Gluten Free Stem Ginger Oat Biscuits - 160g - Nairn's

It's time our kids go back to school! If you are looking for healthy snacks that are perfect for taking to school or after school, then this short list is for you. Eating healthy snacks can benefit your children in many ways. These healthy snacks will help your kids grow, develop and learn. To make your life easier, you can buy healthy snacks online and fill up your pantry with nuts, dried fruits, seeds, popcorn and dark chocolate. This way, you will always have some healthy snacks at hand. Popcorn Popcorn is a whole grain that is low in fat and rich in complex carbohydrates, making it a perfect snack for kids (if you don't add butter and salt). Corn has excellent health benefits for children. It contains a lot of dietary fibre, essential vitamins and minerals. High fibre improves digestion, helps avoid constipation, and stimulates digestive juices' secretion, keeping the bowels healthy. Popcorn also contains a good quantity of iron and calcium, manganese and phosphorous, which are vital for maintaining healthy bones and the functioning of cells. Additionally, corn is loaded with B vitamins, including vitamins B3, B6, pantothenic and folate acid, which are great for the brain and mood. Popcorn contains carotenoid antioxidants like zeaxanthin and lutein that help protect eye health. Nuts A handful of organic nuts or a serving of as little as 30g daily can benefit your kids in many ways. Nuts like almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts, peanuts, cashews, pistachios, macadamias and Brazil nuts are loaded with nutrients, protein and fibre to help children thrive and are an excellent fuel for the brain. In general, all kinds of nuts offer amazing health benefits, but every kind of nuts can also offer something special including preventing depression and anxiety. Walnuts contain high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids and DHA, which help fight inflammation. They contain twice as many antioxidants as other nuts, which improve cognitive functioning. Hazelnuts, almonds, pecans and macadamia nuts are heart-healthy. Almonds help improve your kid's memory. Pistachios are rich in oils that help preserve fatty acids and prevent inflammation. Macadamias also help in normal brain functioning. Dark chocolate Dark chocolate is a very healthy snack when consumed in moderation. It contains powerful antioxidants and flavonoids. Flavonoids improve blood flow to the brain, which can significantly improve memory and brain functioning. Veggies and Fruits Fresh vegetables are an obvious healthy snack. Packed with vitamins, they contain everything your children need to grow and develop in the right way. Dried fruits can be an excellent replacement for fresh fruits due to their longer shelf life. They contain all the nutrients of fruits but can last longer in your pantry. Your kids will love dried fruits like cranberries, dried apricots, cranberries, dates and figs.

Raisins. Those small but tasty fruits that are full of sweet and juicy flavour, in fact, one could describe them as nature’s very own candy! They are featured in many traditional British baking recipes, but can also be used in savoury dishes, along with being a quick and healthy snack. But what even are they and are raisins any good for you? And what’s the difference between raisins and sultanas? Well, we have the answers for you right here in this very article. Read on raisin fans! How Are Raisins Made? Raisins are in fact dried grapes. The grapes can be dried either by the sun or by a mechanical process, which results in what we call, raisins. These dried fruits are produced and eaten all over the world. The drying process affects the shape, sizes, colours, and flavours. You may wonder why it is then that raisins don’t actually taste like grapes, considering most dried fruits still taste like their fresh counterparts. This is possibly because the drying process concentrates the sugar content in the fruit. As grapes ripen there is also a flavour progression. Raisins probably came to exist entirely by accident. It is said they were likely discovered in prehistoric times when some grapes were accidentally left out and dried in the sun. Some curious growers decided to try the wrinkled fruit and enjoyed the sweetness of them - What a tasty mishap! Guess everything happens for a raisin 😉 Different Types of Raisins There are many different varieties of raisins out there, but here are some of the most popular and well known types, and the differences between them - Raisins The most famous guys on this list are the standard raisin. They are a type of grape that has been dried for around three weeks. As the grapes dry the begin to darken in colour, which is what gives raisins their dark brown colour. Raisins are generally made from the Thompson Seedless variety. However, in Australia, raisins are made exclusively from larger grape varieties including Muscat, Lexia, and Waltham Cross. Standard raisins are typically larger than sultanas and currants, they are dark in colour, have a soft texture, a sweet flavour. Sultanas Sultanas are made from green seedless grapes, usually the Thompson Seedless variety. Unlike raisins, sultanas are usually coated in an oil-based solution prior to drying to speed up the process. For this reason, they are often lighter in colour than raisins and currants. Sultanas are typically smaller than raisins and are sweeter, juicer and lighter in colour than both raisins and currants. Currants Currants, also referred to as “Zante currants,” are tiny, dried grapes. Despite their name, currants are actually made by drying a variety of small, seedless grapes called Black Corinth and Carina. Currants, much like raisins, are dried for up to three weeks. Because of their small size, they have a sweet, tangy, and intense flavour and add texture and sweetness to both sweet and savoury dishes. Health Benefits of Raisins So now we know what they are, are raisins actually good for you? Well good news for the raisin lovers, there are actually many health benefits to be had by including them in your diet. Firstly, raisins contain higher levels of antioxidants in comparison to other dried fruits. The process in which they are dried also helps to preserves these antioxidants, more so than in fresh grapes. Raisins contain iron, which may aid in cardiovascular health. They’re also a good source of potassium, copper, manganese, and vitamin b6. Raisins have a good amount of calcium, which benefits bone health, and they contain the mineral, boron. Boron helps in maintaining good bone and joint health, can improve wound healing, and may improve cognitive performance. Raisins are also a rich source of soluble fibre, which helps the digestive system and can reduces stomach problems. They also contain tartaric acid. which may have anti-inflammatory properties, can improve intestinal function, and aid in regulating the balance of bacteria in your gut.

We’ve all heard that we need more fibre in our diets, but fibre is much more than just a digestive aid. In the world of nutrition, fibre is the unsung hero that keeps your heart healthy, your blood sugar stable, and your gut microbiome thriving. If you’re looking to boost your energy and improve your long-term health, understanding the benefits of fibre is the perfect place to start. What exactly is fibre? Fibre is a type of carbohydrate found in plant-based foods. Unlike other carbs (like sugars and starches), your body doesn’t actually digest it. Instead, it passes through your system relatively intact. It generally falls into two categories: Soluble Fibre: Dissolves in water to form a gel-like material. It helps lower blood cholesterol and glucose levels. Insoluble Fibre: Promotes the movement of material through your digestive system—perfect for those looking to stay regular. Top 5 health benefits of a high-fibre diet Why is fibre a non-negotiable for a healthy lifestyle? Here are the science-backed reasons to fill your plate with plants: Digestive Longevity: High-fibre diets normalise bowel movements and maintain bowel health, reducing the risk of chronic digestive issues. Heart Health: Soluble fibre (found in beans and oats) can help lower "bad" LDL cholesterol levels. Blood Sugar Control: For those with diabetes, fibre—particularly soluble fibre—can slow the absorption of sugar and help improve blood sugar levels. Weight Management: Fibre-rich foods are generally more filling than low-fibre foods, so you're likely to eat less and stay satisfied longer. Longevity: Studies suggest that increasing your dietary fibre intake is associated with a reduced risk of dying from cardiovascular disease and all cancers. Fibre-rich foods to add to your shopping list Eating healthy shouldn't feel like a chore. There are plenty of delicious, fibre-rich foods that you can easily incorporate into your daily meals. Grains & Seeds Chia Seeds: A tiny powerhouse with 10g of fibre per ounce. Quinoa: A protein-packed grain that's far superior to white rice. Oats: The gold standard for soluble fibre and heart health. Legumes Lentils: Versatile, cheap, and incredibly high in fibre. Chickpeas: Perfect for hummus or roasting as a crunchy snack. Beans: Versatile, rich in protein and fibre Fruits & Vegetables Raspberries & Blackberries: These have some of the highest fibre content in the fruit kingdom. Avocado: Yes, they are creamy, but one medium avocado has about 10–13g of fibre! Broccoli: A cruciferous king that supports gut bacteria. How to increase your fibre intake If your current diet is low in fibre, don't try to hit your goal overnight! Adding too much too quickly can lead to bloating or gas. Tip: Increase your fibre intake gradually over a few weeks. This allows the natural bacteria in your digestive system to adjust to the change. And most importantly—drink plenty of water, as fibre works best when it's hydrated. Fuel Your Body with the Best At Whole Food Earth, we make it easy to hit your daily fibre targets. From organic chia seeds to ancient grains and sprouted legumes, our curated selection is designed to support your digestive health and overall wellness. Ready to transform your gut health? Check out our Fibre-rich Foods Collection and start feeling the difference today.