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.

Are you struggling with after-school snacking? It's an ongoing challenge for many of us. But the good news is that with a few simple swaps, we can ensure our pantry options are as nutritionally sound as possible. This will support healthy after-school snacking, and choosing wholefood snacks made from wholegrains, healthy fats, and protein will ensure kids feel fuller for longer - and hopefully, this will mean less nagging and more playing.

Yoghurt is a popular and versatile food that can be a healthy addition to your child's daily diet. It provides essential nutrients like calcium, protein, and vitamins while offering the benefits of probiotics for gut health. However, not all yoghurts are created equal, and it's essential to choose wisely when purchasing yogurt for children.

Children often arrive home from school or activities absolutely famished, and we don't always have something fresh on hand. But with some basic planning and simple swaps, we can provide delicious and nutritious options. Read on to find out how…

Food allergies and sensitivities in children are on the rise, but the good news is there is plenty you can do to help prevent and manage them.

I often get asked about snacks and practical ways that parents can ensure that their pantry is healthy and nourishing. Children come home from school absolutely ravenous and because we’re often busy; we don’t always have something prepared and have to resort to convenience foods.

Food allergies and sensitivities in children are on the rise, but the good news is there is plenty you can do to help prevent and manage them.