Are roasted fava beans a healthy snack to give to kids?

November 6, 2015
|In Fava Beans, Happy Living
|By Michael Wissekerke

It’s becoming increasingly difficult to navigate the minefield of unhealthy foods out there that are squarely targeted at children. Sugary, fatty, unhealthy foods are everywhere and it’s becoming quite a challenge to pack a wholesome lunch for kids that they’ll actually enjoy and not throw in the bin. Seemingly ‘healthy’ foods are often laden with added sugar, artificial nasties and empty calories that offer no real nutritional value. There needs to be more options for what we pack in our children’s school lunch boxes or give  them as an after school snack.

For children that are obese, they can suffer physical, emotional and social health problems. Problems relating to weight can include:

  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Fatty liver
  • High blood pressure
  • Stress on bones and joints
  • Behavioural problems
  • Low self esteem and stigmatisation

Another major issue are food allergies. Allergies to peanuts, eggs and cow’s milk are the most common in children. Allergies can develop at any stage of life, but are most common in children aged five years or younger, and even young babies can develop symptoms of food allergy.

Due to the seriousness and increasing numbers of sufferers, more and more schools are declaring themselves ‘nut free zones’ to protect the safety of children with allergies. This can be a source of stress and anxiety for parents who aren’t sure of what is safe to pack in their child’s school lunch box. For parents of a child with an allergy, they are on constant alert as to what their child may consume both inside and outside of the home, and even if the parents own child doesn’t suffer from the allergy, their child could share food with a child who does have a food allergy.

At The Happy Snack Company, we understand that these are very serious, challenging issues for many parents, which is why we’re pleased to make giving kids healthy snacks suitable to take to school a little bit easier. Our Chic Peas and Fav-va Beans are naturally high in fibre and protein, low in saturated fat and come backed by a Five Star Health Rating. All of our healthy snacks are peanut, tree nut, gluten, wheat, dairy and egg free, so finally allergy friendly doesn’t have to mean taste free. With new Kids BBQ and Pizza flavours now available, our Fav-va Beans are a super crunchy, delicious snack they’ll love. Now in convenient, lunch box friendly 15 gram packs, they won’t know they’re good for them, but you will.