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Make life easy
Now that we’re headed back into the school year, the kids are going to need lots of fuel to keep them learning throughout the day. You can take a healthier approach this year with some favorite store-bought snacks that straddle that fine line between healthy enough for parents to feel good about and delicious enough for kids to eat. Scroll through the arrows above for some fresh ideas.
Chia squeeze
Move over applesauce and make room for chia squeezes. Chia seeds are packed with protein, omega-3s and fiber, and with a great blackberry taste, kids won’t know that there is carrot juice hidden in the ingredients.
Toasted coconut chips
Rich in fiber and packed with vitamins and minerals, coconut makes a great snack, so you should keep plenty of toasted coconut chips on hand. Certified organic, with no artificial colors or flavors, they make a great snack for kids and parents alike. Share the cinnamon and vanilla flavors with your kids, but keep the Italian espresso chips for yourself.
Jerky sticks
Next time you’re shopping online for school supplies, add Vermont Smoke and Cure Jerky Sticks to your list. Free of antibiotics, added hormones, nuts, dairy and gluten, this is a salami snack stick you can feel good about giving to your kids and one they’ll love to eat.
Peanut butter squeeze packs
Packed with protein and totally portable, Justin’s Peanut Butter squeeze packs are the perfect way to get your PB on the go, minus the sandwich. If your kid can’t have peanuts (or bring them to school), try the almond and cashew butter options instead.
Veggie chips
When you’re looking for an alternative to chips, try these veggie crisps from Off the Eaten Path. They are packed with rice, peas and black beans to help your little ones have enough energy to get through their activities.
Healthy cookies
Most kids love chocolate chip cookies, but if you are looking for healthier alternatives, try Simple Mills cookies. They are packed with almond flour for added protein, coconut sugar for low-glycemic sweetness, and tiger nuts, a prebiotic root vegetable that tastes like almonds.
Oaty bites
Somewhere between a cookie and a mini cake, Costco’s Aussie Bites are made with whole rolled oats, flax and sunflower seeds, quinoa and chia seeds. They are the perfect treat for those avoiding gluten in their diet but who still want something neat and sweet.
Baked fruit chips
Sometimes the best treat is the simplest treat. Bare Store treats are known for their baked fruit chips, which are naturally sweet and contain, well … just the fruit! Choose your favorite variety — we like apple or banana.
Cheese snacks that are fun
An oldie but a goody, part of the fun of Babybel cheese is peeling off the wax coating. They are also a great source of calcium and protein and have no artificial growth hormones or colors. Plus, they are easy to find at almost any store.
Bars with hidden veggies
The name says it all: Made Good Granola Bars are an allergy-friendly and school-safe snack. What the name doesn’t tell you is that there is a full serving of vegetables tucked away in one little snack!
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Editor’s note: This article was originally published in September 2019, and updated in August 2022.
