Young Queenslanders bring healthy snack tool to life 

Healthy eating habits are built through small, everyday decisions, and for many young Queenslanders, snacking plays a significant role in how they fuel their day.

In 2025, Health and Wellbeing Queensland launched the Healthy Snack Generator, a new online tool designed to inspire young people to choose healthier snacks which align with their lifestyle, time constraints and budget. 

Research commissioned by Health and Wellbeing Queensland highlights both the opportunity and the challenge. A 2023 study of 358 Queenslanders aged 18–24 found two in five young people (44%) snack daily and among these daily snackers, almost one-third (31%) regularly choose less nutritious options. The research also found nine in ten young people (89%) purchase snacks pre-prepared from supermarkets, shops or vending machines, reinforcing the importance of convenient, ready-to-eat food options in this age group. 

Designing solutions that reflect young people’s needs 

Co-designed with young people across Queensland, the Healthy Snack Generator responds directly to these insights. The tool combines an interactive digital experience with simple, budget-friendly snack ideas and recipes, demonstrating that healthier options can be quick, affordable and satisfying. 

The development of the Healthy Snack Generator promotional campaign was informed by a research partnership with Office for Youth in 2025, which explored the dietary habits, preferences and digital behaviours of Queenslanders aged 18–25. The research included evidence reviews, surveys, interviews and focus groups, providing a detailed understanding of not only what young people eat, but how they want to access and engage with nutrition information. 

Young Queenslanders identified three clear priorities: 

• Realistic budget-friendly food ideas 

• Quick and easy meals and snacks which fit busy schedules  

• Snack content delivered through fun, engaging how-to videos 

Turning insights into action 

By working closely with Office for Youth and embedding young people’s voices throughout the design process, Health and Wellbeing Queensland ensured the final campaign reflected real-world needs and motivations. Young people were actively involved in shaping and creating the social media campaign content, strengthening relevance and engagement. 

The Healthy Snack Generator allows users to select their taste (i.e. crunchy, creamy, sweet, savoury or fruity) and instantly receive healthy snack suggestions and simple recipes that are easy to prepare and cost-conscious. 

Health and Wellbeing Queensland university student placements also played an important role in the research and campaign development. Students from Bond University and University of Queensland contributed to research activities, insight generation and content development as part of their placements, gaining hands-on experience in applied prevention and health promotion while bringing contemporary youth perspectives to the project. 

The initiative responds to broader national trends, with young Australians consuming around 35 per cent of meals outside the home, and approximately one-third of this intake coming from discretionary foods. By placing young people at the centre of the design process, the Healthy Snack Generator demonstrates the value of co-design in prevention and what can be achieved when health promotion is developed with communities, not just for them. 

Find out more by visiting the Healthy Snack Generator.

The Healthy Snack Generator was delivered by Health and Wellbeing Queensland in partnership with Office for Youth.