Snack food manufacturers will lighten the lunch box load of schoolchildren this September with healthier and portion-controlled snacks.

Many newly launched items are reformulations of existing snack lines with a fraction of the sugar, salt and trans fat. Portion-controlled packs, particularly those containing 100 calories each, are also popular, retailers told SN.

Another change has been an increased use of whole grains, said Ali VanGorden, registered dietitian for Penn Traffic Co., Syracuse, N.Y.

“I've noticed this with Snyder's of Hanover MultiGrain Pretzels, Chips and Cheese Puffs, and Nabisco Fig Newtons, Wheat Thins and Chips Ahoy! cookies,” she said.

“Whole-grain products typically contain more fiber than their non-whole-grain counterparts, and one of the many benefits of fiber is that it can help you to feel satiated longer, and therefore is important for weight loss.”

Kid-friendly items like Quaker Chewy 25% Less Sugar Granola Bars and Del Monte No Sugar Added Fruit are also popular reformulations, she said.

Penn Traffic is heavily promoting portion control at its stores. Highlighted products at the chain include Nabisco's line of 100 Calorie Packs of Mini Teddy Grahams, Chips Ahoy! and Oreo Thin Crisps varieties.

Pepperidge Farm has also introduced 100-calorie packs of its Goldfish crackers, and Hostess Cupcakes are also available in 100-calorie portions now, noted VanGorden.

“Portion control is essential for weight loss and maintenance, but it's important to note that many of the items that have been reduced to 100 calories have little or no nutritional value,” she said.

Along with pre-portioned salty and savory snacks, VanGorden suggests that retailers promote whole fresh fruit, cheese sticks, low-fat yogurt cups and pre-cut, single-serve fruits and vegetables as healthy snacks.

Jim McCarthy, president and chief executive officer of the Snack Food Association, Arlington, Va., recommends snacks made with whole grains for young people.

“When the U.S. Dietary Guidelines focused on incorporating whole grains, a lot of companies started making whole-grain tortilla chips, pretzels and other snacks,” he said.

“A lot of the snack food companies also committed to the government's Alliance for a Healthier Generation, so they're developing new products that are lower-sodium, have no trans fats and are generally healthier for kids,” he added.

Campbell Soup Co., Dannon, Kraft, Mars and PepsiCo signed on to the initiative to combat childhood obesity in October. In doing so, the manufacturers agreed to introduce new and reformulated products to their school offerings that already met established nutritional guidelines.