10 of the best healthier sweet treats

Dietitian Melissa Meier and Healthy Food Guide editor Jenny de Montalk share 10 delicious treat ideas to satisfy your sweet cravings, while being healthier choices.

How to be treat-wise

All foods have their place in a healthy, balanced diet. The trick with treats is to know your portions! Aim to keep ‘sometimes’ foods to under 600kJ (144cal) per serve, which is roughly:

• 2 scoops of ice cream
• 2-3 sweet biscuits
• 5-6 lollies/sweets
• 1 row (4 squares) of chocolate

10 healthier sweet treats you’ll love

1. You’ll love this baked pear dessert for less than 800kJ (191cal), plus 9g fibre! Halve a ripe pear, sprinkle it with cinnamon, wrap it in foil and bake for 20 minutes. Serve pear with ½ cup reduced-fat yoghurt.
2. Containing dried fruit and nuts, these easy-to-make energy balls are a healthier go-to when you’re having a sweet craving, at 335kJ(80cal) per serve.
3. Warm 1 cup of frozen berries in the microwave, then swirl through ½ cup of yoghurt. Just 530kJ (127cal).
4. This low-cost jaffa nut slice is seriously good! Full of the goodness of nuts, this gluten-free treat will satisfy your sweet tooth without overdoing the sugar. It’s a snack-wise 510kJ (122cal) per serve.
5. Whip up a healthy banana smoothie by blending a frozen banana with a dash of milk and vanilla, then top with a tablespoon of chopped mixed nuts — for just 700kJ (168cal)!
6. This creamy mango lassi will hit the spot and give you a satisfying protein boost for just 560kJ (133cal)
7. Popcorn is a great go-to snack, any time, but this choc-sesame version adds a bit of chocolatey sweetness, while being only 470kJ (113cal) per serve.
8. For a nut- and dairy-free option, this quick cranberry oat and seed bar is the perfect snack. Each bar has 410kJ (99cal).
9. You can easily make your own delicious ice cream at home. One serve of this strawberries and cream ice cream has just 600kJ (142cal).
10. For a nutty chocolate freezer treat, spread a teaspoon of peanut butter over half a banana, then sprinkle with a chopped-up square of dark chocolate. Less than 600kJ (144cal) per portion!