Consumption of graham snacks in after‐school snack programs based on whole grain flour content

Abstract

Purpose

The 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that children consume at least three daily servings of whole grains. Data from a pilot after‐school program indicated that graham snacks, containing 5 g whole wheat per serving, were consumed in the range of 73‐88 percent, similar to the refined grain counterpart. This paper aims to examine whether a full serving (16 g) of whole grain delivered in a graham snack is acceptable as tested among children participating in an after‐school snack program.

Design/methodology/approach

Subjects included ∼100 children (grades K‐6) participating in after‐school snack programs. Over eight weeks, children were offered graham snacks containing 5, 8, 12, and 16 g whole wheat flour per 30 g serving. Plate waste was used to measure graham snack consumption, as children placed their unfinished snacks in a receptacle and waste was measured after each session. At week nine, a subgroup of children participated in taste tests and rated each snack for liking on a nine‐point hedonic scale. Another subgroup was enrolled in group interviews to provide input about their perceptions of the products' quality and suggestions for improvement.

Findings

Consumption for the 5, 8, 12, and 16 g graham snacks was 80, 76, 79, and 80 percent, respectively. The taste tests results showed no significant difference in rating of the four‐graham snacks. The focus groups indicated that overall, the products are well‐liked, particularly for texture.

Originality/value

This paper suggests that graham snacks can contribute a significant dietary source, nearly one full serving of whole grain when offered in children's natural environment through an after‐school snack program.

Citation

Sadeghi, L. and Marquart, L.F. (2010), "Consumption of graham snacks in after‐school snack programs based on whole grain flour content", British Food Journal, Vol. 112 No. 7, pp. 723-736. https://doi.org/10.1108/00070701011058253