【Children’s Customs Abroad】What is the 3 o’clock snack time called? What do children eat for snack?
In Japan, children always look forward to the “3 o’clock snack time”. Do they have “3 o’clock snack time” in other countries? In this issue, we will talk about the origin of the “3 o’clock snack time” in Japan and what it is called and what is eaten during this time in some European countries.
The origin of snack time in Japan
Until around the late Edo period (1603-1867), the general population in Japan had only 2 meals a day (breakfast and dinner). However, the custom of eating snacks at “8 o’clock” (currently between 2 and 4 o’clock) gradually spread among workers. This is said to be the origin of “snack time” in Japan. At that time, most snacks were cereals and were not sweet.
What do people eat for snack abroad? What are the customs for snack time abroad?
＜United Kingdom＞
Snack time in the UK is usually called “afternoon tea”. Like in Japan, it takes place around 3:00 p.m. Adults mainly have cookies and scones with tea or coffee, while children have a wide variety including sandwiches, fruits, gummies, chips, etc. In the UK, there is also a break time called “morning tea” around 10 am.
＜France＞
In France, snack time is called “Gouter” and it usually takes place around 4pm when most schools and daycares finish. You can see many parents bringing snacks like chocolate croissants, fruits, and other snacks when they pick up their child at school or daycare.
＜Germany＞
In Germany, snack time is called “Kaffezeit” “Kuchen” and it usually takes place around 3pm. Adults often eat bread, cookies or cake and children have more healthy offerings like vegetable sticks and fruits.
＜Italy＞
In Italy, snack time is called “Spuntini” and it usually takes place between 4 and 5pm and at the morning between 10 and 11am. Children enjoy focaccia, pizza, gelato, and biscuits. There are a large variety of biscuits including with jam, cream and even chocolate coating.
＜Spain＞
In Spain, snack time is called “Merienda” and usually takes place at 5pm. In Spain, lunch is usually at 2pm and dinner takes place at 9pm. This is why they have snack so late. Children enjoy churros and sandwiches at snack time.
We introduced the origin of snack time in Japan and how snack time is enjoyed globally. Each country has a different name for snack time and enjoy it at a variety of times during the day. Some snacks are enjoyed by children around the world, such as biscuits, chocolate, and fruit. To add some excitement to your child’s snack time, parents can try implementing some of the foods children enjoy around the world.
