Ration on cake and ice cream in schools with total ban on some foods

Ration on cake and ice cream in schools with total ban on some foodsSchools will no longer be able to offer unhealthy “grab and go” options such as sausage rolls and pizzaCommentsNewsNeil Shaw Assistant Editor (Money and Lifestyle)07:05, 13 Apr 2026Updated 07:05, 13 Apr 2026View 5 ImagesCake will be rationed in schools across the countryDeep-fried food will be banned from school menus and sugary treats limited as part of a sweeping standards overhaul aimed at tackling childhood obesity and tooth decay. Desserts like ice cream and waffles and baked goods such as puddings and cakes will be served only once a week and need to contain at least 50% fruit under new rules proposed by the Government.‌Sir Keir Starmer will promote the plans “supporting better health for the future” on a visit to Greater Manchester on Monday. Schools will no longer be able to offer unhealthy “grab and go” options such as sausage rolls and pizza every day, and deep-fried food will be eliminated from menus entirely as part of the plan.‌Each school will be asked to publish their menus online to help boost compliance as part of the proposals, which are being put to a nine-week consultation starting on Monday. Fruit will need to be served for the majority of the week instead of sugary treats, with sample menus including mains such as cottage pie with root-and-veg mash, Mexican-style burritos, jerk chicken with rice and peas and spaghetti bolognese.‌View 5 ImagesSchool dinners are set to changeEach dish must be accompanied by one or more portions of vegetables and salad, and sides cooked using fat or oil, such as chips and hash browns, are to be served no more than twice a week. However, a “phased” approach is being proposed for secondary schools, allowing them to offer two portions of desserts or sweet treats a week from September next year, reducing to one by 2028.Despite the proposed ban on deep-fried food, breadcrumb-coated or batter-coated options like fish and chips will also still be permitt...