Bengaluru schools are making a remarkable shift in their canteen menus, all thanks to a push from education boards and the initiative of students themselves. The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and the Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (ICSE) have been vocal about the rising health concerns among schoolchildren. Their latest advisories have led to a wave of changes in what kids are eating during school hours. It’s not just a small tweak—it’s a complete overhaul.
Gone are the sugary cakes, pastries, and fizzy drinks that once dominated school canteens. In their place, you’ll find makhana, roasted peanuts, and dry fruits. Even samosas, a longtime favorite, are getting a healthier makeover, now packed with mixed vegetable fillings and limited to twice a week. Schools are actively reducing high-oil and high-sugar foods to combat rising cases of Type 2 diabetes, obesity, and other metabolic disorders.
Take Delhi Public School-North or the Institutions of Central Muslim Association, for example. These schools have eliminated junk food and replaced it with nutritious options. Chikkis (peanut bars) have replaced toffees and chocolates, ensuring students still get something sweet but in a healthier form.
Principals and administrators are fully on board with this change. Mrs. Gnanamoni Franklin, Principal at Goodwill School, shared how they’ve introduced egg and paneer puffs alongside boiled egg sandwiches. The goal? To provide protein-rich alternatives instead of the usual carb-heavy snacks.
School events, too, are getting a nutritional upgrade. Remember when laddus and chocolates were handed out during Independence Day or Children’s Day celebrations? Now, students receive dry fruits instead. Masulin Arul, principal of Pristine School, confirmed that this shift has been well-received.
What’s even more impressive is the role students are playing in this transformation. At Delhi Public School-East, the student council took charge by analyzing the calorie content of available snacks and proposing healthier replacements. Their involvement has made the transition smoother and more relatable for fellow students.
Awareness is another key component of this movement. Schools are putting up boards that explain the risks of excessive sugar and unhealthy eating habits. Some have even integrated nutrition discussions into assemblies and classroom lessons. Saniya Farheen, administrator at CMA Group of Institutions, mentioned how doctor-led sessions have helped reinforce the importance of healthy eating.
This isn’t just about swapping snacks—it’s about reshaping habits early on. By making these changes now, Bengaluru schools are ensuring students grow up with a better understanding of nutrition and health. The shift may have started quietly, but its impact will be loud and lasting.