Majority of moms hide snacks from their family, study finds

A majority of moms admit to stashing snacks in secret spots so they don't have to share with their family members. (iStock)

Did you ever feel like your mom was hiding all the really good treats and snacks in some hidden treasure trove? According to a new survey, she was.

Two-thirds of American moms have a secret snack supply that they keep hidden from the family, according to new data.

The survey found 66 percent of moms polled admit they hide the really good snacks to avoid sharing them with their partner and children.

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The secret snacking habits emerged as part of a wider study of 2,000 women aged 21-45 across the country and found nearly three quarters (73 percent) admit to having a quick snack "in secret."

While snacking is an exceedingly normal thing to do, it seems that a high number of women have resorted to enjoying an in-between meal indulgence incognito.

In fact, sadly, seven out of 10 women between the ages of 21 and 45 have felt guilt over simply eating a snack, with 42 percent even reporting they were embarrassed about their snacking habits.

The poll, which was conducted by freeze-dried fruit manufacturer Crispy Green, also found that one in four women say they currently have some type of snack ‘hidden’ in their home or apartment.

Two-thirds of respondents say they have a specific snack they struggle to resist, even though they know they should stop eating it, and more than half of women have done some secret snacking while on a diet.

While there is guilt associated with snacking, most women (58 percent) are not embarrassed by their overall eating habits. This just goes to show that women may actually be looking for some peace and quiet, which is why they find snacking in bed to be a comfort they don’t want to give up.

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Furthermore, the majority of women (52%) said they don’t tend to eat more when they are sad. This shows that women are able to control their emotions and not use food, specifically unhealthy snacking, as a coping mechanism.

According to Lindsey DeCaro, RDN, LDN, “Snacks actually provide a great opportunity to both curb your hunger and get the nutrients you need to be healthy. No guilt involved—just make the time to snack smartly and you’ll make wise choices for your overall health.”

Results also showed that simple hunger and cravings are the top reasons for in-between meal munching. As for factors that help reduce feelings of guilt around snacking, grabbing something on the healthier side is enough to solve the problems for 64 percent of respondents.

“No one should feel guilty about grabbing a bite between meals to keep them going, but if it’s a matter of looking after your health, it can be as simple as just having the right things on hand,” added Angela Liu.

The average woman snacks between two and three times per day, with the most popular times being 10 a.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m.

Nearly all respondents of the survey (92 percent) say that they have a snack food in their house or apartment at the moment, with 83 percent saying that they snack predominantly at home.

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One in five women would describe their snacking habits as "often" unhealthy, while the majority of respondents admitted that their snacking is at least occasionally unhealthy.

The top snacking foods among American women between 21 and 45 include chips (70 percent), candy (60 percent), and cookies (58 percent), followed by fruits and veggies in fourth place.

Top snacking foods among women between 21 and 45:

1. Chips
2. Candy
3. Cookies
4. Fruits/Veggies
5. Nuts
6. Popcorn
7. Crackers
8. Ice cream
9. Yogurt
10. Pretzels