Children aged two to four get 20% of calories from sweets, chocolate and soft drinks

The research, carried out by safefood, also found treats like biscuits, chocolate, soft drinks, and savoury snacks contributed significantly to the total intakes of saturated fat and added sugar among children aged two to four and five to 12.

Children aged two to four get a fifth of their calorie intake from treats including biscuits, chocolate and soft drinks, new Irish research has found.

The same study showed this figure rises to 25% among children of primary school age.

The research, carried out by safefood, also found treats like biscuits, chocolate, soft drinks, and savoury snacks contributed significantly to the total intakes of saturated fat and added sugar among children aged two to four and five to 12.

A new campaign run by safefood, the HSE and Healthy Ireland under the title of ‘make a start’ is urging parents to reduce the number of snacks they give and choose healthier options.

Safefood director of nutrition, Dr Aileen McGloin, said snacks are an important part of children’s diets but accepted changing the after-school snack is challenging.

“We want to support parents to rethink their children’s snacks, both in terms of what they buy and what they give,” she said. “Offering healthier snacks particularly during those after-school times during the week would be a good place to start.”

Treat food makes up 20% of calorie intake among 2 to 4 year olds rising to 25% for primary school children, our new research reveals as the START campaign returns to support families reduce treats.

Read more here: https://t.co/lVyuzTELEP@HSELive @HealthyIreland#makeastart pic.twitter.com/vysnKih8Ct

— Safefood (@safefood_net) October 18, 2022

She suggested going for crackers and cheese instead of chocolate biscuits, or plain popcorn or breadsticks instead of crisps. A low-fat yogurt or fruit could be given instead of a chocolate bar.

Child and Adolescent Psychotherapist and Irish Examiner columnist, Dr Colman Noctor, said this research shows families need to be more proactive about health.

“The key is to make gradual and progressive small changes,” he said.

If your children have two treats a day, then aim to reduce that to one treat a day on weekdays and two at the weekend. Once this has been achieved it will provide parents with the confidence to continue introducing healthier diet options. 

"Quick wins are crucial to motivational success and maintaining progress.”

National Lead for the HSE’s Healthy Eating and Active Living Programme, Sarah O’ Brien, said: “Snacking every day on unhealthy foods like biscuits, chocolate and crisps means that our children aren’t getting all the nutrients they need to help them grow and develop. It can also mean they are at greater risk of tooth decay.”

The campaign is also supported by athlete Derval O’Rourke who said making a start is a good way to find one daily win for the family.

“As a mother of two small children, I know how difficult it can be to swap out treats for healthier alternatives, but there are some simple steps you can take to start the process,” she said.

“This will be different for every family, but it is about finding what works best for you”

Find out more at www.makeastart.ie.