Dietitian reveals the ‘perfect’ Aussie snack for school lunches – and how to build the perfect meal
The dietitian behind a range of Aussie school snacks that have been described as “perfect” for lunchboxes has revealed why Messy Monkeys snacks are a great option for the new school year.
Messy Monkeys is a range of perfectly-portioned snacks for kids that includes burger bites, chicken bites, cheese puffs, BBQ puffs, lightly-salted popcorn and sweet and salty popcorn.
Everything in the snack range is wholegrain, low in sugar, has no artificial colours or flavours and has a Health Star Rating of four.
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Messy Monkey’s dietitian Ali Baldwin says that while it can be a challenging task, cracking the lunchbox code is possible, and Messy Monkeys are a great option to include in our kids’ lunches.
“It is possible to give children a healthy, balanced lunch that tastes great, is fun to eat, is good for them and won’t all come home uneaten,” Ms Baldwin tells Best Picks.
She said wholegrains need to be a top priority in lunches, as wholegrain intake in Australia is currently sitting below recommendations in all age groups.
“Wholegrains are a great source of energy and can be a valuable source of fibre and vitamins and minerals,” she says.
“Wholegrains can also help provide steady fuel for the body and mind to help performance in class and outdoors.”
Messy Monkeys are a great option for lunches, as not only are they full of healthy wholegrains, but they’re also gluten-free, delicious and help to keep kids full until dinner time.
The Messy Monkeys Wholegrain Bites Burger have just been announced as the winner in the Snacks (kid-friendly) category in the 2024 Healthy Food Guide Lunchbox Awards Australia.
Judged by a team of dietitians, these awards recognise “the most nutritious and delicious items that deserve a place in Aussie lunchboxes”.
The Burger Bites are made up of 40 per cent wholegrains such as sorghum and quinoa.
But there are many options to choose from — whether your kid likes popcorn, cheese flavour, BBQ or chicken.
To shop Messy Monkeys, you can head here now.
Dietitian tips to create the perfect lunchbox
- Go for whole grain. Wholegrains are a source of energy and a valuable source of fibre and vitamins and minerals providing steady fuel for the body and mind to help performance in class and outdoors.
- When it comes to fruit & veggies, go for different colours and shapes. This makes them fun and means children are more likely to eat them.
- Add some protein. It helps keep children fuller for longer during the school day.
- Include a fun snack. Packaged snacks are okat to include in children’s lunchboxes, it’s just important to think about the type and portion size of the snack.
