Ultra-processed foods in primary school meals cut

The school menus across the Isle of Man have changed for the 2025-26 year

Ultra-processed foods used in primary school meals on the Isle of Man have been cut from 50% to just over 5% in an island-wide change to menus, the education department has said.

An increase in local produce, from 6% to 25%, has also been introduced for the 2025-26 academic year.

Meals on the new menu include sweet potato and coconut curry, roast Manx pork, and pasta bakes, with processed desserts replaced by whole Manx milk and fruit.

The changes follow a government survey, which found more than half of parents wanted to see a reduction in processed food on the menu.

Education Minister Daphne Caine said: "By reducing ultra-processed food, the government better supports children's long-term health and promotes healthy eating habits."

The reduction of processed items includes a cut in white bread and packaged puddings.

Ultra-processed foods made up 51.5% of primary school menus in the 2024-25 academic year, with only 6.2% local produce used.

Under the changes from September the meals will have 5.3% processed food and about 25% local produce.

'Strong support'

The new menu has been developed by the Department of Education, Sport and Culture after consultation with parents, carers, students, caterers, producers, suppliers, and a dietitian.

A spokesman for the department said the changes had "strong support from families" where 58% of respondents wanted less processed food, with "only 4% opposed to the idea".

The increase of local produce was as a result of "partnerships with local suppliers", he added.

Caine said the new menus would give children "the healthy start they deserve" and food waste would be monitored in every school "to ensure continuous menu improvement".

The meals would also be made on the island, which was "supporting local jobs and reducing the carbon footprint", she added.

The price of school meal costs is set to remain at £2.55, with free school meals available to families on a means-tested system.