crunch is meticulously engineered to make processed snacks like chips nearly irresistible. But the reasons why we crave chips run deeper than just taste, involving complex neurological, physiological, and psychological factors that make it hard to stop at just one.

According to food scientists, a significant factor behind our desire for salty snacks is the 'bliss point'—a perfect combination of salt, fat, and crunch engineered to trigger maximum pleasure and reinforce an addictive cycle. This expertly crafted combination is a powerful reason why you would crave potato chips, often overriding true hunger and rational thought.

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the reference amount for a serving of most chocolate and candy is 30 grams. So, while a 5-pound bag seems like a lot, the actual piece count varies dramatically based on the candy's weight and size. A bag of lightweight treats will hold far more items than a bag of individually wrapped fun-size chocolate bars.

Most people assume all microwave popcorn bags are a uniform size, but weights can vary significantly, with a standard bag typically containing around 2.75 to 3.5 ounces. The exact weight depends on the brand and whether it's a standard or 'mini' bag, impacting the final popped volume and nutritional information.

According to scientific research, protein is the most satiating macronutrient, making protein-rich foods a top contender for the most filling snack food. However, a truly satisfying snack relies on more than just protein, combining fiber, water, and low energy density to keep hunger at bay for hours.