I always struggled with what to pack for lunch for the kids. With the new school year just starting, I’m excited that the California Public School system will offer free meals to all students. Do you know what that means? No more frantic mornings scrambling to make and pack a healthy lunch every day! It’s no secret that the cost of living is on the rise, so this definitely helps many parents out.
Now that I don’t have to worry about lunch, here are some great snack ideas to keep them nourished. These readily available snacks require minimal effort, here is my list of kid friendly and parent approved snacks.
Fruits
Fruits make a great snack because they’re usually naturally sweet and full of vitamins and minerals. You can carry them around with you easily to provide a pick me up when needed!
Also, because they’re portable and don’t have to be refrigerated before eating, they make a great addition to any lunch.
Apples
Apples are usually pretty inexpensive and last a long time in your fridge. Cut them into smaller pieces for younger children so that they can hold them easily or put the slices in their school bags with some napkins or cutlery. Apples go great with peanut butter for dipping (if it’s allowed at their schools), but you can also mix it up by mixing in yogurt, cinnamon and maple syrup or just plain Greek yogurt. Apple Sauce Packets are also great to throw in.
Grapes
Grapes are another delicious snack that can be carried around easily in a container and don’t take up too much room in lunch boxes.. You can also mix them up with other fruits like strawberries or pineapple chunks, or just eat them plain if your child prefers!
Bananas
Another fruit that you can carry around easily, bananas are very portable and great for children of all ages. If they’re in the stage where they still have teeth, use a plastic knife to cut them up into bite sized pieces (or even freeze them first!) Bananas also go great with almost anything so experiment with different yogurt toppings or add granola or other cereal.
Oranges
Oranges (we love clementines) are an easy snack to take with you. Throw in a whole orange, slice them up and pack them in containers, or cut them into smaller pieces so that your child can hold onto them without difficulty.
Vegetables
Veggies! – Of course we all want our kids to eat their veggies, but it doesn’t always happen at home. When I send my daughter’s off with their lunch boxes, I remind them not to forget about those. Vegetables are a great snack for kids. Not only are they healthy, but they’re also filling. Try slicing up bell peppers, tomatoes, broccoli or cucumbers, celery, kale chips or celery with almond butter as a dip for an afternoon delight that your kids will love!
Protein
There are many benefits to including protein in your kids snacks, but one of the most important is how it can help kids feel full longer! Here are a few snacks that are protein rich we love
Edamame
Pack some edamame in small containers or let them go wild and shell out on the playground. They’re high in protein, fiber, iron and zinc.
Cheese
If you’re looking for something to fill them up, cheese can be a good choice! If it fits into their diet, offer them some different options like cheddar or pepper jack. They
Nuts
Nuts are always a nutritious choice. They’re full of protein, fiber and essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin E, calcium, magnesium and iron. Plus they taste great! A handful of nuts can go a long way so consider getting the 100 calorie packs so you don’t over do it if your child is small or isn’t used to the idea of eating nuts. A handful of sunflower seeds or almonds will give your child the energy boost they need throughout the day. Remember to check beforehand if your child has any allergies to them however.
Yoghurt
Yoghurt is a great source of protein, calcium and vitamin B12. We love to have a variety of flavors in the fridge like blueberry vanilla or strawberry banana so that kids can use their imaginations when they’re making their own snacks!
Energy Bars
Finally, Energy bars are an easy and portable snack option. Try packing an energy bar with some sliced fruit like bananas or apples for a yummy after school snack solution (just make sure you cut it into smaller pieces first!) .
You can also use yogurt to make this easy corn dip with veggies, its best made the night before.
Prepackaged Snacks
Prepackaged snacks, like fruit bars, are a convenient snack for back-to-school. These snacks are generally made from whole food ingredients and contain a healthy balance of carbohydrates and fat. They are easy because they come in individually wrapped packets, so they can be packed the night before.
Fruit Snack & Rollups
Fruit snacks & rollups are a great alternative to fresh fruit especially if you’re stuck for time in the morning! They come in different flavors, and you can even find varieties that have no added sugar. Remember: check the nutrition label (even on organic products) as some brands may contain high fructose corn syrup. Be sure to pack these carefully so they don’t get squished or damaged before lunchtime!
Seaweed
Seaweed is a great snack alternative. It’s high in protein (40% – more than many meats) and iron as well as B vitamins, calcium, iodine and more.
Sweets
If you a child with a little sweet tooth, I recommend MadeGood brand products, their snacks are all allergy friendly and they sneak in a healthy amount of vegetables (I promise the kids won’t notice)
For many parents, packing a healthy lunch for their kids can be challenging. If you’re running short on time this back-to-school season or just want to make it easier for your child, we recommend trying some of these snacks that are both nutritious and easily available in stores near you like fruits, vegetables, prepacked fruit bars, seaweed strips, energy bars with added protein from natural sources (like nuts). Remember: when possible go organic! Your children will thank you later.
What about you? What kind of snacks do you send your kids to school with? How do you jump in with the whole back-to-school chaos going on? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below, or tag
