Are Goldfish Snack Crackers Nutritious for Children?
Children's dietary needs change as they grow. Smaller, less-active children don't need as many calories as teenagers, and girls don't need as many calories as boys. Regardless of age, all children need certain nutrients to help them grow and develop. Pepperidge Farm Goldfish snack crackers aren't a significant source of those nutrients, but they do contain some nutrients. Does this Spark an idea?
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Calories
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Children's caloric needs vary based on their weight and activity levels. A toddler needs between 1,000 and 1,400 calories per day, while an adolescent boy may need up to 2,600 calories. Calories should come from fruits and vegetables, whole grains and foods that contain protein, calcium, vitamins and minerals. One serving of 55 snack crackers contains 150 calories, made up mostly or carbohydrates and fat.
Nutrients
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Certain nutrients, including calcium, iron, vitamin C, vitamin A, folic acid and vitamin B6, are often found to be deficient in a child's diet. Goldfish crackers contain 1.08 milligrams of iron, which aids growth and learning. A serving of snack crackers contains none of these other nutrients.
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Fat
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Experts agree that fat in a child's diet should be restricted after age 2. Children up to age 8 may consume between 33 and 54 grams of fat per day. One serving of crackers contains 6 grams of fat. Goldfish crackers contain .5 grams of saturated fat, which is not recommended in any amount.
Carbohydrates
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Toddlers need up to 163 grams of carbohydrates per day, while children ages 4 to 8 should consume 135 to 228 grams per day. One serving of Goldfish crackers contains 20 grams of carbohydrates, which is well within the daily limit.
Protein
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Toddlers need plenty of protein -- up to 50 grams per day. Older children need up to 135 grams of protein per day. One serving of snack crackers provides 3 grams of protein per day.
Salt
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Children should consume no more than 1,500 to 2,200 milligrams of salt per day. One serving of 55 crackers contains 230 milligrams of sodium, so crackers are within the acceptable nutritional sodium restrictions for children.
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