REAL FOOD BLOG
Explore the latest product breakdowns, food label red flags, and clean eating tips — straight from Mandy Sacher and the Real Food Rating team.
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Cracker Choices for Kids: How to Pick the Best + My Top Picks from Aldi, Woolworths & Coles!
Crackers are a popular go-to snack for many families. They’re convenient, tasty, and perfect for lunchboxes or a quick afternoon bite. But with so many options on the shelves, choosing the healthiest crackers for your child can feel overwhelming. While packaging might boast claims like “organic,” “wholegrain,” or “no added sugar,” these labels can often…
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High-Protein Yoghurts Exposed: My Real Food Ratings Guide to Making Informed Choices for Your Family!
Parents, we need to talk about high-protein yogurts! As a paediatric nutritionist, I’m constantly asked about these trendy products filling our supermarket shelves. Are they really necessary? Are they healthy? And most importantly – should we be sharing them with our kids? Before we dive into specific products, let’s understand something crucial: most children are…
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Chocolate Milk Exposed: My Real Food Ratings of Popular Picks & Healthier Alternatives!
Parents, we need to talk about chocolate milk! As a paediatric nutritionist, one of the most common questions I get is: Is chocolate milk really that bad? And if so, are there any better options? Today, I’m breaking down Australia’s most popular chocolate milk drinks using my Real Food Rating System, and what I found…
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7- Step Guide to Packing the Perfect Lunchbox for Back-to-School!
Packing the perfect lunchbox for your child can feel like a daunting task, especially for busy parents striving to provide nutritious and appealing meals. However, with a bit of planning and creativity, you can assemble lunches that are both healthy and enticing for your little ones. Here’s a comprehensive 7-Step Guide to help you navigate…
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The Best Lunchboxes for Back to School: Encouraging Variety, Wholefoods & Naked Lunches
Back to school means back to packing nutritious, balanced, and stress-free lunches! One of the best ways to set your child up for a healthy school year is by choosing the right lunchbox – one that encourages variety, wholefoods, and waste-free eating. A bento-style lunchbox is my go-to recommendation for school lunches. Not only does…
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The Top 3 Strategies to Overcome Fussy Eating: Desensitization, Repetition, and Family Meals
Fussy eating can turn mealtimes into a source of stress and frustration for parents. But here’s the good news: with the right strategies, you can help your child develop a positive and lasting relationship with food. In this blog, I’m sharing a sneak peek into the tools I teach in my fussy eating workshops, which…
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Why Artificial Food Dyes Should Not be Hidden in Our Everyday Foods!
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…
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The Truth About Spinach Wraps: Don’t Fall for the Greenwashed Hype!
Wraps are a staple for quick, easy meals — from lunchbox snacks to family dinners. But lately, spinach wraps have been marketed as the “healthy” way to boost your family’s nutrition with a touch of greens. While these vibrant green wraps may seem like a wholesome choice, many store-bought varieties are loaded with additives, preservatives,…
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Orange Juice Exposed: Rating The Best and Worst Supermarket Orange Juices!
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 fruit juice—especially when consumed regularly—is not always the best choice. Orange juice is often marketed as a healthy, wholesome…