MUSCATINE, Iowa — A healthier way to snack has made its way into concession stands at Muscatine High School athletic events.

And the crowds are eating it up.

The tasty trend is brought to area fans compliments of a University of Iowa research project.

The MHS Muskie Booster Club is partnering with the University’s School of Public Health prevention research center by selling more nutritious snacks in school concession stands.

Project director Dr. Helena Laroche, associate of internal medicine and pediatrics at U of I, said the Boosters introduced the new foods during the 2008 basketball season and they were well received.

Baked pretzels with no-transfat cheese sauce have been a big seller, said Kate Anderson, chair of the Booster Club committee that helped coordinate the project.

Committee member Cindy Allen said people didn’t taste the difference when her group switched its regular cheese sauce, which is also used for nachos, with the healthier option.

The entire project, including the portion being conducted at the University of Iowa, is funded through a grant from WellMark Blue Cross and Blue Shield.

Committee member Julie Jindrich said the Boosters used some of the  grant to buy pretzel ovens, cheese sauce warmers, chicken grills and refrigeration units. The Boosters also received money to buy food and print posters to advertise the new campaign.

Laroche said the grant also funds the research arm of the project and the development of a how-to guide so the project can be used in other schools.

The Muskie Boosters did some research and marketing of its own before selling the snacks. Laroche said the committee surveyed 271 adults and 300 students about their food option preferences.

Jindrich said the committee also conducted a meeting with the MHS Student Council and asked for its feedback on the project.

Committee member Jo Ann Carlson said her group conducted taste testing at MHS so students could sample some of the new items.

The new expanded concession menu includes cheese sticks or granola bars for 50 cents, trail mix for $1.25 and baked pretzels for $1 or $1.25 with cheese sauce.

Regular offerings of pizza, pork sandwiches, candy and Pepsi are still available.

Area residents can purchase the concessions at the Muskies’ first home game which begins with the sophomore team at 5:45 p.m. Friday.

The Boosters will conduct a second survey of 271 parents and 300 students at  season’s end to see how people like the new menu. Laroche said the feedback is important to the U of I researchers.