Thu Sep 12 16:55:57 UTC 2024: ## Dip Your Chips, Dip Your Calories: Penn State Study Finds Snackers Consume More Calories When Dip is Present

**State College, PA** – A new study from Penn State University has revealed a concerning link between dips and increased calorie intake. Researchers found that individuals consume significantly more calories when eating chips with dip compared to just chips alone, even though they consume the same amount of chips in both scenarios.

The study, published in the November issue of *Food Quality and Preference*, involved 46 adults who were served either chips alone or chips with ranch dip on two separate occasions. While researchers expected the addition of dip to lead to a reduction in chip consumption, the opposite occurred.

“Participants ate the same amount of chips, plus the dip,” explained John Hayes, professor of food science and director of the Penn State Sensory Evaluation Center. “This lack of compensation means that adding dip can substantially increase overall energy intake without people realizing it.”

On average, participants consumed 345 calories of chips and dip per snack session, compared to 195 calories when they ate just chips. They also took larger bites and ate at a faster rate when dip was present.

These findings highlight the potential impact of seemingly small additions like dips on overall calorie intake. With obesity rates reaching alarming levels globally, understanding how food properties influence eating behaviors is crucial.

“This research opens up new avenues for exploring how the physical properties of foods can influence our eating behaviors and, ultimately, our energy intake,” stated Hayes. “If we can slow people down, we can influence energy consumption without giving up the pleasure from food.”

The study also highlights the widespread popularity of dips, with a recent survey revealing that 60% of adults are comfortable eating dip directly from the container. The survey also found that 35% of adults would readily replace a lunch meal with their favorite dip, doing so an average of five times a month.

This study underscores the importance of mindful snacking, particularly when dips are involved. While dips can enhance flavor, it’s crucial to be aware of their potential impact on calorie consumption and to make conscious choices to maintain a healthy diet.

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