Schools play a crucial role in shaping the drinking habits and overall wellbeing of students. But one area that often goes overlooked is the beverage selection in canteens and vending machines. It's important to examine your internal offerings and ensure you’re providing school-compliant options.

School standards play a crucial role in nurturing healthy eating and drinking habits among children. They ensure that youngsters receive the essential energy and nutrition required for a productive school day.

Often, kids find sugary soft drinks, including seemingly innocent juices and smoothies, readily available in school canteens and vending machines. But have you ever checked the label on these bottles? It's worth considering whether they truly comply with health guidelines.

The government encourages making water the default beverage for every child. The more readily available it is, the more likely children are to choose it. However, it's also worth exploring options that not only quench their thirst but offer additional nutritional benefits, such as iPRO Student Edition.

Electrolytes: Why children need them

Electrolytes have several vital functions, especially for active children and young adults. They help maintain fluid balance in the body, regulate pH levels, and play a significant role in nerve function and muscle contraction. These functions are essential to keep kids and young adults active and healthy.

The simplest way for them to get the right amount is through electrolyte-rich drinks, known as hydration drinks. However, it's important to choose healthy options like iPRO Student Edition and iPRO Hydrate.

What about carbohydrates? 

Carbohydrates are the body's primary and readily available source of energy, and they play a vital role in a healthy diet for both kids and adults.

When consumed, carbohydrates are broken down into simple sugars, which circulate in the bloodstream and provide energy to the body's cells. The brain, in particular, relies on glucose as its primary energy source. That's why it's essential for children to consume carbohydrates to stay alert throughout the day.

Certain hydration drinks, such as iPRO Hydrate, contain healthy amounts of carbohydrates. For example, iPRO Hydrate uses a plant-based carbohydrate called maltodextrin to support metabolism.

Impact of sugar on classroom behaviour 

Consuming sugary drinks in a school environment has shown detrimental effects on children's classroom behaviour. Kids who consume four or more sugary soft drinks per day were found to be over twice as likely to engage in destructive behaviours and physical altercations. These behaviours disrupt their learning abilities and affect not only their own educational journey, but also that of their peers.

Filling the nutrition gap with iPRO 

Eight out of ten children consume fruit juices and smoothies. Unfortunately, many of these drinks available in canteens and even vending machines contain added sugars that’s not explicitly made with children's health and wellbeing in mind.

By introducing more nutritious options, such as iPRO drinks, it can contribute to children's learning experiences and close the gap between healthy and delicious choices.

iPRO Student Edition is a school-compliant healthy juice range that contains no added sugar, artificial colours, or flavours. Bottled in 100% recycled rPET, it’s naturally sweetened with Stevia and made from real fruit juice. With each serving counting as one of their recommended five-a-day, the range offers three fruity flavours: Mango, Sour Cherry, and Berry Mix.

iPRO Hydrate, on the other hand, is a healthy hydration drink formulated to replenish. Enriched with electrolytes and a water base, it offers rapid rehydration which is ideal for active students participating in sports activities. iPRO Hydrate comes in four refreshing flavours: Berry Mix, Orange & Pineapple, Citrus, and Mango. Moreover, it supports schools’ sustainability targets with recyclable packaging made from 30% rPET.

To book a sampling session of iPRO Student or iPRO Hydrate at your school, college or university, simply fill out our sampling session booking form HERE!