Smart Snacks

Smart Snacks in Schools

USDA Smart Snack Regulations pertain to all food and beverage items that are meant for consumption at the time of sale sold on school campus during the regular school day. This includes all À la carte items, school stores, fundraisers, and vending.  All Smart Snacks must be whole grain or the first ingredient must be fruit, vegetable, dairy, or protein.

Table Outlining Smart Snack  Guidelines

Beverage Guidelines

All Schools can sell:

  • Unflavored low-fat milk
  • Unflavored or flavored fat free milk
  • 100% fruit or vegetable juice
  • 100% fruit or vegetable juice diluted with water and no added sweeteners

High Schools can also sell:

  • Calorie-free flavored water
  • Other beverages (up to 20oz portions) that contain < 5 calories per 8oz or < 10 calories per 20oz**
  • Other beverages (up to 12oz portions) that contain < calories per 8 oz or < 60 calories per 12oz**

Each grade level is allotted a specific number of days to sell items that are not smart snack compliant.

  • High Schools get 15 days / SY
  • Middle Schools get 10 days / SY
  • Dual Schools get 10 days / SY
  • Elementary Schools get 5 days / SY

As a way to help schools purchase compliant items, Food & Nutrition Services has a list of items that a school can purchase, at cost, from their kitchen manager.