Low sugar snacks/puddings for kids?

[Auey]

I have just got back from a horrendous trip to the dentist... my son needs to have a number of his back teeth out including one adult tooth at the back, he is only 7 😩. Absolutely devastated and feel terrible.... I knew he hadn't been brushing his back teeth properly despite me telling him so I’d bought him a new smart tooth brush that tells him where he needs to brush but it seems like it’s too little too late after this trip.

I said about this to the dentist and she said that although the toothbrush would help, it’s his diet and that we would need to cut the juice and sugar to stop it getting any worse.

Now my son is the worst at drinking water and has been like that since a baby but I’ve told him that he is just gonna have to do it now and that’s that. He can just have squash/ fruit shoots occasionally.

Breakfast is usually cereal as that’s what he likes but I can think of lots of alternatives and not that worried about changing that to something low sugar.

Snacks he always has fruit = more sugar

But we also have pudding every day 🙈 we always have and I always did as a child... he usually has an ice lolly or a cake bar etc.

Now I’m keen to change this to a sugar free or very low sugar option but can’t think of anything. I can think of yoghurts and fruit but I think that is probably not that good in terms of his teeth either.

Anybody have any ideas or recipes?

I already feel awful and I didn’t actually think his diet was that awful as he eats a lot of fruit and a lot of veg and is no where close to overweight but obviously it was too high in sugar and It’s going to change but can’t think of what to give him for afters now.... do you think fruit would be ok? Or is eating fruit daily too much?

I would rather not completely cut pudding if I can help it as it’s kind of part of our family routine but obviously will if I need to.

[Ricekrispie22]

Sugar free jelly
Sugar free hot chocolate
No added sugar custard www.tesco.com/groceries/en-GB/products/268420518
No added sugar Angel Delight www.sainsburys.co.uk/shop/gb/groceries/dessert-mixes/angel-delight-strawberry-dessert-47g Sainsbury’s own has less sugar www.sainsburys.co.uk/shop/gb/groceries/dessert-mixes/sainsburys-strawberry-whippy-dessert-54g
Halo Top ice cream

[NightmareLoon]

I like all butter shortbread as it's lowish sugar but still super yummy! AFAIK sugar with a meal is less of an issue than sugar on its own (especially juice and dried fruit).

[AtleastitsnotMonday]

I think a piece of fruit a day is ok, if you are worried tag it on to a meal time or follow with a piece of cheese to neutralise some of the acids.
If you are happy with thing like no added sugar squash and jelly there are loads on the market, it’s worth reading packaging on things because there can be huge variation between brands.
Things to consider for savoury snacks
Crudités, breadsticks and dips (humous, sour cream, salsa)
Cheese and crackers
Popcorn (either pop your own and serve plain or dusted with paprika or buy salted)
Roasted chickpeas
Savoury flapjack
Cheese scones
Make your own pita chips or tortillas chips

[AtleastitsnotMonday]

And nuts!

[Julykthat]

I buy rich tea light biscuits and have a smear of almond butter on them. Really delicious.
Or peanut butter with a drizzle of melted 85% chocolate.

[dairymilkmonster]

Sending hugs - I don't think my boys have less sugar than your dc and they have ok teeth. Must be some luck in this! Teeth brushing is a nightmare here...

I eat 3-4 pieces of fruit daily and have for 30yrs with only minimal dental issues. Fruit has so many benefits in terms of nutrients and fibre.

I suggest:
Sugar free squash for drinks
Ditch sugary cereals

Pudding:
Greek yoghurt - mine like 1/2 teaspoon honey
Squirts cream - anchor one is unsweetened
Homemade cakes/ muffins/ crumble/ ice cream - half the sugar or replace with sweetener

Brush teeth after sugar if you can I suppose - here any brushing feels a miracle.
Good luck