No Added Sugar Pre-Packaged Healthy Snacks
Finding wholesome and convenient snacks for kids can sometimes be challenging. Whether it’s for school lunches, after-school munchies, or road trips, having prepackaged snacks on hand can make life easier for parents while ensuring that kids enjoy delicious and healthy treats. In this blog post, I’ve rounded up a list of 12 tasty and nutritious prepackaged snacks that kids will love, featuring brand name examples for each.
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How to Choose the Best Healthy Snacks for Kids
When it comes to choosing the best healthy snacks for kids, there are a few essential factors to consider to ensure their nutrition and well-being. Firstly, opt for snacks with little to no added sugar. Excessive sugar intake can lead to various health issues and energy crashes. Look for snacks that use natural sweetness from real fruits or vegetables. Secondly, avoid snacks with artificial ingredients, such as artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. These additives can have adverse effects on children’s health and behavior. Instead, go for snacks made with simple and wholesome ingredients. Reading the product labels can be helpful in identifying any hidden unhealthy components. By selecting snacks that prioritize no or low added sugar and natural ingredients, you can provide your kids with delicious and nutritious options that support their growth and overall health.
12 Healthy Snacks for Kids on the Go
1. Veggie Straws
Veggie straws are a delightful alternative to regular potato chips, offering a burst of colors and flavors. Brands like Sensible Portions provide veggie straws made from real vegetables, with minimal added salt and no artificial flavors. These crunchy delights are perfect for satisfying snack cravings.
2. Roasted Chickpeas
Roasted chickpeas, like Bienna brand, are a protein-packed snack that kids will enjoy munching on. Packed with fiber and essential nutrients, these chickpeas make a tasty and healthy alternative to traditional chips.
3. Fruit Strips and Snacks
For a naturally sweet treat, fruit strips and snacks are a hit among kids. Brands like Stretch Island and YOU LOVE FRUIT offer delicious fruit leather made from real fruit, without any added sugars or artificial ingredients. These chewy snacks are perfect for a quick energy boost.
4. Applesauce or Fruit Pouches
Applesauce and fruit pouches, such as Go Go Squeeze, are a convenient and mess-free way to enjoy fruit on the go. Made with real fruit and no added sugars, these pouches provide a naturally sweet and nutritious snack that kids will love.
5. Fruit Cups in 100% Fruit Juice
Fruit cups packed in 100% fruit juice offer a refreshing and hydrating snack option for kids. Look for brands that use no added sugars or artificial preservatives such as Dole to ensure your kids are getting the goodness of real fruit.
6. Cheese sticks
Cheese sticks are a protein-rich snack that kids adore. Opt for low-fat and natural cheese options for a healthy choice. These individually wrapped cheese sticks are perfect for on-the-go snacking or as part of a balanced lunch.
7. Pickles
For kids who enjoy tangy flavors, pickles make an excellent snack. Pickles are low in calories and provide a crunchy and flavorful experience. Look for brands that use minimal additives and preservatives for the healthiest option such as Oh Snap.
8. Raisins
Raisins are nature’s candy, offering a natural sweetness that kids enjoy. These chewy and nutritious treats are easy to carry and require no refrigeration, making them an ideal snack for outings and lunchboxes.
9. Apple Chips
Apple chips, like those offered by the brand Bare, make a fantastic healthy snack for kids due to their natural sweetness and crispy texture. Made from real, thinly sliced apples, they retain essential vitamins and minerals, providing a delicious alternative to sugary snacks. With no added sugars, preservatives, or artificial flavors, Bare apple chips offer a wholesome option that kids will love, making snack time both enjoyable and nourishing.
10. Green Pea Snacks
Green pea snacks are a crunchy and wholesome option that kids will love. Brands like Harvest Snaps offer baked green pea crisps that are rich in protein and fiber. These delicious snacks are perfect for satisfying hunger between meals.
11. Yogurt & Smoothie Pouches
These make an excellent and versatile snack choice for kids, offering essential nutrients like calcium, protein, and probiotics. When selecting yogurt and smoothie pouches, it’s important to watch out for added sugar content, which can undermine its health benefits. Brands like Siggi‘s, Outshine, or Noka provide low-sugar or no-added-sugar options, making it a wholesome and delicious choice to support kids’ well-being.
12. Fruit Bars
Packed with the natural goodness of real fruits, fruit bars provide essential vitamins, fiber, and energy in a convenient and delicious form. Look for ones with no added sugars or artificial ingredients such as That’s It, Skout, Cerebelly. These bars offer a wholesome option to keep kids fueled and satisfied throughout the day.
Convenient and Nourishing Snacks on the Go
Finding healthy snacks for kids on the go doesn’t have to be a challenge. With this list of 12 healthy and prepackaged snacks, you can keep your kids fueled and satisfied with delicious options that are easy to grab on busy days. From veggie straws to roasted chickpeas, fruit strips to applesauce pouches, and cheese sticks to green pea snacks, these nutritious choices are sure to please both kids and parents alike. So, stock up on these and provide your kids with wholesome and convenient snacks that support their growing bodies and adventurous spirits!
