Of course as parents we all wish we could provide fresh and healthy snacks and meals for our kids at all times. However, it’s not always feasible.
Sometimes you may need to reach for packaged snacks. But you’re trying to keep your kids healthy. So which ones are the best?
Here are some of our favorite packaged healthy snack ideas:
1. Applesauce or Fruit Cups
One packaged snack that’s simple and healthy enough is applesauce or fruit cups. Squeezable applesauce pouches make for an ultra portable snack that doesn’t require any utensils.
If you have the ability to bring along utensils and risk a bit more of a mess, go for applesauce cups or fruit cups. Choose organic if possible.
2. Dried Fruit
Dried fruit boosts fiber intake and supplies the body with plenty of antioxidants and nutrients found in fresh fruit.
Try sending individual snack packages of dried fruits with your kids. Just be sure not to overdo it with dried fruits, as they can be high in sugar as well.
3. Natural Jerky
Just 1 oz of beef jerky provides over 9 grams of protein. That’s plenty of protein to keep your busy kids going between meals.
Stock up on natural beef jerky for your kids to munch on when they’re away from home.
4. Healthy Snack Bars
Snack bars are usually packed full of vitamins and nutrients, plus plenty of protein. And, there are lots of options depending on what your kids like.
Some healthy snack bar options to consider include:
5. Kale Chips
Kale chips are a low calorie, nutrient dense snack food that kids can learn to love. They may be standoffish about them at first, because they are green.
Encourage your kids to try them, and assure them they do not taste like a vegetable!
6. Element Snacks
With only 80 calories each and 5 grams of sugar, Element Snack cakes are a great choice for a healthy lunchbox treat.
These unique rice cakes are more dense than traditional rice cakes, making them crunchier and smaller for the lunchbox and with a much bigger “crunch”. They are all natural, gluten free, non gmo, and vegan!
7. Healthy Crackers
There are plenty of options on the market for healthy snack crackers. For traditional crackers, try Annie’s cheddar bunnies or bunny grahams. They’re a kid favorite.
Mary’s gone crackers is a good gluten free and vegan options. There is even such a thing as sweet potato crackers.
8. Individual Peanut Butter Packets
To go along with crackers, why not send individual peanut butter packets? Justin’s makes a natural peanut butter version.
Just make sure it’s okay to send peanut products to your child’s school. Some schools forbid it.
9. Seaweed Snacks
Seaweed snacks is another snack that you wouldn’t expect kids to like. However, most kids I know love them once they get over that they are green.
Plus, seaweed snacks are packed full of nutrition and low in calories just like kale chips.
10. Roasted Chickpeas
Roasted chickpeas (also known as garbanzo beans) are a good source of iron, phosphate, calcium, magnesium, manganese, zinc and vitamin K.
What’s not to love about that?
11. Coconut Strips
Want a snack that’s sweet and savory at the same time? Dried coconut strips are the answer.
These have a delightful crunch that makes them especially popular with kids. Plus they are full of healthy fats and nutrients.
12. Pre-Popped Popcorn
We often take popcorn for granted, but it should not be ignored. This low calorie snack is healthy and delicious. What kid doesn’t love popcorn?
Try to buy organic pre-packaged popcorn if at all possible.
13. Nuts
Again, you’ll have to check with your child’s school if it’s okay to send nut products to school. If you get the go ahead, stock up on natural nut mixes that your kids will love.
Nuts are full of protein, fats, and nutrients that growing kids need.
14. Fruit Leather
I learned how to make my own fruit leather. However, there are plenty of natural fruit leathers that make awesome portable snacks.
One of my favorite brands is Stretch Island fruit leather.
~
There are lots of great options for healthy packaged snacks that kids will love. What are some of your favorites? Let us know in the comments!
Vanessa integrates EMDR, sandtray, and attachment-focused approaches in her work and is completing credentials toward Registered Play Therapist and EMDRIA certification. With a background as a certified birth doula and a passion for making healing accessible, she writes and teaches on the intersection of trauma, neurodevelopment, and story-based therapy.
