Veggie Straws

I've tried them. They don't have a whole lot of taste to them, but I'm not a very picky eater. I'll eat almost anything with a few exceptions. Maybe you'll think differently.

Veggie Straws are yummy, but basically a somewhat healthier cracker or chip. It's not in any way going to teach your child to eat her veggies. The only thing that will do that is repetition, repetition, repetition - serve a fruit and/or veggie with every meal. Cut them in different shapes, offer small cups of different dips, choose a wide variety of colors and textures, serve them raw and cooked. Encourage or insist (whichever works in your family) that she try at least one bite before she can be done. I've worked with a wide variety of kids, and the parents who indulge their kids - pick veggies out of casseroles, cut of crusts, count fruit snacks as fruit, etc - have the pickiest eaters, while the parents who remain calm, positive and matter of fact - "This is dinner. Please try a bite of everything." - have the kids who are most willing to try new things.

That being said, Veggie Straws are better than chips. The Mac and Cheese with veggies is better than regular mac and cheese. The Barilla Piccollini with veggies is better than regular pasta (I love, love, love the mini farfalle with tomatoes and carrots). It does add extra nutrition, especially potassium and vit. A, where some kids (and parents) might otherwise be lacking.

The plain veggie straws don't have alot of flavor as was said by some other replies. But, they do have different flavored ones for a variety of tastes. I like the Spicy variety (which I only found once, grrr). I think they have pizza and some other flavors too. Haven't wanted to check those out. I would agree, they are a snack (better than chips, etc) but not a "replacement for veggies".

You may want to consider V8 Fusion juice. One can contains 1 full serving each of vegetables and fruit. It actually tastes good. My boys like the blueberry/pomegranate flavor (100 cal., 25gm carbs, 0 fat, 0 protein). On the other hand one serving of Veggie Straws contain 130 cal (60 cal from fat), 15gm carbs, 7gm fat, 1gm protein, But here's the kicker - 0% vitamin A, 0% calcium, 2% iron, 2% vitamin C. Another case of great marketing and confusion about foods that are "good for you."