And the findings have shown a double edged sword:  The recent Healthy Eating Survey* results reveal that while 91% of Kiwi parents do actually know what makes a healthy lunchbox, 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%

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.

The range includes:
The crisp crunchy Potato Stix – potato and rice snacks that have all the bite and taste of a crunchy potato crisp – but 75% less fat than regular potato crisps!

Kidscare Rice Wheels - Delicious bite sized crunchy snacks made from the finest select rice. Containing 70% less fat than potato chips, Kidscare rice wheels are baked not fried

Kidscare Rice Rounds - At 79% less fat than potato crisps, Rice Rounds are a healthy alternative to high fat and additive containing crisps and crackers.

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.

*Healthy Eating Survey conducted by Buzz Channel for Healtheries New Zealand, October 2010. Sample respondents: 303.
1) School Food Trust Research Report: Primary School Food Survey 2009 – school lunches versus packed lunches www.schoolfoodtrust.org.uk
2) Aztec Total Supermarket Data Multipacks, 21 Nov 2010.

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