Cash-cafeteria school meals: an assessment of nutritional standards in relation to price paid.

An investigation has been made of the relationship between price paid by 13- to 18-year-olds for cash-cafeteria school meals and the amounts of energy and protein obtained. The nutritional value of these meals is compared with traditional school meals and Department of Education and Science nutrient targets. The findings demonstrate a strong positive relationship between price and protein content, and price and energy content. In conclusion the nutritional quality of cash-cafeteria school meals and methods of improving them by influencing food choice are discussed.