What Snacks Are Allowed at Break Times?
As a school, we actively promote healthy lifestyles and positive eating habits. We therefore ask that children only bring healthy snacks to eat at break time. Foods such as crisps, chocolate and puddings should be kept for lunchtime, where they can be enjoyed as part of a healthy, balanced lunch.
Here are some ideas and inspiration for suitable break-time snacks.
Important: We Are a Nut-Free School
Please do not send nuts or products containing nuts into school. We have children in our school community with severe nut allergies, so we ask parents and carers to check food labels carefully when choosing snacks.
Fruit
Fresh fruit:
Fresh fruit is a great choice for break time. This could include berries, apples, bananas, melon, grapes or pears. For something a little different, children could also bring a fresh fruit salad.
Dried fruit:
Raisins, sultanas, dried apricots, apples and cranberries are all options. Where possible, please choose varieties with little or no added sugar.
Smoothies:
Fruit can be blended with juice, yoghurt or milk and ice to make a smoothie. Some shop-bought smoothies contain added sugars, so please remember to check the ingredients when choosing these.Vegetables
Many vegetables can be eaten raw and make tasty, healthy snacks. Ideas include:
- Carrot sticks or baby carrots
- Cauliflower
- Broccoli
- Celery sticks
- Green, red or yellow peppers
- Snap peas
- Piccolo or cherry tomatoes
Healthy Grains
Rice cakes:
Wholegrain or brown rice cakes are another simple break-time option. They are available in a variety of flavours and can be enjoyed with or without toppings.
Granola and cereal bars:
Choose wholegrain granola or cereal bars that are lower in sugar. Please check the ingredients carefully to ensure that they do not contain nuts.Other Ideas
Other suitable snack ideas include:
- A slice of malt loaf
- Low-fat cheese
- Sugar-free jelly
Drinks
We ask that children bring water only to drink in school. Water is a simple and healthy way for children to stay hydrated throughout the school day. Children can refill their water bottles from our water coolers during break and lunchtimes.
Still Need Inspiration?
For more healthy snack ideas, you may find these websites helpful:
- NHS Healthier Snacks for Kids: https://www.nhs.uk/healthier-families/food-facts/healthier-snacks/
- BBC Lunch and Snack Ideas: https://www.bbc.co.uk/food/articles/school_lunch_and_snack_ideas
- Good Housekeeping: 30 Easy Healthy Snacks for Kids: https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/health/diet-nutrition/a40156696/healthy-snacks-for-kids/
