Survey of Canadian children ages 6 – 11 offers snacking insights in time for back to school
MISSISSAUGA, ON, Aug. 18, 2015 /CNW/ - Five days a week, four weeks a month, ten months a year – that's a lot of snacks to pack during the school year! That's also a lot of pressure for the 80 per cent of Canadian parents who say they lack fruit and vegetable snack ideas, according to a study released by Walmart Canada. Getting kids to eat their fruits and veggies is top of mind for parents. Even though nearly two-thirds (65%) of parents try to sneak fruits and vegetables into their kids' snacks in creative ways, the same percentage (65%) still struggle to find ways to get their kids to eat fruits and vegetables in between meals.
"Fresh fruit and veggies are important to a healthy diet but it's tough on parents to keep snacks interesting for kids day in and day out," said Paul Del Duca, senior vice president, fresh foods at Walmart Canada. "Walmart is working to make it easier than ever to find fresh and simple snack ideas in stores that parents will be happy to prepare and kids will actually eat!"
What happens to snacks that don't get eaten? Fifty-five per cent of the time, they're brought home from primary school. Additionally, they may be given to someone else (16%) or thrown away (10%). Only 13 per cent of kids actually eat the snacks they don't like. Parents can appeal to the even the pickiest little snackers with some tips and recipes from Walmart Canada's Snack Report, which features easy, inspiring recipes with ingredients found in-store and on www.walmart.ca.
Keep It Yummy
Strawberries (88%), apples (76%) and blueberries (68%) topped the yummy list for kids between six and 11 years old. That doesn't mean parents need to forgo vegetables though. A little strategic vegetable inclusion can keep kids' (and grown ups') taste buds happy with a boost of nutrition. Zucchini might seem gross to 54 per cent of kids aged 6 - 11, but when it's baked into fluffy Chocolate Zucchini Bread, it's up to parents to decide whether to disclose the star ingredient.
Fave Foods Keep Kids Happy
It's no surprise that kids' favourite snacks include popsicles (77%), smoothies (75%) and pizza (75%). Granola bars, chocolate bread and more make the list too, indicating kids like to find a variety of foods in their lunch boxes. While not every snack is easily transported to school, working in favourites and getting the right containers, such as an insulated mini beverage container for a Maple-Berry Smoothie, can make everyone happy at snack time.
"Get kids involved in grocery shopping and help them select their favourite fruits and vegetables as well as some new ones to get adventurous with," added Del Duca. "With so many snacks to make over the course of the school year, some variety should definitely be on the menu."
Snack Report
Parents can download the Walmart Canada Snack Report here and visit the Walmart Canada Recipe Centre for more snack inspiration.
Survey Methodology
The survey was conducted between July 31 and August 4, 2015 via LegerWeb. A total of n=519 6 – 11 year-olds were interviewed with their parents using the online survey. A sample of this size would yield a margin of error of +/-4.3%, 19 times out of 20. Discrepancies in or between totals are due to rounding.
About Walmart Canada
Walmart Canada operates a growing chain of 395 stores nationwide serving more than 1.2 million customers each day. Walmart Canada's flagship online store, www.walmart.ca, is visited by 450,000 customers daily. With more than 90,000 associates, Walmart Canada is one of Canada's largest employers and is ranked one of the country's top 10 most influential brands. Walmart Canada's extensive philanthropy program is focused on supporting Canadian families in need, and since 1994 Walmart has raised and donated more than $230 million to Canadian charities. Additional information can be found at walmartcanada.ca, facebook.com/walmartcanada and at twitter.com/walmartcanada.
SOURCE Walmart Canada
For media inquiries, please contact: Felicia Fefer, Manager, Marketing Communications, Walmart Canada, [email protected]
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