12 Aug 2019
2 min read
Benefits for human health

Back to school: How to limit the added sugars in children’s snacks?

children sugar Added sugar children's diet
Related posts
See More
Our Resources
Table of contents
Table of contents

It is already time to the new school year… and with it, the preparation of daily snacks or “goûters” for the kids… but how to avoid too much sugar in kids’ snacks?

Excessive sugars intake is a public health issue and the World Health Organization recommends limiting the consumption of added or free sugars to a maximum of 10% of the daily calories in both children and adults.

A recent review analyzed the data from several European countries on sugar consumption and sources of sugar intakes in children’s diet. It reveals that added sugars contribute 11 to 17% of children’s total energy intake.

The major contributors to children’s consumption of added sugars are sweet products with confectionery, chocolates, cakes, biscuits, sugar, jam and sweetened beverages, while dairy products, fruits and vegetables contribute little.

More recently, a report from the French health agency ANSES (Agence nationale de sécurité sanitaire de l’alimentation, de l’environnement et du travail) warned against excessive sugars intake in children aged 4 to 17. It focused on the two main sources of total and free sugars in children’s diet : “sweetened beverages” and “pastries/cookies” mainly given as snacks or “goûter” after school. The agency recommends to swap those products by more nutrient-dense products such as plain dairies, fresh fruits or whole grains.

YINI - what are the sugar contribution in children's diet?

Swapping a sweet snack for a plain yogurt or a fruit is a great way to give kids a healthy and nutrient-dense snack while reducing their daily total sugars intake.

Sources: