According to a new Ipsos Reid poll, our kids are still not getting enough fruit.  Diet and nutrition are so crucial for our children.  As Jessica Seinfeld promotes, if they don’t like it.. well, then hide it.  Or at least get creative.  Mott’s Fruitsations and Korey Kealey, food specialist and mom-of-three, have teamed up to provide five easy tips for Canadian families to eat more fruit that are fun, simple and exciting. Here are some tips to get your kids to eat more fruit.

1.  Put a new twist on the Sundae Bar
In small bowls, put out a selection of granola, trail-mix, walnuts, dried apricots, graham crackers or even chocolate chips and let kids make a fruit sundae with Mott’s Fruitsations fruit snacks.  Or, try freezing Mott’s Fruitsations for a delicious and healthy alternative to ice cream.

2. Use a cookie cutter to form fruit like watermelon, melon, kiwi or pineapple into fun shapes
Dragons, stars and horses are a lot more fun and exciting that apples, bananas or pears.

3. Sneak fruit into meals and snacks you’re already making
Swap applesauce for oil in many recipes like salad dressings, meat marinades and dips to cut the fat and boost the flavour and nutrition.  Try mixing equal parts French vanilla yogurt and Mott’s Fruitsations Unsweetened Country Berry for a delicious fruit dip or alternative to maple syrup on pancakes.

4. Blend fruit smoothies for a quick and easy breakfast
Toss skim milk, yogurt, fruit and ice into a blender and you’ve got a nutritious power breakfast.  If you don’t have fresh fruit on hand, add a Mott’s Fruitsations fruit snack into the mix for a full serving of fruit and a burst of flavour.

5.  Mix up a Tropical Fruit Salad
For a new taste adventure, combine exotic fruits like mangos, papaya, guava, kiwi and passion fruit. Expanding your “fruit repertoire” will give children the chance to learn to love new fruits.