Freedom Foods has unveiled yesterday the new Messy Monkeys 4-star health rated popcorn range, made with natural Australian ingredients.
The Aussie snack company said in a statement the popcorn comes in two tasty flavours; Lightly Salted and Lightly Sweet and Salty.
It contains 100 per cent whole grain corn grown and popped by Freedom Foods’ own farmers in the New South Wales Riverina. These gluten and nut free snacks are school-safe.
It came after Freedom Foods launched Messy Monkeys wholegrain bites. The snack company was also recognised as a finalist in the children’s nutrition range at the recent World Food Innovation Awards. The company has now launched its own scrummy yet still light-to-eat popcorn range, giving parents even more variation in better-for-you snacks to pack for their little ones.
“These new popcorn packs are terrific for kids’ snacks on the run or in the lunchbox, being wholegrain, very low in salt, sugar and overall kilojoules. Plus, I love that they contain no palm oil, no added nasties and are suitable for kids requiring gluten free diets,” nutritional advisor for Freedom Foods, Dr Joanna McMillan said.
“This popcorn is one of the simplest wholegrain snacks you can get – it literally is popped wholegrain corn kernels. These snacks are a delicious way of helping kids meet their wholegrain recommendations and it’s a snack they’ll love!”
Freedom Foods said although Aussies are eating highly varied diets, one of the most concerning aspects of our eating habits is the amount of junk food and highly processed snacks that are consumed. At least 25 per cent of Australian children and adolescents are obese or overweight, according to a recent report by Eating Disorder Australia.
Furthermore, the snack company said the best way to pack a nutritionally balanced lunch box is to think of it in terms of compartments. This way you will ensure you have enough items at lunch and also the right nutritional balance. Smart carbs fuel kids’ brains and give them the slow release energy they need for the classroom and the playground. Think wholegrains, legumes, whole fruit, milk and/or yoghurt.
Freedom Foods said growing children consume a large portion of their total calories while they are at school. So what parents pack in the lunchbox is really important. But for parents ‘back to school’ meal planning can be a daunting task, hassling to find the healthiest and easiest snacks for kids that are both nutritious and delicious, and will fuel them through all the day’s activities.
Messy Monkeys Popcorn Lightly Salted and Lightly Sweet and Salty flavours retail at A$5 for a 10 pack each (130g pack = 10 x 13g) and are currently available in Coles and will be available in independents next month.
