The survey reveals the eating habits of the average American

According to a new study, the average American skips three meals a week.

A survey of 2,000 American adults found that only 22% say they never skip meals, compared to 29% who admit to doing so every day of the week.

The results also revealed that Americans aren’t just missing meals, they’re also forgetting what they’re actually consuming. The average respondent can only remember half (57%) of everything they ate during the past three days.

However, Americans average three snacks a day. They range from chips (57%), to fruit (56%) and cheese (46%). Others find themselves eating cookies (43%), cookies (41%) and ice cream (36%).

Only 25% of respondents say they are “very aware” of the daily nutritional value of protein their foods provide.

This may be because more than a third of Americans (36%) tend to impulsively consume their meals instead of deliberately planning them (18%).

Conducted by Talker Research on behalf of Breakstone’s, the survey also explored the concept of “accidental snacking,” or eating for reasons not necessarily hunger, and found that it regularly plagues 30% of Americans.

Only six percent say they do not fall victim to unintentional food.

As a result, respondents have developed bad eating habits (26%) or lack energy (21%).

But Americans seem to be taking matters into their own hands, as 27% are working to make more informed food choices this year.

According to the results, eating intentionally means choosing foods that are healthy (43%) or that will give them an energy boost (30%).

For others, it looks like setting a limit on how many snacks they have per day or planning meals ahead of time (both 29%).

In fact, almost half (49%) of respondents would be more likely to eat intentional snacks if they knew there were health benefits – including hard-boiled eggs (43%), Greek yogurt (39%) and curd (31). %).

“With so many Americans skipping meals regularly, it’s important to make the most of your daily meals,” said Dhriti Batra, Brand Director, Cultured, Lactalis Heritage Dairy. “Try including protein-packed ingredients in foods such as smoothies or salads. There’s no need to just stick with the same old foods; trying something new can expand your palate and even discover new favorites.â€

The survey also explored how Americans are making the most of their vacations and found that snacking is an integral part of life’s moments.

The results revealed that Americans average four hours of free time each day and fill that time by watching television (69%), scrolling through social media (48%) and of course, eating (40%). And ideally, that break would last for about an hour and 15 minutes (74.7 minutes).

However, still, 37% of respondents admit that they often feel like they are “running to E” after their holidays.

More than three-quarters of the respondents (78%) agree that they also enjoy some moments of rest.

“The survey results found that nearly two in five people don’t feel refueled after their vacation. Between work, school, errands and everything in between, it’s no secret that Americans need some time off,” said Batra. “While it’s important to relax and unwind, it’s just as important to nourish your body while on vacation so the rest of the day goes smoothly.”

Survey methodology:

This random two-choice survey of 2,000 Americans in the general population was commissioned by Breakstone between June 10 and June 13, 2024. It was conducted by market research company Talker Research, whose team members are members of the Society of Market Research (MRS) and the European Society for Opinion and Marketing Research (ESOMAR).