Traffic Hour, Snack Hour

It’s Monday morning. You’re rushing to beat traffic, skipping breakfast. The commute is worse than expected, and by the time you are near the office, the smell of ‘bofrot’ and ‘kelewele’ tempts your nostrils. They’ll hold you till lunch — but they’re not the healthiest option.

Traffic hour is snack time in Ghana. Rush‑hour commuters make up a huge portion of snack consumers, and the choices they make matter for both health and productivity.

What Counts as a Snack?

Snacks are easy‑to‑handle, miniature‑portioned foods or drinks that need little preparation and satisfy occasional hunger pangs (Bawa & Sidhu, 2003).

Common snacks in Ghana include:

• ● Sugar‑sweetened beverages (cereal drinks, sodas)
• ● Biscuits, crackers, cakes, pastries, toffees
• ● Chips (plantain, cocoyam, potato, yam)
• ● Imported packaged snacks

Healthier options gaining popularity:

• ● Yoghurt
• ● Sandwiches
• ● Eggs
• ● Groundnuts
• ● Fruits and vegetables (Ghana Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics, 2023)

Why We Snack

Professionals snack for many reasons: hunger during long commutes, weight management goals, mood and cravings, affordability, and accessibility of certain foods.

But the choice matters: unhealthy snacking can lead to weight gain and poor diet quality, while healthy snacking improves nutrition and supports workplace wellness (Glitz Africa, 2023).

Snack Timing Matters

The following are acceptable times:

• ● Best between breakfast and lunch or lunch and dinner
• ● Avoid late‑night snacking (digestion may not finish before sleep)
• ● Exceptions: pregnancy, lactation, or insulin‑related conditions
• ● Match snacks to your diet plan (Keto, Low Carb, etc.)

Healthy Snacking Strategies for Professionals
Professionals are time constrained, putting in a couple of the strategies below reduces the chance of choosing unhealthy options.

• ● Opt for portion‑controlled packs to avoid overeating
• ● Choose nutrient‑dense options: fruits, vegetables, nuts, eggs, yoghurt
• ● Keep processed snacks out of your home to reduce temptation
• ● Carry healthy snacks in your bag or office drawer
• ● Stay hydrated — water reduces unnecessary snacking
• ● Read food labels: choose options lower in sodium and sugar

The KoCo D’Luv Difference

The Ghana Savory Snacks Market is shifting towards healthier, natural, and culturally authentic options (6Wresearch, 2020). KoCo D’Luv is proud to lead this change with Koco Crunch plantain and cocoyam chips that are:

• ● Gluten free.
• ● Made in Ghana.
• ● Ethically sourced from local farmers.
• ● Safe, FDA‑approved, and export‑standard.
• ● Naturally tasty, with no compromise on quality.