Snacking continues to increase among Americans, accounting for 25% of daily caloric intake. The average person "snacks" an extra 580 calories each day. Between 2006 and 2008, time spent eating primary meals - breakfast, lunch and dinner - remained consistent at 70 minutes. However, secondary eating doubled from 15 minutes each day in 2006 to nearly 30 minutes in 2008, and secondary drinking jumped nearly 90% from 45-85 minutes. Beverages account for 50% the calories consumed through snacking. Most people don't equate beverages with calorie intake and are less likely to offset or take these calories into account.
Institute of Food Technologists, June 201