What’s really in a Kiwi kid’s Lunchbox?

What’s really in a Kiwi kid’s Lunchbox? Are parents getting it right?

Childhood obesity is undoubtedly a hot topic in the media – much of it negative. Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution exposed school lunches in the UK and has put the spotlight on the United States too. Now Healtheries New Zealand has looked at Kiwi lunchboxes to see how they stack up.

The recent survey* results reveal that 91% of Kiwi parents do actually know what makes a healthy lunchbox – but not all are acting on this knowledge.

The most encouraging research finding is that 88% of Kiwi kids’ lunchboxes contain a piece of fruit (typically a banana). That compares positively with only 41% of packed lunchboxes in the UK containing fruit. (1)

So what’s typically in a Kiwi kid’s lunchbox?

Banana 88%
Sandwich 86%
Yoghurt 57%
Muesli bar 45%
Biscuits 41%
(Five most popular items)

Kate Morland, Nutritionist at Healtheries comments: “Children need nutritious lunches with fruits, vegetables, grains, protein and dairy products. It’s great to see parents starting off these good eating habits – habits that can last for life, and promote healthy growth and development.”

Almost half of the parents questioned (45%) chose snack options based on fat content, and the inclusion of artificial flavours and colours; one third were concerned about salt and MSG.

But the news isn’t all good. Parents may know what’s healthy, but 41% of those surveyed still regularly include biscuits, and 27% regularly include chips (both high fat options) in their children’s lunchboxes.
“There’s more work to do to in raising awareness of some nutrition basics,” continues Morland. “We’re constantly bombarded with mixed nutrition messages – for example, seeing marshmallows promoted as “low-fat” when they’re extremely high in sugar. These messages can often confuse parents about what they should and shouldn’t be looking for in a healthy snack.”

That said, a growing number of parents are realising that simply switching a high-fat treat item like biscuits or chips to a Healtheries Kidscare snack can significantly reduce the fat and sugar content of their children’s lunchbox. The Healtheries Kidscare range has no artificial flavours, colours or added MSG, contains 70% less fat than regular potato chips, and is also low in sugar.

This means Healtheries Kidscare snacks have the dual advantage of reassuring health-conscious parents, while simultaneously appealing strongly to children’s tastes – in fact, 85% of parents who gave their children Healtheries Kidscare snacks said part of the reason was because “My kids like it”*. This may be why Healtheries Kidscare snacks have actually begun to outsell some of NZ’s most popular, higher-fat snacks in supermarkets.(2)

The Healtheries Kidscare range is available from supermarkets nationwide.

ENDS

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