Today is my son’s first “official” day of preschool. But he’s been attending all summer long and it’s been going really well. The preschool my son attends serves lunch. So twice a week, I don’t have to worry about packing anything for him (for the most part, anyway). On the one hand, it’s nice not to have to worry about packing him a lunch. However, I’m a health nut, so I also worry that either he won’t eat (because he’s not used to the food) or he’ll eat something I am not crazy about him eating.
I’m a label reader. I don’t buy products at the grocery store unless I’ve read the nutrition information. I try to buy organic (or at least natural) foods without preservatives, artificial ingredients, or high fructose corn syrup (I’m sure there is more to that list).
During BlogHer, I was invited to a dinner, hosted by Team Mom. At the end of the night, they sent us home with gift bags which included products from Safeway’s new food and beverage line called Eating Right Kids. Of course I was intrigued. There are over 60 products across 18 categories including breakfast foods, produce, snacks, dairy, beverages, and frozen entrees. My assumption was that this would be a healthier line of products for kids. And I knew my toddler would love seeing Bugs Bunny and Tweetie on the packages! Here is a little more information:
Eating Right Kids is a full line of foods that ar not only tasty, but better for children: It has been formulated to standards based on the most recent dietary recommendations and regulations from several federal and state agencies.
Some of the foods we had an opportunity to sample included the Wheat Pasta Rings, the Kids Mixed Berry Milk Chocolate Coating Chewy Bars, Kids Mixed Fruit Fruit Cups, Kids 100% Juices, Kids Fat Free Chocolate Pudding, and the Kids Whole Wheat Pasta Rings with Meatballs. We didn’t get an opportunity to sample the Fruits & Vegetables (they don’t ship easily) but I honestly would have loved to. I like the way they celery with peanut butter and grapes with low-fat cheese. None of the products are organic (small bummer) but the company avoids things like high fructose corn syrup and trans fats. Many of the products include whole grains.
I really like the goal of this campaign, which is to help parents get their children to eat better. However, many of the products are snack and convenience foods my son doesn’t regularly eat. For example, I’d rather him eat a piece of fruit then a fruit cup; yogurt versus pudding. I’d rather make him a meal than serve him frozen or canned foods. If you’re a busy parent who relies on fast food, frozen meals, and canned foods, you’ll definitely want to check out this line. Many of the foods are low in fat, calories and high in protein.
As far as taste, I always sample anything that I’m planning on feeding my son. The juices were good and I like that they’re simply water and juice. The whole wheat pasta is just that. My son really likes the Kids Mixed Berry Milk Chocolate Coating Chewy Bars and chocolate pudding (of course…he’s the son of a chocoholic) . We haven’t tried the fruit cups or Kids Whole Wheat Pasta Rings with Meatballs yet (I’m not sure when or if we will).
Overall, I think the line has many positives. I’d definitely like to see some organic options, simply because the rules are stricter as far as ingredients used, etc. Kids will love the appeal of their favorite Looney Tunes characters on their snacks.
You can find Eating Right Kids at a Safeway near you.
Profuse thanks to Team Mom for this review opportunity!
For more fabulous Back to School Ideas, visit Mommy Mandy & Mommy Goggles!
- Discover Luxury at Sonesta Irvine: Your Ideal Staycation - August 8, 2024
- CHOC Walk Returns to the Disneyland Resort – Special Events and Ways to Support - June 28, 2023
- Beastly Ball Returns to the Los Angeles Zoo - May 8, 2023
Leave a Reply