A report on food and nutrition at the Ashley Youth Detention Centre indicates some daily offerings lack nutritional value as they are deep-fried and high in sugar.
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The Custodial Inspector on Thursday released a report on an unannounced inspection on food and nutrition standards at the detention centre last year.
Richard Connock said for the most part, food provided was of a sufficient quality and met nutritional needs.
He said there had been a strong commitment to improve standards from an inspection report three years ago.
The report highlighted an issue with meal portion size, for instance, two chicken burgers provided over lunch in one sitting.
Nutrition Solutions Tasmania and the University of Tasmania recommended the option of salads to guard against excessive kilojoule consumption.
Residents at indicated to the inspector that dessert was provided three nights per week and a selection of cheese, dried fruits, fresh fruit, cakes, slices and biscuits was provided for supper each night.
They said they would like healthier options for supper.
Nutrition Solutions Tasmania said deep-fried food provided at lunch could be reduced by oven-baked or pan-fried options and fish should be served more than once a week.
It said there was a large amount of bread being consumed in the housing units.
A UTAS report's review of the AYDC canteen menu noted was high in sugar and lacked any form of nutrients considered to be good such as fruits or vegetables.
The report noted that the residents themselves disliked the canteen items as they were too sugary.
The Custodial Inspector's 2018 report on food and nutrition at Ashley revealed up to 70 per cent of offenders had gained weight while in detention.
This was attributed to increased use of icy poles, chocolate and extra snack foods being used as incentives and rewards.
Mr Connock back then wrote units with three or four residents could go through a 24 pack of icy poles in 24 hours or up to one litre of ice cream topping over the same amount of time.
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Political reporter for Australian Community Media, based in Hobart.
Political reporter for Australian Community Media, based in Hobart.
