Concentrating on what, where, when and with whom children actually eat, this report analyses the eating habits of an age bracket widened to include 15- and 16-year-olds. It provides a vital insight into all the major trends and issues affecting this huge market, including

A falling child population

The impact of an increase in the number of mothers who work outside of the home

The most popular children's foods and drinks

Why family adults are falling behind on healthy eating when it is a key preoccupation for the majority of parents

Differences between mothers and fathers regarding their views on their children's diets

Children's attitudes towards their diets

Between meal snacking trends

Processed meat as a staple food

The popularity of the family meal

Family eating out habits

7-10-year-olds and their affinity to burger bars

How a ban on advertising to children could still be possible

How retailers have reacted to for healthy and convenient food

Why pressure on manufacturers is set to continue

The report's sections include:

Market Background: Focusing on a variety of factors influencing children's eating habits, including: the number of children in the population; levels of pocket money; household composition; and parental dynamics.

Market Values: Examining market values of sectors that are particularly popular among children.

Issues and Trends: Including, parents' and children's attitudes towards health and diet are examined.

Children's Snacking Habits: Examining the prevalence of snacking, items eaten, and the activity of preparing snacks after school.

Meal times: The types of food eaten, eating meals together, breakfast, lunch, and weekend meals.

Eating Out: Meals obtained from outside the home

Marketing Tools: The influence of pester power and advertising expenditure are discussed, along with character merchandising.

The Future: This section looks at changes in the number of children, the economy and healthy eating.

Other Mintel reports of relevance include:

- After-school Snacking - UK, Market Intelligence, September 2003

- Children's Snacks - UK, Market Intelligence, July 2003

- Crisps and Snacks - UK, Market Intelligence, June 2003

- Children's Snacking Habits - UK, Special Report, May 2003

Pocket Money - UK, Market Intelligence, June 2002