Some of the most popular childhood snacks 'banned' from Australian school canteens
Getting tuck shop at school is a real treat for most, however some of the most popular childhood treats are actually classified as 'red foods'.
Red foods are a category of food that the Australian Governmental Department of Health and Aged Cares recommends isn't sold in school canteens and tuck shops.
Basically, it's any food assessed according to the Amber Nutrient Criteria that does not meet the criteria for energy, saturated fat, sodium or fibre.
Take a look at some of the most popular snacks classified as red foods.
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Fairy bread
Unfortunately for fairy bread lovers – all confectionaries are considered to be red food in every state.
That includes lollies, chocolates, chocolate spread, 100's and 1000's, and even anything containing chocolate chips.
Sports drinks and flavoured water
Sports drinks and flavoured waters are among the list of items that are recommended not to be sold in school canteens.
Sausage rolls
It's an Aussie lunchtime staple but according to the Australian Government Department of Health, kids shouldn't be eating sausage rolls at school.
Pies
Most Australians have memories of chowing down on a meat pie at school. But in 2024, it seems this delicious treat is considered a "red" food too.
Butter
This one might be hard to avoid, but butter is also actually considered to be a red food.
Poppers
Poppers usually come in 250ml boxes, which is actually considered too much.
Any fruit or vegetable juice that is less than 99 per cent juice and/or greater than 250ml serve is considered a red food.
Any added sugar to the juice also makes it a no-go.
Cream
It's a tuck shop regular, a baked potato with sour cream and bacon, but since sour cream is a red food, it's recommended it be taken off the menu.
Iced Tea
Iced tea might seem harmless to some, but it's high sugar content actually deems it as a red food.
Ice Blocks
Similar to the poppers, any ice blocks made from less than 99 per cent fruit juice and/or greater than a 125ml serve area no-go.
