School lunches

We make sure all food and drink provided in our primary schools supports children’s health and wellbeing by following the Food and Drink in Schools (Scotland) Regulations 2020. These nutritional standards apply across the whole school day, including breakfast clubs, lunch and snacks. They help children eat a balanced diet, limit sugar and salt, and encourage healthy habits at school.

14 nutritional standards for primary schools

This page explains the nutritional standards we follow for food and drinks served in primary schools during the school day. These standards help make sure children receive healthy, balanced meals and snacks at school.

All food and drinks provided in primary schools must meet these requirements, whether they are served at lunchtime or at other times during the school day.

1. Fruit and vegetables
Lunch time must include at least 1 x 40g portion of fresh, tinned, or frozen fruit, or 15g of dried fruit, and 2 x 40g portions of vegetables. At all other times where food is provided, 1 x 40g fruit or vegetable or 15g dried fruit portion must be made available.

2. Oily fish
Must be provided at least once every 3 weeks

3. Red and red processed meat
Lunch time no more than 175g over the week, and only 100g of this 175g can be red processed. At all other times, no red or red processed meat.

4. Sweetened baked products and desserts
Lunch time maximum of 3 times per week and less than 15g of sugar per portion. At all other times, less than 7g sugar, 13g fat and 4g of saturated fat per portion.

5. Breakfast cereal
Across the school day the following must be met: no more than 15g of sugar, 1.1g of salt and contain at least 3g of fibre per 100g.

6. Deep fried foods
A maximum of 3 portions can be provided in a week. Chips must only be provided as part of a meal.

7. Savoury snacks
Lunch time only plain crackers, oatcakes and breadsticks. At all other times, as above. Other pre-packed savoury snacks, such as crisps, must be a pack size no more than 25g and contain no more than 22g fat, 1.5g salt and 3g of sugar per 100g.

8. Bread
Across the school day must contain a minimum of 3g of fibre per 100g.

9. Sweetened yoghurts, fromage frais and milk based deserts
The portion should be less than 125g. Less than 10g of sugar and 3g of fat per 100g.

10. Pastry and pastry products
Must not be provided more than twice a week across the school day.

11. Oils and spreads
Across the school day, spreads must not contain more than 20g of saturated fat per 100g and more than 30g per 100g of combined mono and poly and monounsaturated fat. Oils must not contain more than 16g of saturated fat per 100g and must contain at least 55g per 100g of monounsaturated fat or at least 30g per 100g of polyunsaturated fat.

12. Salt and condiments
Across the school day, no salt should be provided. Condiments can be provided when included in the menu, but must be dispensed in no more than 10ml portions.

13. Confectionery
Across the school day, no confectionery can be offered, including chocolate and non-chocolate confectionery.

14. Drinks
Across the school day, free drinking water must be provided. Milk is available to order each day.