SOME children are so middle-class they have never tasted Flamin’ Hot Monster Munch. Francesca Johnson counts down their top six cruel, deceptive treats:
Six: Nākd bars
Low on the list because they’re available from wrapped from shops like a common Mars, these are fruit and nuts crushed together to resemble something that tastes pleasant. Your precious prodigies will never know the difference.
Five: plain rice cakes
If you’re wearing a maxi dress and carrying your baby in a precarious wraparound scarf, you’re giving your child unsweetened, unsalted rice cakes and pretending they’re a treat. Kills cravings by chewing on a great big piece of polystyrene, with all the added flavour of plain, dry rice.
Four: carrot batons
McDonald’s is a dirty word in our house, as is single-use plastic. Why have chips when you can have the equally crispy, fluffy and warm texture of a raw carrot? No grazed knee can hurt when you have the comforting pleasure of popping these bad boys in your mouth – even two at a time!
Three: natural yogurt
If your kids have been particularly good, perhaps by spontaneously saying they would never go to a school Ofsted rated lower than ‘outstanding’, reward them by letting them scoop up natural yoghurt with their batons. With all the taste and texture of ice cream left out in the sun for three days, it’s the height of luxury.
Two: sunflower seeds
The birds can’t have all the fun, so if you’re giving the kids a cheat day throw them a handful of these natural delights. A woman I know whose cat chose to be vegan says these are better than sex, so unlock your little ones’ sensual side with plant compounds that help fight Type II diabetes.
One: a handful of raisins
Known as ‘nature’s candy’ by mothers for whom Halloween is a living hell, the raisin is the ideal reward after an evening viola lesson. Just keep an eye on the sugar, and the pesticides. In fact, these may not be worth the risk, the local Anti-Vaxx Mum’s WhatsApp says.
