Guidelines

What qualifies as a healthy afternoon tea?

Afternoon teas are usually rich with high sugar, high-fat cakes, pastries and scones. Below are some top tips on how you can create healthier alternatives that you can equally enjoy in your afternoon tea!

Cakes

If following your favourite homemade cake recipes, try using half the amount of the sugar suggested.
Use ripe bananas, dates or other fresh fruits to sweeten recipes.
Try using vegetable oils or low-fat spreads to reduce the saturated fat content of your cakes.
Replace whole milk or single cream with skimmed milk or low-fat yoghurt.
If using thick creams in recipes, try using fat-free ricotta cheese with a small amount of sweetener.
Add fresh fruits and vegetables think blueberries, apples, carrots.
Add nuts, nut butter and seeds for some healthy fats.

Sandwiches

Finger sandwiches are a great way to offer a variety of vegetables and healthy fillings. Think cucumbers, tomatoes, lettuce, spinach and rocket!

Try to use wholegrain/wholemeal bread or seeded bread for some extra nutrition!
Use light or extra light versions of butter, mayonnaise or cream cheese.
Add in some healthy fats such as smoked salmon or avocados.
No need to add salt to mixed spreads.

Fruit Salads

There is always a place for fruit!

To complement your cakes, scones and sandwiches, you could offer fresh fruit salads. Think mini or big fruit salad bowls, fruit kebabs with a plain Greek yoghurt dip or even roasted fruit!

If you’re out of fresh fruit then dried or tinned can be excellent alternatives. Try tinned pineapple with cottage cheese, or apricots in juice with fromage frais.

The wider the variety, the better.

* It is important that allergens are listed and provided for all foods. Check out the Food Standard’s Agency for advice on allergens: https://www.food.gov.uk/safety-hygiene/allergy-and-intolerance

And of course, don’t forget your favourite cuppa!

Written by Nicole Musuwo ANutr.,