THE race is on to determine Queensland’s best tuckshop delight, with colourful noodle salads and healthy spins on family favourites in the mix for the Queensland Association of School Tuckshops’ annual Recipe of the Year contest.
This annual event celebrates the creativity, dedication and passion of tuckshop teams across the state who are committed to serving healthy, affordable and delicious meals to Queensland students.
The competition, which is supported by Health and Wellbeing Queensland, is delivered by the Queensland Association of School Tuckshops (QAST) and attracts entrants from school tuckshops across Queensland, QAST Executive Officer, Keryn O’Neill said.
“We were thrilled to have received more entries than ever… in fact, entries were up 91 per cent from last year,” Keryn said.
“It shows just how passionate tuckshops are about creating meals that students love, and how strong the movement towards healthier menus has become across the state.”
“Tuckshops are at the heart of school communities. This year’s finalists prove that healthy food can be both exciting and affordable, while still being quick to prepare and popular with students.
“This shortlist showcases a diverse range of nutritious and student-approved dishes, from classic comfort foods to inventive creations,” Keryn said.
2025 finalists:
- Mac & Cheese – Logan Reserve State School (Logan)
- Taco Roll – Coombabah State School (Gold Coast)
- Colour Changing Edible Vermicelli Noodle Salad – St John’s Catholic School, Walkerston (Mackay)
- Easy Soy & Garlic Teriyaki Chicken Bowl – Oonoonba State School (Townsville)
- Healthy Two-Minute Noodles – Oonoonba State School (Townsville)
- Mary Anne’s Fried Rice – Hatton Vale State School (Lockyer Valley)
- Baked Potato with Savoury Mince – Yeronga State School (Brisbane)
Health and Wellbeing Queensland Chief Executive, Dr Robyn Littlewood, said she was impressed with the quality of entries and the diversity of healthy options tuckshops continued to offer students across Queensland.
“Queensland tuckshops play such an important role in shaping children’s eating habits. By making healthy food delicious, fun and affordable, these tuckshops are helping set students up for lifelong health and wellbeing,” Dr Littlewood said.
“The record number of entries this year shows how committed tuckshops are to being part of the solution. These finalists demonstrate that healthy food really can be the popular choice.”
The winner of the 2025 Recipe of the Year competition will be announced on Thursday, 11 September.
