Crackers are a popular go-to snack for many families. They’re convenient, tasty, and perfect for lunchboxes or a quick afternoon bite. But with so many options on the shelves, choosing the healthiest crackers for your child can feel overwhelming. While packaging might boast claims like "organic,”, "wholegrain," or "no added sugar," these labels can often be misleading. That’s why understanding what to look for on the ingredients list can make all the difference.

Parents, we need to talk about high-protein yogurts! As a paediatric nutritionist, I'm constantly asked about these trendy products filling our supermarket shelves. Are they really necessary? Are they healthy? And most importantly – should we be sharing them with our kids? Read on to find out why kids need to avoid them and my Real Food Ratings on some of our most popular supermarket choices.

Parents, we need to talk about chocolate milk! As a paediatric nutritionist, one of the most common questions I get is: Is chocolate milk really that bad? And if so, are there any better options? Today, I’m breaking down Australia’s most popular chocolate milk drinks using my Real Food Rating System, and what I found might shock you! Read on to find out more.

Packing the perfect lunchbox for your child can feel like a daunting task, especially for busy parents striving to provide nutritious and appealing meals. However, with a bit of planning and creativity, you can assemble lunches that are both healthy and enticing for your little ones. Here's a comprehensive 7-Step Guide to help you navigate the process:

Back to school means back to packing nutritious, balanced, and stress-free lunches! One of the best ways to set your child up for a healthy school year is by choosing the right lunchbox - one that encourages variety, wholefoods, and waste-free eating. Read on to to discover which are my Top 3 Recommendations!

Fussy eating can turn mealtimes into a source of stress and frustration for parents. But here’s the good news: with the right strategies, you can help your child develop a positive and lasting relationship with food. In this blog, I’m sharing a sneak peek into the tools I teach in my fussy eating workshops, which have transformed mealtimes for countless families I work with.

Artificial food dyes have no place in our pantry staples, especially in foods marketed to children. These synthetic additives, used to make processed foods look more appealing, come with a hidden cost to our health. Studies have repeatedly shown that artificial colours are linked to behavioural issues, hyperactivity, allergic reactions, and disruptions to gut health — risks no parent wants to take.

Wraps are a convenient and versatile meal option for families — from lunchbox snacks to quick dinners. But not all wraps are created equal. While some wraps are marketed as “healthy” choices, many store-bought varieties are packed with additives, preservatives, and refined ingredients that aren’t suitable for your family’s everyday nutrition. In fact, selecting the right wrap can have a significant impact on your family's diet

As parents, we’re often told that fruit juice is a healthy choice for children because it’s made from fruit. While it might seem like an easy way to boost their fruit intake, the reality is that not all supermarket options live up to the claims. Many orange juices on Australian shelves are filled with added sugars, preservatives, and even flavourings and colours, making them far from the natural, nutrient-rich beverage they’re often portrayed as. Read more to discover my best and worst brands.

As a paediatric nutritionist, I’m often asked whether protein powders are a good idea for kids. With so many options on the market and clever marketing claiming to support growth, development, and active lifestyles, it’s easy for parents to feel overwhelmed. However, not all protein powders are created equal, and some may do more harm than good. So let’s cut through the confusion and talk about what to avoid, what to look for, and which protein powders I recommend for children.

As a wholefood nutritionist, one of the most common questions I get from parents is about dried fruit. Dried fruit can seem like a quick, healthy snack option—it’s sweet, convenient, and often comes in kid-friendly packaging. But like many foods, the story is a little more complex. Let's explore the benefits, concerns, practical tips and my top picks for including dried fruit wisely in our children’s diet.

Today’s food marketing is everywhere, targeting even our youngest kids with bright packaging, social media influencers, games, and their favourite cartoon characters. For Aussie parents dedicated to raising healthy eaters, it’s overwhelming to sift through “kid-friendly” foods that are often ultra-processed and packed with sugar, salt, and artificial additives. Here are 5 Top Tips to avoid deceptive marketing tricks.

As the summer sun heats up, kids all around Australia are reaching for their favourite ice blocks to cool down. But while these colourful treats might look refreshing, not all ice blocks are created equal. Some are packed with artificial colours, flavours, and additives that could impact your child’s health and behaviour. In this guide, I’ll be using my Real Food Rating System to rate popular brands based on their ingredients and nutritional quality.

As a leading paediatric nutritionist and mother of two, I am outraged by the blatant flaws in Australia's Health Star Rating system. How is it possible that a product like Zooper Dooper, which contains an ingredient banned in the US for its links to cancer, can still earn a 3-star rating? Though well-meaning, the Health Star Rating system is inadvertently leading parents down a deceptive path when it comes to nutrition.

Navigating the overwhelming world of children's food products can be daunting for parents. Supermarkets are packed with brightly coloured boxes, clever marketing, and labels designed to give us peace of mind. Yet, despite our best efforts to choose healthy options for our kids, many of the products that seem trustworthy and nutritious are anything but. One of the biggest culprits? The Health Star Rating.

Navigating the supermarket aisles can be overwhelming for a parent, especially when trying to cut through the marketing hype and choose healthier options for your family. Here’s a step-by-step guide to understanding nutrition labels and making nutritious choices for your family.

Peanut butter is a staple in many households, especially for families with young children. It's creamy, delicious, and versatile—perfect for sandwiches, smoothies, and even straight off the spoon! But as parents, it's essential to know exactly what's in that jar and how to choose the healthiest options for your little ones.

Wraps are a go-to for quick, easy meals—perfect for everything from lunchbox snacks to family dinners. But be cautious: many store-bought options are packed with additives and unhealthy ingredients that aren’t suitable for everyday consumption, especially for kids. Selecting the right wrap can significantly impact your family’s nutrition. Let’s explore what to look for in a healthy wrap to support your child’s daily diet and overall well-being.

As parents, we all want to provide our children with tasty and nutritious meals. But in today's world of convenience foods, many seemingly harmless condiments, like BBQ and Tomato sauce, are packed with ingredients that are often unsuitable for growing bodies.

As parents, we all want our kids to grow up healthy, happy, and thriving. One of the most effective ways to support their health and immunity is by nourishing them with a wide variety of nutrient-dense whole foods. An excellent way to do this is to keep a well-stocked fridge, filled with wholefood snacks to tempt little ones to reach for fresh foods that will keep them powered through the day and satisfy them between main meals.