Smart Snacks In School

Nutrition Standards for Snack Foods

Foods sold in school must:

• Be a "whole grain-rich" grain product; or
• Have as the first ingredient a fruit, a vegetable, a dairy product, or a protein food; or
• Be a combination food that contains at least 1/4 cup of fruit and or vegetable; or
• NSLP/SBP entrée items sold a la carte on the day of or the day after service.
• Contain 10% of the Daily Value (DV) of one of the nutrients of public health concern in the 2020-25 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

Foods must also meet several nutrient requirements:

Calorie limits:

• Snack items: ≤ 200 calories
• Entree items: ≤ 350 calories, unless served in NSLP/SBP the day of or the day before.

Sodium limits:

• Snack items: ≤ 200 mg**
• Entree items: ≤ 480 mg

Fat limits:

• Total fat: ≤ 35% of calories
• Saturated fat: ≤ 10% of calories
• Trans fat: zero grams

Sugar limit:

• ≤ 35% of weight from total sugars in food

Smart Snack Beverage Standards:

The Importance of Healthy Snacks for Children

Children frequently require snacks to complement their meals during the day. It’s crucial to select nutritious snacks that provide essential nutrients. Making wise snack choices is an excellent way to meet daily nutrient needs that may be overlooked at mealtimes and a healthy habit to learn.

Is your snack a Smart Snack?
Eliminate the uncertainty surrounding nutrition guidelines! Enter the necessary information to find out if your food item aligns with the new USDA Smart Snacks in School Guidelines. Click on the image below to 

The Importance of Healthy Snacks for Children

Children frequently require snacks to complement their meals during the day. It’s crucial to select nutritious snacks that provide essential nutrients. Making wise snack choices is an excellent way to meet daily nutrient needs that may be overlooked at mealtimes and a healthy habit to learn.