Ways Kids Can Choose Nutritious Snacks and Drinks

Students should have the general understanding that the more nutrients in a food or a beverage, the better it is for your body and brain. The lessons in this unit present a fun and interactive way to learn about sugar content in snacks and drinks. Kids will increase their decision-making skills as they learn how to read a food label to tell if an item contains excessive amounts of sugar. They will plan and advocate for nutritious snack and drink choices that are low in added sugar.

Kids turn and talk about why an apple and a glass of milk is a healthier snack than chocolate milk and fruit snacks. 

To use this with your students click here.

Nutritious Snack and Drink Choices

Ask students to talk about what they will tell others about nutritious snack and drink choices. 

It all Adds Up

Review key points from this unit:

• Nutrition labels show both the total and added sugars. Look for low or no added sugar when making snack and drink choices.
• Water and milk are always a great choice! If you are thirsty, your body is telling you it needs water.
• If you are hungry, your body is telling you it needs nutrients. Reach for a snack instead of a treat, and top it off with water or milk! 

Check for understanding: How will you decide if a drink or snack is a nutritious choice? 

Challenge Others

Show the Snack ABCs Poster. As a class or in small groups, talk about additional nutritious snack or drink choices for each letter of the alphabet.

Invite students to create their own drawings to share their nutritious choices.

Challenge students to look at food labels and make nutritious choices. Encourage them to challenge others to choose snacks and drinks with little or no added sugar.