Half of children swap their lunchbox items on the playground, poll claims

Two thirds complain or make a request to their parents if unhappy with their lunch, survey finds

Children surveyed preferred to have chocolate, crisps and biscuits at lunchtime (Getty)

Half of school children admitted to trading their packed lunch on the playground, in a new poll of 1,000 parents and their children, aged six to 11.

The survey found many children swap items with friends if they do not like the look of their own lunch.

Seven in 10 participants said the health benefits of their child’s lunchbox is the most important factor when deciding what to put in it.

A third of the schoolchildren polled have vegetable sticks and a dip in their lunchbox, and one in 10 have a nut bar, to help they keep a healthy diet.

On average, the children surveyed preferred to have chocolate, crisps and biscuits at lunchtime.

More than two thirds even admitted to putting in a complaint or request with their parents because they did not like their packed lunch.

The survey, conducted by bakery brand Warburtons, claims the average lunchbox includes a sandwich, a piece of fruit, bag of crisps and a bottle of water.

“It’s encouraging to see that sandwiches are still at the heart of the packed lunch across the country, offering a balanced, nutritious and purse-friendly option for parents and children alike," said Tearmh Taylor, corporate and consumer affairs manager at the company. “Just maybe keep the jam and chocolate spread sandwich requests for an occasional treat.”

SWNS