Making homemade snacks is almost always cheaper, healthier and better for the environment because there are no packets. We have great ideas and recipes here, but sometimes you just need a grab-and-go snack!
There are loads of packaged snacks in supermarkets, many of which are labelled ‘perfect for the lunch box’ or ‘good for kids’. But don’t be fooled by these marketing tactics as a lot of these products are packed with sugar, salt and saturated fat. But it’s not all bad news, there are healthy options available!
Here are our top 8 healthy lunch box snacks that you can store in the fridge or pantry, ready to throw in the lunch box.
1. Airpopped, low salt popcorn
Popcorn is a wholegrain providing kids with fibre for healthy tummies. Choose airpopped varieties that are lightly salted, as these will have less salt and fat in them compared to the flavoured ones. Swap chips out of the lunch box and replace with popcorn today!
2. Yoghurt tubs
Many Australian children are not getting enough calcium in their diet. Yoghurt is a good source of calcium which is important for strong bones and teeth and makes a perfect grab-and-go snack.
3. Canned fruit tubs
Packed with fibre, vitamins and minerals canned fruit can be a good option, especially when you don’t have fresh fruit available. Try to choose fruit in natural juice rather than in sugar syrup or jelly.
4. Long life milk poppers
Like yoghurt, plain milk poppers or calcium-fortified soy milk poppers are a good source of calcium which is important for strong bones and teeth. You can freeze them and they will help keep the lunch box cold and fresh.
5. Dried fruit packs
Dried fruit like sultanas, apple and apricots contain fibre and can be a sweet snack to occasionally include in the lunch box. However, too much dried fruit can lead to tooth decay so it’s important not to have it every day.
6. Roasted chickpeas or fava beans
Roasted chickpeas and fava beans contain fibre and protein for a filling snack. Look out for 5 stars on the pack to help you choose lightly salted varieties instead of flavoured ones which contain more salt.
7. Cheese and wholegrain crackers
Cheese provides calcium and the wholegrain crackers provide energy and fibre. Be careful to choose the sliced cheese and crackers not the cheese spread as these are ultra processed and too high in salt.
8. Fresh seasonal fruit and vegies
Don’t forget lots of fruit and vegies are the perfect grab-and-go snack that comes in their own packaging! Grab a banana, pear, mandarin, apple, baby cucumber or handful of cherry tomatoes. A great way to get your 2+5!
For more healthy snack ideas download our Free Snack Solution Guide.
