Subway is introducing a new Kids’ Pack that encourages children to sow the seeds of change when it comes to eating salad and vegetables. The new Kids’ Pack meal is brought to life by six Salad Squad themed characters and a complimentary pack of seeds, designed to get kids excited about eating a variety of colourful vegetables and salads.
Each new Subway Kids’ Pack is comprised of a 4-inch Sub with a choice of filling, including ham, chicken, tuna, cheese or Veggie Delite – with the addition of over eight healthy choices of vegetables and salads, freshly prepared in-store every day, as part of Subway's customisation salad bar.
The Sub is complemented with a Non-HFSS Bear Yo-Yo 100% Fruit snack and a bottle of water to create a filling, nourishing meal with Non-HFSS content. The pack fits in at least 1-2 portions of the 5-a-day fruit and vegetable government recommendation, which is also low in saturated fat and salt.
Subway meets the children’s meals Salt Targets 2024 criteria as set out by Public Health England, with less than 0.1g salt per portion, also meeting the ‘low salt’ claim. The meal comes low in fat and saturated fat too, with each meal providing 6-10g of protein – essential for young growing children.
Each Kid’s Pack features a member of the new Salad Squad and includes a complimentary packet of seeds for children to take home and plant their own tomatoes, sweetcorn, lettuce and other tasty veg. It is hoped that children will learn about the importance of introducing vegetables and salads into their diets, and how to tend and grow their own food.
Comprised of six new characters, the Salad Squad brings life to some of the best-loved vegetables in the business. Lou, a fibre-full corn on the cob, is joined by Bella the bell pepper, Lola the lettuce, Edmund the onion and twin tomatoes Rob & Todd. Each member was chosen for their nutritional variety – Bella contains vitamins, such as B6, while Rob and Todd are a source of Vitamin C.
Every character also gets their own individual 100% recyclable box design, promoting the fascinating facts and nutrition that each delicious vegetable provides. Returning guests are encouraged to collect each pack, learn about the different characters’ personalities, and even how to grow their own Salad Squad at home with their complimentary seeds.
Angelina Gosal, Subway’s Marketing Director for the UK and Ireland said: “Too often, a child’s meal lacks taste and nutrition, which can make it hard for families eating out who want a quick and easy meal. We wanted to make sure that families coming into Subway stores have even more reason for their child to enjoy a fun and tasty meal, without having to compromise on nutrition or value.
“We conducted consumer research which found that nearly a third of parents want their kids to know by age five that fruit and vegetables are a good and important part of healthy eating. The Kids’ Pack is an exciting launch and promotes eating fruits and veg. Each meal comes with a complimentary packet of seeds for children to take home and plant, to keep their learning and love of veg going long after their visit to Subway.”
Elaine Hindal, Chief Executive at the British Nutrition Foundation added, “Current childhood obesity figures are worryingly high with nearly 1 in 3 children (38%) overweight or obese by the time they leave primary school. The evidence supporting the importance of good nutrition in children is clear. Their nutrition and lifestyle influence, their wellbeing, growth and development, and food patterns in childhood can set the scene for future dietary preferences and eating behaviours in adult life. Eating a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight and being physically active plays a significant role in influencing long-term health outcomes.”
