Objectives: Snacks have become dietary choice for many people in Taiwan. Snack intake increases caloric consumption and increases the probability of obesity. The aim of this study was to understand the current snack intake of preschool children and the relationship between snack intake habits and anthropometric status among preschool children in Taiwan. Methods: In this study, preschool children (aged 3~6 years) from 5 child care centers in the Taichung area were randomly selected. Questionnaires were completed by the children's parents and caregivers. We measured the anthropometric status and collected the 24-hour recall of the preschool children. Results: A total of 165 preschool children participated in this study. Among them, 89% exhibited snack intake habits. The sodium intake of the preschool children who exhibited snack intake habits was significantly higher than those who exhibited no snack intake habits. The prevalence of being overweight and obesity was 13% and 12% respectively in participating children. However, the snack intake habits had no statistically significant correlation with anthropometric status. Conclusions: The results indicated that the preschool children generally exhibited snack intake habits. Parents and caregivers should provide children with fresh and natural foods instead of high-sugar, high-salt, high-calorie, and low-nutritional value foods. Parents and caregivers should establish more favorable eating habits in preschool children to maintain healthy development.
