A mother has criticised a nursery's decision to ban flavoured yoghurt from packed lunches, warning the new policy will be unaffordable for many families.
Katelan Martin, a mother of two, was stunned when she opened her three-year-old son Jeffrey's lunchbox on September 16 and found a note from nursery staff. The note said: "Unfortunately due to new policies we can no longer allow flavoured yogurts, it must be natural Greek style only."
"I laughed and I phoned my mum and showed her the note and said what is this about, it's literally just a strawberry yoghurt," Katelan said.
New Guidelines Set for 2027
The nursery's policy appears to draw inspiration from new government guidelines scheduled to take effect in September 2027. These stipulate that schools may only serve lower-fat natural plain yoghurt and plain lower-fat fromage frais in school dinners.
Concerning packed lunches, the guidelines direct headteachers to "not allow" sugary drinks, crisps and confectionery, and to "offer prizes and other incentives for bringing in a healthy lunch". However, the Department for Education stated that establishments "set their own rules" and what they provide is merely "guidance" designed to "encourage healthy choices".
Cost Concerns for Families
Katelan fears the "absurd" new regulations will force struggling families to spend considerably more on their children's lunches. She highlighted that purchasing Greek yoghurt would prove considerably more costly.
"Packed lunches are supposed to be quick, easy, convenient and relatively cheap. One of those tubs of Greek yogurt goes out of date three days after being opened and it's double the price of a pack of [the kid's yoghurt] for example so you would have to buy two tubs of those a week. You're looking at at least quadruple the price," she said.
Concerns Over Food Messages
Katelan said she is "worried" the policy is "demonising food," expressing concern about the potential "detrimental impact" these regulations may cause.
She added: "I'm worried about the effects that this is going to have on him if he's being told that a strawberry flavoured yogurt is a bad food and he can't eat it. I wonder about the detrimental effect that is going to have on his vision and his view of food."
"I think it is demonising food, we live in a world where unfortunately a lot of people suffer with eating disorders. Are we really setting our children up to have a good experience with food as adults if they're being told that something as simple as a flavoured yogurt is no longer allowed?"
"My kids eat healthy anyway but then to be told they're not allowed flavoured yogurts, I do think it's extreme."
A Department for Education spokesperson said: "The guidance we provide to early years settings is to help them make sure young children get the tasty, nutritious meals they need to grow and thrive - including limiting foods too high in sugar."
"Settings have always set their own rules on packed lunches. Our guidance doesn't change that - it just helps them to encourage healthy choices, as well as including advice on cost effective healthy food so changes work for every family."
Aldi have been contacted for comment.
