Whole grain snack intake in an after‐school snack program: a pilot study

Abstract

US children consume about one‐third of the recommended level of whole grain. This study compared the difference in consumption between snacks made with either refined flour (Goldfish 0 g/serving), low (Graham crackers 5 g/serving, Goldfish 8 g/serving) or 100% whole grain flour level (Graham crackers 26 g/serving) among 117 children (kindergarten–sixth grade) participating in after‐school snack programs. The study included plate waste collection and group interviews conducted in four elementary schools in the Midwest. A multiple comparison test determined differences in consumption. The mean consumption for Graham crackers 26 g (52.0 ± 11.40) was significantly lower than the mean consumption for Goldfish 0 g, (78 ± 4.31), Graham crackers 5 g, (80.2 ± 5.19) and Goldfish 8 g (75.4 ± 5.24) (P < 0.05). Children were more sensitive to the taste and texture of Graham crackers 26 g/serving as compared with snacks with less whole grain. Snack products with considerable whole grain content may require additional research in order to increase their appeal to children.

Middle-school students’ school lunch consumption does not meet the new Institute of Medicine's National School Lunch Program recommendations

“…There are some wholegrain products available for use in school food service operations; however, the higher cost of wholegrain foods is an issue (4) , as is the acceptability by students (18) . A few studies suggest that inclusion of wholegrain foods in school lunches may be well received by children, but acceptance of 100 % wholegrain foods is lower than acceptance of 50 % wholegrain products (19,20) . In a previous focus group study identifying ways to promote new foods in the cafeteria, children reported that 'new foods would be accepted if they looked and tasted good and were familiar' and 'could be promoted through sampling, peer influence and providing incentives' (18) .…”

Main Factors Influencing Whole Grain Consumption in Children and Adults—A Narrative Review

“…Information regarding the factors that may influence WG consumption (barriers and facilitators) was collected from studies addressing the consumer’s perception of products made with WG. The literature search allowed us to identify 13 studies in children [ 16 , 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 , 37 , 38 , 39 , 40 , 41 , 42 ], five in adolescents [ 33 , 43 , 44 , 45 , 46 ], and 30 studies in adults; more precisely for adults: 10 in young adults [ 44 , 47 , 48 , 49 , 50 , 51 , 52 , 53 , 54 , 55 ], 10 in middle-aged adults [ 16 , 31 , 37 , 55 , 56 , 57 , 58 , 59 , 60 , 61 ], four in older adults [ 17 , 62 , 63 , 64 ], two in young and middle-aged adults grouped together [ 65 , 66 ], and five that did not separate age groups and considered all adults together [ 15 , 67 , 68 , 69 , 70 ]. The data that were...…”

Effect of a Garden-Based Nutrition Education Program on the Consumption of Fruits and Vegetables by Hispanic Children

“…The fruit and vegetable plate consisted of orange slices and cucumber slices. Tortilla chips were chosen as the alternate snack option based on their popularity in our target population and their high national incidence of consumption by children ages six to eleven (Sadeghi & Marquart, 2009). Unlike the previously referenced study, the current pilot method observed actual amount of snacks consumed as well the amount taken.…”