Summertime for parents of young children means on-the-go time! But eating healthy isn’t always easy when you’re out and about. So whether you’ll be on a plane, in a car, in the rain, or very far, we’ve got the perfect healthy summer snacks for you.
Healthy snacks for toddlers and preschoolers
Healthy packaged snacks for kids
Going on vacation or an outing and need snacks that will last (and entertain) through a road trip or plane ride? These on-the-go snacks will satisfy both kids and parents, and also make great camp snacks for those low on time in the morning!
Bare fruit or veggie chips
These baked (not fried!) chips come in a variety flavors and are fat free, gluten free, and free of added sugars. The only ingredients are fruit or veggies (some flavors also contain seasoning like salt, pepper, and cinnamon) and they’re tasty, too.
Granola bars
This is a tricky one because some granola bars have as much sugar as a donut! But when done right, granola bars are a great source of protein and fiber. Pediatric dietitian and mom of four, Jill Castle, recommends the following guidelines when selecting granola bars:
- Sugar: <10 g per serving
- Calories: <180 calories per bar
- Fat: <5 g per serving
- Fiber: >3 g per serving
Her favorites that meet these criteria include the Clif Kid protein Z Bar: Peanut Butter and Chocolate, and the Kind Healthy Grains bar: Oats and Honey with Toasted Coconut. Visit nutrition website The Nourished Child for safe options for kids with food allergies.
Harvest Snaps
With peas, lentils, or beans as the first ingredient, and 0 saturated or trans fats, 0 sugars, 4 g fiber, and 5 g protein, these gluten-free, vegan chips repeatedly come out on top among food experts and parents when searching for the best healthy chips. Unlike other healthy alternatives to potato chips, these are noted for their satisfying crunchy texture and variety of flavors.
Happy snack-packing! When in doubt… just add broccoli to everything.
