Competitive Foods’ Nutritional Quality and Compliance with Smart Snacks Standards: An Analysis of a National Sample of U.S. Middle and High Schools

Juliana F.W. Cohen, Ashley Kesack, Tara P. Daly, Sara A. Elnakib, Erin Hager, Samuel Hahn, Daniel Hamlin, Alla Hill, Annie Lehmann, Peter Lurie, Meghan Maroney, Jaydn Means, Megan P. Mueller, Deborah A. Olarte, Michele Polacsek, Marlene B. Schwartz, Kendrin R. Sonneville, Lori A. Spruance, Andrea R. Woodward, Leah E. Chapman

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Snacks and beverages are often sold in addition to meals in U.S. schools (“competitive foods”), but their current nutritional quality and compliance with national Smart Snacks standards are unknown. This study assessed competitive foods in a national sample of 90 middle and high schools. Differences in compliance by school characteristics were measured using mixed methods analysis of variance. Overall, 80% of the schools in the sample sold competitive foods; but they were less commonly available in schools with universal free school meal (UFSM) policies. A total of 840 unique products were documented and, on average, 75% were compliant with Smart Snacks standards. A total of 56% aligned with recommended added sugar limits (<10% of calories); and 340 unique products (40%) aligned with both sugar and Smart Snacks standards. Approximately one-fifth of competitive foods contained synthetic dyes, and 31% of beverages contained artificial sweeteners. Smart Snacks standards compliance was greater when competitive foods were overseen by food service departments, in comparison with others (e.g., principals, student organizations, or outside vendors [77% vs. 59% compliance; p = 0.003]). Therefore, district wellness policies should consider requiring food service departments to oversee competitive foods. Federal and state policies should limit added sugars, artificial sweeteners, and synthetic dyes. This appears to be highly feasible, given the substantial number of products that meet these criteria. UFSM policies should also be considered to support healthier school meal environments more broadly.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number275
JournalNutrients
Volume16
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2024

Keywords

  • Smart Snacks
  • competitive foods
  • nutrition
  • school policy
  • universal free school meals

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Food Science
  • Nutrition and Dietetics

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