Introduction and aim. Eating a correctly balanced breakfast affects the growth and proper development of schoolchildren. The aim of this study was to assess the quality of schoolchildren’s breakfasts and second breakfasts, to point to the most common mistakes in composing these meals and to indicate some preferences regarding the assortment of goods available in the school shop. Material and methods. The survey was conducted in two purposively chosen elementary schools in Warsaw. 174 children, aged 10–13, participated. A survey questionnaire was employed, including questions pertaining to breakfast and second breakfast habits, as well as a record of the contents of breakfast and second breakfast on the day of the survey. Results and conclusion. The analysis of obtained data was performed with the help of the Excel software, using descriptive statistical methods. 75.9% of the students customarily ate breakfast, 66.4% of students ate second breakfast. The most common mistakes in the composition of those meals were: an insufficient frequency of eating vegetables, fruit and suitable beverages and the inclusion of confectionery and sweets in second breakfast. Additionally, the preferences regarding the school shop’s assortment of goods were found to be inexpedient in terms of health effects. In order to prevent the consequences of inappropriate dietary habits, it is essential to continually educate children and their parents, as well as the persons responsible for the school shops’ assortment of goods, on correct nutritional habits.

Key words: breakfast, second breakfast, schoolchildren.