Scottish kids aren’t getting their five a day, a new survey has revealed.

And parents across the country have major gaps in understanding about what makes a healthy diet and lifestyle, with almost three in ten reckoning their children don’t get enough variety in what they eat.

According to research by diary co-operative Arla, half of Scottish parents admit their kids aren’t getting their five a day, while a whopping 29 per cent say they don’t get enough variety in their diet on a day-to-day basis.

And over a quarter surveyed (28 per cent) don’t think their children are active enough, with a further 14 per cent admitting their kids don’t get enough dairy. 

Only 39 per cent of Scottish parents are aware milk is a good source of protein for their kids, with just 31 per cent knowing it provides valuable Vitamin B12.

And a startling 82 per cent have no idea how much calcium their kids need every day, with just 14 per cent aware milk is a key source of potassium for their children.

“There’s a lot of information out there and it can be hard for parents to know what they can trust, but I share the belief if we start to educate kids while they’re young, we’re helping to set them up to make the best possible choices as they grow up,” said nutrition guru Rhiannon Lambert.

To help tackle the issues around nutrition education, one Arla farmer, Jonny Burridge and his cow Jelly, are on a mission to help parents and children understand more, alongside registered nutritionist Lambert.

Launching their first book last year to share sustainable farm experiences with families, their second book - Jonny and Jelly Go from Strength to Strength - focuses on nutrition and educating the whole family on a well-balanced diet.

And Burridge said: “What an honour for Jelly and me to be involved in a second book, this time to help children and their families understand nutrition.

"Jelly is of course the star of the show and has helped to immerse kids in farming and the wonderful outdoors throughout her life.

"She’s actually met over 50,000 children in her lifetime, and made numerous visits to local schools, shows and events. I personally think of milk as one of nature’s nectars but, of course, I am biased. 

"But I do know that dairy can play a really important role in a healthy and balanced diet and I really hope this book helps more children to learn about it.”

Arla's Danny Micklethwaite added: " Of the parents we surveyed, one in ten (11 per cent) said they didn’t know where to find information about children’s optimum nutrition, and they don’t trust any particular sources to educate them. This is something we feel we have a responsibility to help change. We are owned by over 2,300 farmers - all as passionate as Jonny about helping kids gain a good understanding of how their food gets in front of them and what it contains to help them fuel their bodies.”

To find out more, or download the book, visit www.arlafoods.co.uk/forward-thinking-dairy/jonny-and-jelly-go-from-strength-to-strength/. Or listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7HN1EIOxbGZqQGFVFX7aQm