Healthy Store-Bought Lunch Box Snacks
by Missy Chase Lapine
So often we’re running late in the morning and need to be able to grab a convenient packaged good to toss into our child’s lunchbox. Although there are a zillion packaged snacks to be found on grocery shelves, most of these are high in sugar, higher in fat, and lacking in the most important element: real, nutritional value. That's why I always keep a stock of healthy snacks on hand for just such early morning rushes. If I can’t find nutritionally solid packaged snacks, I spend a half hour per week pouring bulk snacks into little baggies and store these in a plastic bin in the pantry for quick access.
Without further ado, here are The Sneaky Chef’s favorite store-bought snack foods for lunch boxes – I chose these because they have more nutrients than traditional snacks, and many have more “staying” power to keep kids full longer at school – not to mention kid-appeal.
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Dark chocolate-covered raisins or almonds.
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Honey roasted cashews or almonds.
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Trail mix.
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Popcorn -- ideally home-made (or buy the almost naked kind in the bag).
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Whole grain Fig Newtons.
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Whole grain crackers with squeeze peanut butter or string cheese.
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Whole wheat pretzels.
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Organic yogurt tubes (freeze them).
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Mandarin oranges or peaches in plastic tub.
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Whole grain tortilla chips.
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Applesauce tubes (freeze them).
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Baby carrots with dressing.
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Banana, apple, or pear.
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