“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.