A new survey of over 2,500 10–13-year-olds released today by the British Nutrition Foundation, reveals that children’s snack choices are dominated by unhealthy foods typically high in fat, salt and sugar, and highlights a big opportunity for schools to support healthier habits.
When asked which foods they have most often as a snack, the top five responses were:
- Crisps – 41%
- Fresh fruit – 36%
- Biscuit/cookie – 32%
- Chocolate – 32%
- Sweets – 28%
The findings underline the important role schools play in shaping children’s daily food choices. More than half of children (53%) said that they buy snacks from their school canteen but fewer than 1 in 5 (19%) said that their school canteen helps them choose healthier snacks.
At the same time, the survey shows a clear appetite for change: 70% of young people surveyed would be open to learning more about choosing and making healthier snacks. Many have already made options, such as a sandwich or wrap (82%), toast (81%) or chopped fruit or vegetables (76%).
Claire Theobald, Education Services Manager at the Foundation commented on the findings:
“Schools are central to helping children develop healthier eating habits. This survey shows that while crisps and chocolate still dominate, many young people are open to learning about healthier snacking, and school food provision and food education can make a real difference.
“By making healthier snacks prominent, attractive and affordable, and by giving children the skills to prepare simple, healthy snacks, schools can have a lasting impact on young people’s diets and wellbeing.”
The survey was conducted as part of the British Nutrition Foundation’s Snack-tember campaign, which aims to help children and young people make and choose healthier, more sustainable snacks. Nearly 3,000 schools and other organisations are registered for Snack-tember and have access to free resources to help young people make and choose healthier snacks.
“Snack-tember is a chance for schools to lead the way in tackling unhealthy snacking. By taking part, schools will have the tools to make it easier to put healthier, more sustainable snacks at the heart of daily school life and help shape lasting habits for their students.”
For more information and to register for Snack-tember see https://www.nutrition.org.uk/snack-tember-2025/
Image: Depositphotos
