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Tips for parents
- Set limits on the number of sugary snacks allowed and explain that they are treats and not for every day.
- Offer children a variety of healthy snacks as this will give them the opportunity to make their own choice and get them in the habit of choosing more healthy options.
- Always have healthy snacks in the home to decrease the temptation of having unhealthy ones.
- Don’t give snacks too close to meal times as this discourages children from eating their main meal, which leads to a desire for snacks later on.
- Avoid soft drinks and other sugary drinks, as they make fill children feel full and may therefore take the place of a healthier snack.
- Remember – snacks can be a great way to incorporate more fruit and vegetables into your child’s diet.
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Fresh or canned fruit – try making fruit kebabs, or chopped fruit in a tub Vegetable sticks (e.g. carrot, cucumber, capsicum) with low-fat dips Raisin toast or bread, pikelets, pancakes or scones with a little polyunsaturated or monounsaturated margarine or fruit spread Lightly spread muffins and crumpets Rice cakes topped with vegetables and reduced-fat cheese, vegemite or sliced banana Dried fruit and unsalted nuts (not suitable for children under 5) Yoghurt (natural or fruit) Healthy fruit muffins |
Biscuits Cakes, donuts and pastries Chocolate bars and lollies Potato chips, corn chips and cheesy snacks Sweet drinks – fizzy drinks, cordials and fruit juices |
Snack ideas
Snacks, breakfast and drinks for children
A factsheet (pdf 126kb) about the good and bad sides of snacking, and some simple suggestions for healthy snacks (National Heart Foundation).
Snack attack
Lots of ideas for snacks for kids to take to school or eat at home (Westmead Children's Hospital).
Easy lunch and snack ideas
A brochure from NSW Health.
