Summer is upon us! And many of us will be hoping to hit up the beach, swim at the pool, or play with friends at a playground. To provide the fuel for such adventures, all moms know we need snacks! Here are a few of my favorite grab-and-go snacks, all of which are made with real food ingredients. I like to keep my pantry well-stocked with these for those busy moments when I’m running out the door and realize I don’t have time to pack snacks!
When thinking of snacks (or as I like to refer to them, mini meals), I like to include protein, healthy fats and fiber to help keep our kids mood steady and keep them feeling full for several hours. No one wants to hear “Mom, I’m hungry” for the hundredth time in a row, and having a balanced blood sugar can prevent regular meltdowns too! Here are a few gluten free and some dairy free options, all of which are available on Amazon.
FAVORITE PROTEIN BARS
These bars are my personal favorite. I love that they have 11 grams of protein, and made with minimal ingredients. They also have 0 grams of added sugar which is always a win in my book. They are only available online, but definitely worth purchasing!
Skout bars have 10 grams of plant based protein, made with minimal ingredients, organic, and have 0 grams of added sugar. They are also only available online, but a little advanced planning pays off.
My girls like the Coconut Chocolate Almond flavor the best. They are high in protein and are organic, and though they do have a few grams of added sugar (and, in comparison to the other 2 bars I’ve mentioned, have more processed ingredients) I consider them to be “clean enough” for regular snacking. And, you can buy them at the store, which makes life easy!
FAVORITE COOLER PROTEIN SNACKS
When it comes to dairy, I like to buy organic and grass fed when possible. Horizon is a great option for this reason.
I prefer the plain cups, then it’s easy to change things up by adding fresh fruit.
These are my new favorite coconut based yogurt. They are so creamy and delicious, and made with just a few ingredients. I like to buy the plain option and then top with fresh fruit and low sugar granola for some added crunch.
FAVORITE BAGGED SNACKS
These are perfect if you want something with crunch – and they are only made with apples and cinnamon, depending on the flavor you get.
I love that this popcorn is made with just coconut oil and salt. No seed oils and delicious!
3. Seaweed Snacks (made with salt and avocado oil or olive oil)
Every time my girls bring seaweed snacks to school they report back that all their friends were begging for them. It’s definitely a popular “cool” snack item among their friends!
FRESH FRUITS AND VEGGIES
- Mini carrots, mini peppers, and mini cucumbers
- Apples, clementines, and bananas
For a more extensive list, check out my Snack Guide here! It has over 30 gluten-free snacks that taste delicious and are made with simple, whole food ingredients.
For a simple, make-ahead snack, check out our delicious Sweet Potato Chocolate Chip Muffins: this tasty low-sugar option is sweetened with bananas and sweet potatoes, as well as a few dark chocolate chips for good measure. Here are a couple of easy DIY popsicles for a refreshing and healthy summer treat, too.
Happy snacking and happy summer!
