In the US, convenience specialist Ready Pac Foods is pushing its Ready Snax snacking range as one of the solutions to the problem of getting children to eat more healthily.
With kids' snacking on the rise – at least 75 per cent of children snack between meals, according to Mintel – and youngsters leaning towards sweet, salty or savoury snacks rather than healthy ones, Ready Pac has designed 'tactical snacking combinations' to tempt those with snack cravings.
A study conducted by the Center for Childhood Obesity Research at Pennsylvania State University found that offering a dip alongside fruits and vegetables can encourage children to eat foods they would normally push aside.
During the study, only 31 per cent of kids would eat the vegetable by itself, while 64 per cent willingly consumed the vegetable when it was paired with a flavoured dip.
“At Ready Pac, we’re familiar with this summer challenge because we’re parents, too,” said Tristan Simpson, director of marketing and corporate communications at Ready Pac. “The most fool-proof way to inspire our kids’ intake of fruits and veggies is by introducing snacks that are easy, taste amazing and satisfy both sweet and savoury cravings. Whether you’re a concerned parent or a hungry kid, Ready Snax ticks every box.”
The Ready Snax range consists of seven flavour combinations – Apples & Cheese with Caramel Dip; Apples, Granola & Yogurt; Pepperoni, Cheese & Flat Bread; Turkey, Cheese & Crackers; Veggie, Cheese & Pretzel; Veggies & Cheese with Ranch Dip; and Veggies, Hummus & Sunflower Seeds.
