Snack Inspiration for Parents

Based on the findings of the Walmart Snack Report, I shared some tips and ideas with Global Regina Morning News this week. Here’s our segment and below you’ll find more details on the findings of the report!

Five days a week, four weeks a month, ten months a year – that’s a lot of snacks to pack during the school year!  That’s also a lot of pressure for the 80 per cent of Canadian parents who say they lack fruit and vegetable snack ideas, according to a study released by Walmart Canada. Getting kids to eat their fruits and veggies is top of mind for parents. Even though nearly two-thirds (65%) of parents try to sneak fruits and vegetables into their kids’ snacks in creative ways, the same percentage (65%) still struggle to find ways to get their kids to eat fruits and vegetables in between meals.

“Fresh fruit and veggies are important to a healthy diet but it’s tough on parents to keep snacks interesting for kids day in and day out,” said Paul Del Duca, senior vice president, fresh foods at Walmart Canada. “Walmart is working to make it easier than ever to find fresh and simple snack ideas in stores that parents will be happy to prepare and kids will actually eat!”

What happens to snacks that don’t get eaten? Fifty-five per cent of the time, they’re brought home from primary school. Additionally, they may be given to someone else (16%) or thrown away (10%). Only 13 per cent of kids actually eat the snacks they don’t like. Parents can appeal to the even the pickiest little snackers with some tips and recipes from Walmart Canada’s Snack Report, which features easy, inspiring recipes with ingredients found in-store and on www.walmart.ca.

Keep It Yummy

Strawberries (88%), apples (76%) and blueberries (68%) topped the yummy list for kids between six and 11 years old. That doesn’t mean parents need to forgo vegetables though. A little strategic vegetable inclusion can keep kids’ (and grown ups’) taste buds happy with a boost of nutrition. Zucchini might seem gross to 54 per cent of kids aged 6 – 11, but when it’s baked into fluffy Chocolate Zucchini Bread, it’s up to parents to decide whether to disclose the star ingredient.

 

Fave Foods Keep Kids Happy

It’s no surprise that kids’ favourite snacks include popsicles (77%), smoothies (75%) and pizza (75%). Granola bars, chocolate bread and more make the list too, indicating kids like to find a variety of foods in their lunch boxes. While not every snack is easily transported to school, working in favourites and getting the right containers, such as an insulated mini beverage container for a Maple-Berry Smoothie, can make everyone happy at snack time.

“Get kids involved in grocery shopping and help them select their favourite fruits and vegetables as well as some new ones to get adventurous with,” added Del Duca. “With so many snacks to make over the course of the school year, some variety should definitely be on the menu.”

 

Snack Report

Parents can download the Walmart Canada Snack Report here and visit the Walmart Canada Recipe Centre for more snack inspiration.