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Understanding Nursery Catering: Meeting EYFS Nutrition Standards

16th September 2025

With the new EYFS nutrition guidance now in place, healthy, balanced meals have never been more important in early years settings. At Zebedees, we’re proud to say our nursery catering already exceeds these standards, so you can rest assured that the children in your care are enjoying nutritious, delicious meals every day.

In this blog, we’ll break down the key areas of the EYFS nutrition standards and show you how Zebedees menus are carefully designed to support children’s growth, development and wellbeing. Our approach is also supported by specialist baby and child nutritionist Charlotte Stirling-Reed, who champions the importance of balanced, varied meals for children from the very start of life.

Why EYFS Nutrition Matters in Nursery Catering

Good nutrition during the early years is crucial for supporting healthy growth, brain development and energy levels. The EYFS framework sets out clear guidance for nurseries, preschools and early years providers to ensure meals and snacks are well-balanced, varied and suitable for young children.

At Zebedees, we’ve been championing this approach for years. Our chefs and nutritionist work together to create nursery menus that not only meet government guidance but go beyond it, offering children a wide variety of tastes, textures and nutrients.

EYFS Nutrition Guidance vs Zebedees Practice

Here’s how we align with (and exceed) government recommendations in nursery catering:

Fruit & Vegetables

  • Guidance: At least one portion with each main meal, variety across the week, and no added sugar or salt in tinned options.

  • Zebedees: We include between 20–30 vegetable varieties per menu cycle, serve both visible and hidden fruit and veg in meals, and never use added sugar or salt in our recipes.

Starchy Carbohydrates

  • Guidance: Starchy food at each meal, wholegrains weekly, limit fried options.

  • Zebedees: Every lunch and tea includes a starchy item. We use locally baked breads to control salt and sugar, offer both wholegrain and white varieties, and never fry foods.

Dairy & Non-Dairy Alternatives

  • Guidance: Three portions daily, plain yoghurts, fortified non-dairy alternatives.

  • Zebedees: We provide daily dairy in meals, homemade yoghurts with no added sugar, and fortified dairy-free yoghurts for children with dietary needs.

Protein

  • Guidance: Protein daily, varied sources, oily fish once every three weeks.

  • Zebedees: We serve protein at both lunch and tea every day, including meat, fish, beans, lentils and vegetarian options. Oily fish is on the menu once every three weeks, and processed meats are limited.

For All Foods

  • Guidance: Avoid foods high in salt, sugar, saturated fats and artificial sweeteners.

  • Zebedees: All dishes are homemade using carefully selected ingredients. We never add artificial sweeteners, and we strictly limit sugar and salt.

Supporting Nurseries with Healthy Meals

We know that nurseries face unique challenges in providing meals that are both nutritious and appealing to children. That’s why our nursery meal service goes beyond simply meeting requirements. We support settings with:

  • Seasonal, rotating menus full of variety

  • Allergy-safe options

  • Balanced meals designed to reduce food waste

  • Fun, tasty recipes that children love

Final Thoughts

The updated EYFS nutrition guidance ensures that children receive the very best start in life with food that fuels learning and play. At Zebedees, we’ve always been committed to healthy nursery meals that exceeds these expectations.

By choosing Zebedees, you can be confident that every meal served supports children’s wellbeing, growth and happiness, while giving nurseries peace of mind.

Watch our EYFS Guidance webinar here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x3bsxUQtVC4&t=4s

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