Smart

Snacks
Meredith Epley, MS

Dietetic Intern

Illinois State University

Objectives
• Know what a smart snack is and what the
standards are for each component

• Read a label properly and determine the

nutrients to be aware of

• Determine if an item is considered a smart

snack
What is a smart snack?
• National nutrition standard

• Food and beverages

• Sold outside meal programs

• During school days

• “Competitive foods”
Nutrition
Standards • Be a grain product that contains 50 percent or
more whole grains by weight (have a whole
grain as the first ingredient)

• Have as the first ingredient a fruit, a vegetable,

a dairy product, or a protein food

• Be a combination food that contains at least 1⁄4

cup of fruit and/or vegetable

• The food must meet the nutrient standards for

calories, sodium, sugar, and fats:
Calories,
Sodium, Sugar,
and Fats
Smart Snack
Beverage
Smart Snack
Beverage
Smart Snack
Beverage
Smart Snack
Beverage
Smart Snack
Beverage
What is an entrée for
Smart Snacks?
• Main course of a meal
o meat/meat alternate + whole grain-rich food
o vegetable + meat/meat alternate
o fruit + meat/meat alternate
o meat/meat alternate alone, except for meat
snacks (e.g., beef jerky), yogurt, low-fat or
reduced fat cheese, nuts, seeds, and nut or
seed butters;
o a grain only, whole grain-rich entrée that is
served as the main dish of the School
Breakfast Program reimbursable meal.
Exemptions
• Practical and flexible solutions

• Certain foods are exempt from nutrition

standards
Exemptions
Exemptions
Exemptions
Exemptions
Exemptions
Nutrition Facts
Panel and
Ingredients List • Calories

• Sodium

• Total Fat

• Saturated Fat

• Trans Fat

• Sugar

• First ingredient, whole grain, fruit, vegetable,

dairy, or protein
Reading
Nutrition
Label
Reading
Nutrition
Label
Reading
Nutrition
Label
Tips on Smart Snacks
• Snacks should supplement meals, not replace them.

• Make sure snacks provide vitamins and minerals for

your child.

• Snacks containing a lot of fat and sugar are usually

low in nutrients and may cause your child to gain
extra weight.

• Plan snacks that are fun! Bright‐colored fruits and

vegetables will appeal to your child.

• Awaken your child's sense of smell with fresh fruit

or freshly baked bread.

• Create interest by combining food textures such as

crunchy crackers with creamy cheese!
References
• ISBE Handbook-Section D

• USDA Guide to Smart Snacks in Schools