Afternoon snack cravings strike Americans twice daily at 3:45 p.m.

That familiar mid-afternoon pull toward salty or sweet snacks hits many Americans every day. It's not simply a matter of willpower.

Surveys show people experience an average of two cravings daily. Those urges peak around 3:45 p.m.

Health experts outlined a few reasons for Fox News Digital.

"Most of us can relate to the afternoon crash or slump, and it's tied to a couple of key factors," said Megan Meyer, a North Carolina-based science communication consultant with a Ph.D.

A light lunch or skipping it entirely causes a blood sugar spike and drop, Meyer said. That "signals to the brain to seek out food — usually salty or sweet snacks — to stabilize blood sugar."

A natural dip in circadian rhythm adds to the problem. So does widespread sleep deprivation. Both connect to stronger desires for high-calorie foods, she said.

Cravings go beyond biology, though.

"Food is so inherently personal and tied to experiences and emotion," Meyer said.

Stress, daily routines and nearby foods influence what people crave and how often. "I've also noticed that my environment really shapes my eating patterns," she said. "If I am surrounded by less healthy food options, I often crave those foods. When I remove them, those cravings tend to go away."

People should view cravings as helpful signals rather than enemies, said Lauren Manaker, a registered dietitian nutritionist based in South Carolina.

"Cravings are a natural part of how our bodies communicate with us, often signaling a need for energy, comfort or specific nutrients," Manaker told Fox News Digital.

"Rather than resisting them entirely, it's helpful to approach cravings with balance and acknowledge them without judgment."

"There's a lot of unhealthy expectations around food."

Planning satisfying, nutrient-dense meals and snacks all day can cut craving intensity, especially in the mid-afternoon slump, she said.

Modern food culture makes it harder. "There's a lot of unhealthy expectations around food," Meyer said. She pointed to social media pressure and influencer-style meals.