Snacks can be really difficult for kids. We all want to give them healthy snacks but don’t feel like a fight. My favourite dietician Chloe Sacks (and super mum of three) gives us her take:
I looked at Dairy Lea Fridge Sticks, Bega Stringers and the Kraft Cheese Sticks. I couldn’t find any nutritional information for the Coles Cheese Sticks.
They were all the same size – 20 g, all about the same calories, and all contain virtually no sugar.The issue with cheese sticks is usually how much salt and calcium they contain, and what they are made of.
The Kraft ones are made from milk, milk solids, salt and preservatives.They were quite high in salt for their size – the highest of all the cheese sticks. Probably what makes them so tasty! And provided the lowest amount of calcium.
The Bega Stringers have no preservatives, and are just made from fresh milk. They have more protein, and less than half the salt of the Kraft, and more calcium.
The Dairy Lea are in between the Kraft and Bega in terms of protein content and salt. Like the Kraft, they also have preservatives. They did have a bit more calcium than the Bega sticks.
Verdict: the Bega Stringers are the best choice – made from fresh milk, with the least amount of salt (salt can actually reduce the amount of calcium you absorb from your food), a decent amount of calcium, and the highest protein.
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Dr Chloe Sacks APD AN
p: 0434 426 553
e: chloesacks@gmail.com
w: www.chloesacks.com.au
f: www.facebook.com/chloesacksdietetics/
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