4 min read
Packing a school lunch can be quite the headache—not only do you have to set aside time to prep a whole meal, but you also do so with the knowledge that half of it is likely to wind up coming back home at the end of the day. Kids are some of the most finicky eaters, and although they may like something one day, they could wind up hating it the next—go figure. And the same goes for snacks.
Any parent or caregiver knows that having snacks handy no matter where you are is essential. You never know when the hanger will strike. To ensure your snacks actually do their jobs and satisfy your little ones, we tapped top nutritionists to find the healthiest and, of course, tastiest snacks that won’t end up in the garbage.
1. Horizon Organic Mozzarella String Cheese
Horizon Organic
String cheese is a classic childhood snack for many reasons. Among them, it’s a true snack superstar, says Lauren Manaker, M.S., R.D.N. “These organic cheese sticks offer 7 grams of protein, 15% of the Daily Value of calcium per serving, and just plain deliciousness in convenient, on-the-go packaging to fuel busy school days and after-school activities,” she says. Additionally, these cheese sticks are made with milk from cows not treated with antibiotics or growth hormones. Plus, they’re easy for smaller hands to open and grab!
2. OWYN Kidz
OWYN
Megan Meyer, Ph.D. in nutritional immunology, says that one of her go-to drinks to pack with her kids is aptly named OWYN Kidz. “I love sending nutrient-rich drinks in my kids’ lunchboxes,” she shares. The drink was developed in collaboration with a registered dietitian and contains 10 grams of dairy-free protein, 5 grams of fiber, and 22 essential vitamins and minerals. “My eldest is in a classroom that has food allergies, so I also love that it is top 9 allergen-friendly. Another bonus is that it contains 45% less sugar than the leading kids’ nutrition shake brand,” she says.
3. B.T.R. Rice Crispy Treats 
B.T.R. Nation
I have yet to meet a kid who doesn’t love a rice crispy treat. Whitney Stuart, M.S., R.D.N., loves this new-to-Sprouts version. She explains that it’s low in sugar, rich in fiber, and comes in a nostalgic format that kids recognize and get excited about. “It’s a treat with more staying power than the classic version; the sweet spot for a snack that won’t come home!”
4. Brainiac Fruit Snacks
BRAINIAC FOODS
“Fruit snacks are always a hit with kids, but most of them are made with high fructose corn syrup, artificial colors, and offer very little nutritional value,” Manaker explains. This brand approaches things a bit differently. “They’re fun, chewy, brain-shaped gummies that kids enjoy like any other fruit snack, but they’re made with brain-supporting nutrients like Omega-3s and choline built right in,” she says.
5. Triscuits & Cheese
TRISCUIT
Meyer sends Triscuits and cheddar in her children’s lunchboxes weekly. “I love that Triscuits are made from just three ingredients: whole grain wheat, sunflower oil, and sea salt,” she says. A handful of the crackers provides 2 grams of fiber, and when you throw cheese into the mix, you’ll get roughly 4 grams of protein too. “I add a few cubes of cheddar cheese and this snack is a hit every time!”
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6. Sunnie Snack Packs
SUNNIE
“If you loved dunking Dunkaroo cookies in frosting at 11 a.m., Sunnie Snack Packs are for you!” Stuart says. “Each pack is high in protein and fiber, helping kids stay full and focused without missing out on any fun,” she shares. “They bring back the fun and variety of the ‘90s while improving the nutrition they got wrong.”
7. Blue Diamond Almonds & Blueberries
Blue Diamond Almonds
Jessica Clancy-Strawn, M.A., R.D.N., recommends Blue Diamond’s take on trail mix. “A mix of almonds and dried blueberries creates a snack that’s sweet, tart, crunchy, and satisfying,” she says. “Nuts provide healthy fats, protein, and important minerals; dried fruit adds natural sweetness and antioxidants.” If you want to truly make it your own, you can also add dark chocolate chips and banana chips for added sweetness and potassium.
8. Milton’s Protein Crackers
Milton’s
“Crackers are a lunchbox favorite, and opting for a protein-added version makes them an even better choice,” Stuart says. These crackers are gluten-free, preservative-free, and deliver 10 grams of plant-based protein. Plus, they have no added sugar. “They make a great swap and have an irresistibly crunchy texture that kids love.”
9. Junkless Granola Bars
Junkless
Manaker always keeps these bars stocked in her home. “The granola bars are made with 100% whole grain oats and less sugar than leading kids’ granola bars, with no artificial flavors, no artificial colors, and no high-fructose corn syrup,” she says. Plus, they come in a variety of flavors that kids love, like Birthday Cake and Cookies & Cream.
10. Primal Snack Mates
New Primal
Stuart says that protein is the hardest thing to pack in a lunchbox—almost everything that’s shelf-stable and kid-friendly is carbs. “These mini meat sticks solve that with 7 grams of protein for as little as 45 calories,” Stuart says. “They’re nut-free, made from poultry raised without antibiotics, and they’re sized for little hands.”
11. Zespri SunGold Kiwi
Zespri
Manaker says these kiwis are a nutritious snack that provides over 10 vitamins and minerals to support daily nutrition. “Just one SunGold kiwifruit provides 100% of the daily value for vitamin C needs—about three times that of an orange,” she shares. “It’s also a good source of potassium, which contributes to normal muscle function.” Plus, the skin is edible!
Dining and Cooking