Selecting the best products in each grocery category can be a real challenge. This is why I regularly carry out test benches in this column. This week, I present to you 10 good choices to fill the children’s lunch box. These products stand out for their nutritional values, surpassing those of similar options.
1) Original Natura soy drink
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Fortified soy beverage is a nutritious choice rich in protein and calcium, essential for children’s growth. The original Natura soy drink is low in sugar (5g) and provides 5g of protein per 200mL format. Although practical, the individual format is more expensive and less ecological than the large format. Thus, by opting for the 1.89L format which is poured into a reusable container, we save $0.81 per portion. The vanilla version will undoubtedly appeal more to children, but it provides almost double the sugar, or 9g per serving. To offer on occasion!
2) P’tit Québec very mild light cheddar cheese
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Here is a good choice of cheese for both lunch and snack (see my review of individual cheeses here: With 6g of protein and 200mg of calcium per 21g portion, they stand out from individual cheeses on the market It also contains 36% less fat than regular cheddar from the same brand. Again, by opting for the 400g block of cheese, you save $0.42 per serving.
3) Triscuit Reduced Sodium Crackers
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Made from whole wheat, Triscuit crackers are a source of fiber and have a very short ingredient list. A serving of 6 crackers contains only 50mg of sodium, which is very little compared to other products. Flavored varieties are saltier (150mg), but they may appeal more to young people.
4) Fontaine Santé natural hummus
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Hummus is also an excellent choice, because it provides protein (4g) and fiber (4g) per 57g serving while displaying a nice list of ingredients. The individual format is very practical, but you will save $0.22 per serving by purchasing the 454g format instead.
5) Bear Fruit Rolls
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Kids love fruit roll-ups, although fresh fruit is still a better option. Bear fruit rolls are distinguished from several brands on the market by their list of ingredients which is composed of fruit only. Several other brands on the market contain lots of refined sugars, palm and palm kernel oils, and controversial artificial colors (tartrazine, brilliant blue, allura red). The Bear product provides 8g of sugars and 2g of fiber per serving.
6) GoGo Squeez apple and blueberry compote
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This product is ideal for children’s lunches at school because it is convenient to take on the go and does not require a spoon. Each sachet of GoGo Squeez contains 9g of sugars and 2g of fiber. Another interesting option with 9g of sugars per 90g serving is Fruitsations unsweetened applesauce in a 620mL format. With a cost of $0.46 per 90g portion, purchasing compote in a larger format saves $0.74 per 90g portion, making it a more ecological and economical choice.
7) Val Nature Chewy Bars with Chocolate Chips
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It’s not easy to select a good soft bar that provides little sugar while being certified peanut-free to meet the requirements of several schools. We love that whole grain oatmeal is the first ingredient in this bar’s list. It stands out by providing only 4g of sugars and 5g of fiber while being made in a peanut-free factory. An excellent choice!
8) Danino Yogurt Drink
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Danino drinking yogurt will also appeal to young people. It contains 5g of sugars per serving, 40% less than other comparable yogurt drinks, while providing 3g of protein and 125mg of calcium. It is slightly higher in protein and calcium than other similar brands.
9) Hydrafruit Juice Fusion of fruits Oasis
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Juice has had a bad reputation for several years. Containing free sugars, consumption should be limited to 125mL (1/2 cup) per day, according to the Canadian Pediatric Society. Hydrafruit juice is a tempting option, because it is diluted with water so that it provides 60% less sugar than the regular version (i.e. 9g of sugar instead of 20g per 200mL portion). You will save $0.14 per serving by purchasing the 960mL format.
10) Smoked duBreton ham
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Cold meats are often high in salt and may contain nitrites or nitrates, which increase the risk of cancer. For a healthier choice, we turn to cold cuts that do not contain nitrites or cultured celery salt (a source of nitrates). This is the case, in particular, of Breton ham and Les Viandes biologics de Charlevoix products. Other companies have also taken this turn by using fruits and spices to preserve color and as preservatives. This is the case, in particular, of certain products from Olymel and Première Moisson.
To listen to Isabelle discuss this selection with Sophie Durocher at QUB: (Monday September 9).
