Who doesn’t love a tasty snack? Whether it’s a mid-morning pick-me-up or a post-workout protein bar, there’s just something about a snack that hits differently. 

But why do snacks feel so satisfying? We may not always need them – but that’s not to say we shouldn’t be having them, either. In fact, they do have a purpose to play. 

We’re all about finding little pockets of joy in the every day, and sometimes a snack is just what we’re after. And you’re not imagining it; there is a scientific reason that we find them so rewarding. 

Intrigued to learn more? We asked the experts why snacking feels so satisfying, and the benefits of treating yourself to a 4pm bite. Let’s dig in and investigate. 

Why do we snack? 

Research shows that a whopping 86% of people in the UK enjoy snacks, with two-thirds of these snacking at least once a day. Yet our reasons for snacking are varied – and they don’t always relate to hunger.

“Snacks obviously satisfy hunger and provide a quick energy boost, addressing physiological needs,” says dietitian Ro Huntress. “But additionally, snacking can offer a break from routine or boredom, providing a momentary distraction and a source of enjoyment.”

For people who have issues eating a full meal due to certain medical conditions, snacking can help to fill any nutritional gaps, while keeping energy levels stable between meals might be particularly important for those with physically demanding jobs, for example.

Whatever our reasons, there’s something about the humble snack that feels so good.

Why is snacking so satisfying?

For us, an afternoon cuppa and a bite to eat is one of life’s little pleasures, and taking a break to refuel can re-energise us even on the dreariest of days. And there’s science behind snacking, and why it feels so rewarding.

“Snacking is satisfying for several reasons,” says Huntress. “Firstly, it provides a pleasurable sensory experience through the taste, texture and aroma of the snacks, activating our senses and rewarding our brain. Furthermore, snacks are often designed to be highly palatable, containing a combination of sugar, fat and salt that can trigger the brain’s reward system, leading to feelings of pleasure and satisfaction.”

What are the benefits of snacking?

It would be remiss of us not to mention that snacking sometimes gets a bad rap. But studies have shown that the act of snacking itself isn’t bad for us, it’s more about what we choose to snack on that can affect our health and wellbeing.

“Snacking, when done in a balanced and mindful manner, can offer several benefits,” says Huntress. “Firstly, it can help regulate blood sugar levels and provide a constant source of energy throughout the day. Snacking can also help maintain focus and concentration, especially when there are long gaps between meals.”

We all know that getting overly hungry can lead to problems such as poor decision making and lack of impulse control, while anyone who has ever been on the receiving end of a hangry rant will attest to the importance of not allowing those blood sugar levels to dip too low. So snacking most definitely has a place in our diets.

And if you are too busy, stressed or time-poor to make sure that your meals are balanced and nutritious, a nutrient-dense snack can be a great way of balancing things out.

“Snacking can be an opportunity to incorporate more fruits, vegetables, and whole foods into the diet,” says Huntress. “And last but not least, snacking can be a source of pleasure and enjoyment, providing a break and a moment of relaxation.”

If life is all about the simple pleasures, snacking is right up there with the best of them. 

When is the best time for a snack?

Well, this depends.

“There isn’t strictly a best time to snack,” explains Huntress. “The key consideration here is when you feel genuine hunger and your body needs nourishment between meals.”

It’s vital to listen to your bodies, but many of us have learned to ignore or override our natural hunger signals. Learning to trust our appetite can take some work, but it’s well worth the effort.

“Ideally, it is recommended to listen to your body’s cues and eat when you start feeling mildly to moderately hungry, rather than waiting until you are overly hungry,” says Huntress. “Snacking can be particularly beneficial in the afternoon when energy levels may dip, or during extended gaps between meals.”

However, it’s important to be mindful of the timing of your snacks to avoid interfering with your regular meal schedule – if you’re finding that you’re experiencing extreme hunger before your next meal, it might be worth looking at whether your overall food intake is appropriately balanced and satiating. Additionally, snacking too close to bedtime can disrupt your sleep patterns, but you will know what works for you.

“Spacing out snacks adequately throughout the day is preferable,” says Huntress. “This can help maintain a steady flow of energy and prevent extreme hunger or energy crashes.”

Images: Getty