Mondelez International and the Department of Science and Technology-Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI) recently signed a memorandum of agreement whereby the snacks company seeks the expertise of DOST-FNRI to develop guidelines on healthy and balanced snacking for Filipinos.
The signing held last September was attended by Mondelez International managing director Aleli Arcilla and DOST-FNRI Director III and OIC-Office of the Director Lucieden Raz. It marks a significant step toward ensuring good nutrition and health by promoting snack recommendations for Filipino adults aged 19 to 59 years old.
‘This engagement is a momentous milestone in support of our Company’s advocacy to snack mindfully,’ said Arcilla. ‘With the completion of this study and the eventual promotion of snack recommendations, we look forward to helping foster healthier snacking habits, ultimately improving the overall well-being of the Filipino people.’
Arcilla adds, ‘We advocate for mindful snacking, which is eating with attention and intention. We encourage our consumers to first understand why they want to snack, and make sure to enjoy their snacking experience by being present in the moment. This means taking out distractions when eating, savoring the smell, taste and texture of their food, chewing slowly and portioning their snacks. Research has shown that snacking mindfully helps avoid overindulgence and helps establish a healthier relationship with food.’
The State of Philippine Snacking
According to the 2024 State of Philippine Snacking report, 98% of Filipinos snack at least once a day; higher than the global average. The State of Snacking is an annual report commissioned by Mondelez International with The Harris Poll to understand consumer snacking behavior all over the world. Now in its sixth year, this report compiled survey responses from October 10-22, 2024, among adults in the Philippines, aged 18 or older.
The report shows that while Filipinos may snack often, an overwhelming 99% of survey responders already engage in mindful snacking behaviors, with 92% agreeing, ‘I appreciate my snacks more when consumed mindfully. Furthermore, the most important piece of snacking advice that consumers have received has been to ‘.enjoy snacks in moderation’ (55%). 80% of consumers look for portion-controlled snacks, while 91% agree, ‘I combine my favorite snack foods with other, more nutritious foods for balance.’
Healthy snacking recommendations for Filipino adults
Through the financial support of Mondelez International, the DOST-FNRI will conduct a study on Filipino snacking habits and establish snack recommendations for Filipino adults aged 19 to 59 years old that provide guidance on caloric needs and nutritional quality needed for snacks. These recommendations can further guide Filipinos with their snacking habits.
In focusing on snacks, the project complements the existing food guides by providing information on how snacks can be part of a balanced daily diet.
‘This undertaking with Mondelez International will help support a better understanding of Filipino’s snacking behaviors, to be able to provide more comprehensive guidance on how they should consume their snacks,’ shares Raz. ‘We look forward to understanding more about how and why Filipinos snack.’
Based on the study’s findings, the DOST-FNRI will further provide evidence-based recommendations for healthier snacking habits, promoting better overall nutrition and well-being.