Table 4 Characteristics of Child Snacking Measures

 Parent report

 Child report

 Both parent and child reports

 Observed

 Food Frequency Questionnaire

 Survey items

 Observed/weighed intake

 24-Hour Recall

Use of Existing Measure

 Adapted from existing measure

 Reported use of “validated” measure

 Items developed for study

 Source of measure undefined

 Specific food item (e.g. chips, soda, cookies)

 Categorical (e.g. “desserts”, “salty”, “unhealthy” foods)

 “Snacks” – word undefined^a

 Other

 Same as in the measure

 Defined post-hoc (e.g. group specific foods as “snack”)

 Beverages included (e.g. soda is a snack food)

 Timing (e.g. foods consumed between meals)

 Healthy snacks identified (e.g. a fruit could be a snack)

 Beverage timing (e.g. differentiate soda with snack vs. dinner)

 Frequency

 Energy intake (total calories)

 Child preference

 Rationale (e.g. why snack offered)

 Fat intake