Translation guide
The act of eating food outside of main meal times, often as a snack or light bite.
To eat a small amount of food between main meals, often casually.
The most common and neutral verb for eating between meals, implying a light snack.
If you snack too much, you'll gain weight.
He is always eating between meals.
Specifically refers to eating a snack, often in the afternoon (like the traditional 3pm snack). Very common in daily conversation.
The kids are eating a snack.
I ate cookies for my 3 o'clock snack.
To nibble or pick at food casually, often with fingers. Implies light, informal eating.
I nibbled on potato chips while watching TV.
To eat lightly, often used when you want a small bite without a full meal.
I can't wait until lunch, so let's eat something light.
To eat between meals in a stealthy or guilty manner, often when one shouldn't.
To eat small amounts repeatedly throughout the day, often without structured meals.
間食 (かんしょく) is the general act of eating between meals, while おやつ refers specifically to a snack, especially the traditional afternoon snack. おやつ is more casual and often used with children.
The English phrase 'eating between meals' can sound unnatural if translated word-for-word into Japanese. Use the verbs and phrases above depending on the nuance you want to convey.