11 Healthy Snacks To Pack In Your Kid's Backpack
11 Healthy Snacks to Pack in Your Kid's Backpack
"The snack should contain protein, fiber, and a little fat, which helps with satiety, such as a KIND nuts and spices bar, a Mini Babybel cheese, and piece of fruit, or hummus with raw veggies," says Gans. So next time you go to pack your lunch for your kids, remember to include a brain-boosting midday snack to help them adjust to the long school days ahead.
The Daily Meal has rounded up some of our favorite snack time options so you can add healthy nutrients to their diet — plus a little kid-friendly fun — all with the portability of a backpack in mind.
Apple Turtles
Let your kids play with their food. Part art project, part snack, these apple turtles will keep them entertained and full until dinner.
Banana ‘Sushi’
This is an easy-to-make sushi that, well, isn't sushi at all. This quick snack combines fresh bananas and peanut butter, neatly rolled in the topping of your choice to mimic a cute sushi roll that is a little easier for tiny hands to craft.
‘Cheesy’ Popcorn with Nutritional Yeast
It is delicious, satisfying, and made with real food, which is more than can be said for its microwaveable counterparts. The key to its irresistible flavor? Nutritional yeast. Though common in vegan cuisine, this ingredient is not something most of us use every day. It's a deactivated yeast that is yellow in color, and it imparts a nutty, cheesy flavor when used as a condiment. — Christie Ellis
Chia Cornbread Muffins
For the fall season, try these chia cornbread muffins. They can be used as snacks or a side dish. — Kimberly Daly
Cinnamon Spiced Nuts
Put away the chips and try something healthy for a change. This snack is super tasty and also happens to be gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan. — Amie Valpone
Gone Fishin’ Snack Mix
Kids will love the addition of gummy worms and Goldfish, and parents will love the fiber-rich oat cereal snuck into this simple-to-make trail mix.
Hungry Caterpillars
Made with grapes, cherry tomatoes, and a few chocolate chips, these hungry caterpillars are perfect for a fun, healthy snack time. Even the pickiest of eaters will enjoy them! — Bolthouse Farms
Rainbow Lunchbox Pancakes
Pancakes can be a fun and healthy alternative to sandwiches in the lunch box — and who among us can get our kids to eat cottage cheese and wheat germ at school? Now we can! — Missy Chase Lapin
Sneaky Chef Brainy Brownies
If you're looking for a way to give your favorite brownie recipe a healthy boost, look no further. The spinach, whole grains, and antioxidant-rich blueberries in these baked goods make them a healthier dessert. — Missy Chase Lapine
Turkey Pinwheels
You only need four ingredients and a few minutes of prep work to create this wholesome and satisfying snack. Best of all, it can be made up to one day in advance. — Tessemae's
Zesty Ranch Nut Mix
Mixed nuts are a super healthy snack since they're loaded with protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. Take them up a notch by flavoring them with zesty ranch flavor and dried herbs. — Tessemae's