National Snack Day
About National Snack Day
When is National Snack Day? This holiday is always celebrated on March 4
One thing is for certain, Americans love their snacks. Eating foods between meals is what we do. Snacks make us feel good. So, it is only fitting that National Snack Day exists to celebrate and enjoy snacks of all kinds. On this March 4 holiday, we are encouraged to eat junk food all day long. Let’s even have them for our meals. For one day forget about whether or not a snack is healthy for you. Rather, just guiltlessly eat what you want, Then, tomorrow we all can go back to our diets and watch what we eat.
Humans have eaten snacks since the beginning of time. We have been doing so since Adam and Eve snacked on the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden. By the way, Adam and Eve probably thought the apple they ate was something healthy and good for them. Surprise, surprise. Over the thousands of years since then, our choice of snacks has evolved from simple and healthy snacks to junk food loaded with fats, salts, sugars, and other less healthy ingredients. Food manufacturers developed a side array of treats to cater to our insatiable desire for tasty snacks. Over time, new snack foods coming on the market have not gotten healthier for us.
We eat snacks all of the time. A little treat helps us get from one meal to the next. They give us an energy boost before, during and after strenuous exercise. A bedtime snack is all but a requirement for a young child. The biggest snack time of all is during the Superbowl when we make everything from wings to salsa and dips, and a wide array of cookies and sweets.
The Definition of a Snack
Centuries ago, snacks were considered any food that did not require utensils to make or eat with. Generally, they were finger foods. They were considered “low class” foods. Back then, these low-class snack foods were popcorn, potato chips, and many other similar foods.
Today, we consider any food item eaten in between meals as a snack. This covers a wide variety of both healthy and not so healthy foods. Why, you could even call a sandwich eaten between meals as a snack to hold you over until lunch or dinner.
Today, snacks are often called “junk food”. It’s a terrible moniker. Sure, many snacks are less than healthy for us. They may be loaded with fat, salt, sugar, and high in calories. A candy bar that tastes so good, isn’t the healthiest snack we can eat. And, ice cream is another good example. Is it good or bad for you? Think about this question as you load up on toppings. Also, consider whether cookies are a good or bad snack. We know what snack food companies will say. But, what do you think? We’ll let you make the call on whether or not these snacks are good for you.
On the other side of the spectrum, many snacks that we eat between meals are quite healthy. A piece of cheese, an apple, or other piece of fruit makes a great snack. So do carrot and celery sticks. Trail mix and energy bars are another generally good snack food, too.
Snack Trivia
- 73% of Americans snack at least twice a day.
- Also, we consume over 17 pounds of snacks per person per year. However, this depends upon what is included in your definition of snacks. So, we probably consume a whole lot more.
- The word snack comes from the Dutch word “snacken” which means “to bite”.
- Early American snacks were natural foods like nuts, berries, cheese, fruits and vegetables that were consumed between meals. Processed snacks like cheese doodles and Doritos didn’t come along until much later.
- Starburst candy was originally called “Opal Fruits”.
- In the 1930s, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups were called “Penny Cups”. Guess how much they cost.
- In 1903, Milton Hershey built the largest candy factory in the world as candy bars became popular.
- The little man on every Pringles can is Julius Pringle.
- Ralston Purina, the dog food company, introduced Chex Mix in 1985.
- Peeps chicks outsell Peeps bunnies 4:1.
- The cookie to creme ratio of an Oreo cookie is 71% – 29%.
How to Celebrate National Snack Day
Food holidays are always easy to celebrate and enjoy. Here are a few ideas:
- Eat snacks, any time today.
- Have a party. Serve all kinds of snacks. The more, the merrier. And, ask guests to bring one of their favorites.
- Try one you’ve never had before.
- For dinner tonight, plan serve only snack food.
- Bring snacks to work to share with your coworkers.
Today's Quote
“It’s fine to celebrate success but it is more important to heed the lessons of failure.” – – Bill Gates
History and Origin of National Snack Day
In 2015, Jace Shoemaker-Galloway created National Snack Day. Jace is an author of several books, most notably Bud E. Bunny. She is the self-proclaimed Holiday Queen, having personally created over two dozen holidays. While we applaud her for creating this holiday, she has not expressed the reason behind why she chose to create this day. The obvious assumption is that like you, she enjoys snacks.
Note: Some websites incorrectly state her first name as “Jane”. We easily found her website to confirm that Jace is her correct first.
We found no documentation in congressional records to confirm that this is truly a national day. Nor, did we find a presidential proclamation.
Definition of “National” Days – and why it is important to distinguish true National days.
Let’s make it official. We encourage you to contact your U.S. senator and congressperson. Tell them to stop bickering over budgets, the deficit ceiling, and various laws. Rather, reach across the aisle and vote National Cheese Doodle Day a true national holiday. This is something both parties can easily agree upon.
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