'Size matters' for snacking pattern

Research suggests the size of food packaging could lead to more snacking.

Scientists gave different sized bags of crisps, divided into small and large packets, to 140 students recruited for what they were told was an experiment on advertising and television. Each was given either two 200g bags or nine 45g bags, to munch as they watched TV. The group was asked a series of questions and weighed.

The findings, published in New Scientist magazine, show students who were worried about their weight ate twice as many crisps if they came in small packets.

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The group were also more likely to open the crisps and start eating them if they came in a smaller bags.

Almost 60% of those with small bags opened them and started eating, compared with only a quarter of those who were assigned large bags.

The researchers behind the study, from Tilburg University in Holland, believe the size of small bags could encourage dieters to drop their guard.

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Rik Pieters, a professor of marketing who led the study, said there could be a range of reasons why companies continue to sell smaller sized products if they make people eat more. He said: "Some may truly want to help consumers (with these products) - although our results suggest they won't."

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