The Smart Snacks in School Nutrition Standards, implemented in 2014, replaced some student favorites with “healthy” alternates.

Companies even have different packaging for these “healthier” versions. For example, the Froot Loops sold in the vending machines labels its packages as for school on the bag itself.

With only two grams less of sugar, one less carb and 20 mg more sodium, these school snacks may not be that much better for the consumer.

The larger issue is the type of diet students choose.

“Even by eating these Froot Loops, it’s not good for your health,” Will Chasin (9) said. “It’s still adding junk to your body, just less junk.”

These changes in the “junk” food may seem slight but make a big difference in taste.

“Even the simplest things they change affects the whole taste,” Christella Payne (9) said. “We’re so used to the taste of things in the store.”

The marketplace, school and home all exert different levels of influence on student eating habits.

“We try to create healthy habits at school,” Ms. Carmen Fischer, Child Nutrition director, said. “But we need that assistance at home, as well.”

The high school students have more options beyond school walls.

“People are going to start bringing stuff from home because they can’t get it at school,” Cara Peterson (12) said.