It’s surprising how much sugar is in our diets and even snacks aimed at children can contain remarkably large amounts. Cutting down on sugar intake is a great step towards being a healthier, happier child and less sugar means healthier teeth.
In fact, it’s amazing that many common snacks exceed the World Health Organisation’s recommended daily intake of sugar (6 teaspoons) in a single serving:
- COLA – 8 teaspoons of sugar per 330ml can
- Lemonade – 9 teaspoons of sugar per 330ml can
- Nougat chocolate bar (51g) – 7 teaspoons of sugar
- Hot caramel sponge pudding (110g) – 7 teaspoons of sugar
- Caramel biscuit bar (50g) – 6 teaspoons of sugar
Sugar content levels correct at time of print.
Top tip:
Pre-prepared, healthy snacks can really help when you’re short of time – try chopping cheese cubes, carrot sticks, grapes or segments of tangerine and storing them in sealed containers. When you haven’t time to prepare anything else, these will help you avoid giving your child sweets or biscuits.
What are some healthy, tooth-friendly foods I can give my child?
Breakfast
- Plain porridge
- Plain whole
- Wheat biscuits
- Plain shredded whole grain cereals such as Shredded Wheat
Drinks
- Water
- No added sugar drinks
- Sugar-free drinks
- Lower-fat milks
Snacks
- Fruit
- Rice cakes
- Toast and low-fat spread
- Wholewheat biscuits
- Unsalted nuts
- Fruit teacakes