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Nutrition Standards

Smart Snacks in School

Our District follows federal Smart Snacks in School standards and California’s competitive food laws, which are stricter. Together with our Student Wellness Policy, they make sure foods and beverages sold to students support healthy eating.

When and to Whom the Standards Apply

The standards apply to all foods and beverages sold to students on campus from midnight before the school day until 30 minutes after the end of the school day. This includes sales by student organizations, parent groups, boosters, teachers and Child Nutrition Services.

California does not allow any exempt fundraisers, so food sold at on-campus fundraisers during this time must meet all of the standards below.

Not sure if an item qualifies? Check the California Department of Education’s Competitive Food Reference for Public Schools. 

Food Standards

Snack items must:

  • Be a fruit, vegetable, dairy, protein or whole grain-rich food, or have one of these as the first ingredient; or
  • Be a combination food with at least ¼ cup of fruit and/or vegetables

Snack items must also meet these limits per item:

  • Calories: 200 or less
  • Sodium: 200 mg or less
  • Total fat: 35% or less of calories
  • Saturated fat: less than 10% of calories
  • Trans fat: less than 0.5 g
  • Sugar: 35% or less by weight

Entrées sold by groups other than Child Nutrition Services must meet:

  • Calories: 350 or less
  • Sodium: 480 mg or less
  • The same fat, sugar and trans fat limits as snacks

Grains in entrées must be whole grain-rich. Accompaniments such as dressings, butter and cream cheese count toward the item’s totals.

Beverage StandardsBeverages sold to students must be caffeine-free and be one of the following:

  • Water: plain, with or without carbonation, any size
  • Milk: unflavored 1% or nonfat, or flavored nonfat, up to 12 oz, with no more than 10 g added sugar per 8 oz
  • Non-dairy milk: nutritionally equivalent to milk, up to 12 oz
  • Juice: at least 50% fruit or vegetable juice with no added sweeteners, up to 12 oz
  • Flavored water and electrolyte (sports) drinks: up to 20 oz if under 5 calories per 8 oz, or up to 12 oz if 40 calories or less per 8 oz. Flavored water may have no added sweeteners. Electrolyte drinks must list water first and meet sugar, sodium and potassium limits.

Coming Soon: Food Dye and Additive Restrictions

Under California law, certain additives and food dyes will no longer be allowed in foods and beverages sold at school:

  • Starting January 1, 2027: brominated vegetable oil, potassium bromate, propylparaben and Red dye No. 3
  • Starting December 31, 2027: Blue 1, Blue 2, Green 3, Red 40, Yellow 5 and Yellow 6

Healthy Snacking Tips for Families

  • Plan ahead and keep healthy snacks on hand for busy days.
  • Choose snacks from at least two food groups, like fruit with cheese or whole-grain crackers with hummus, to stay full longer.
  • Pack a reusable water bottle instead of buying sugary drinks.
  • Space snacks between meals so they don’t replace lunch or dinner.

Questions?For questions about Nutrition Standards, please contact Toby Mockler at tmockler@lgsuhsd.org.