Busy moms know the struggle of keeping up with their kids’ endless hunger, especially when it comes to finding snacks that are healthy, convenient, and budget-friendly. Fortunately, I’ve compiled some of the tastiest homemade grab-and-go snacks below so you can keep tummies full and happy all day long.
Granola
Granola is an incredibly nutritious snack that is also easy to make. Start with a base of oats, add in some nuts and seeds for extra crunch, and a dash of honey or maple syrup for sweetness. Raw honey is the tastiest and most nutritious binder, and you can consider buying raw honey in bulk to save money and always have it on hand.
Once you mix the ingredients, bake the granola until it’s golden brown, and voilà! You have a perfect snack that’s packed with energy. You and your family can enjoy granola on its own, mixed with yogurt, or as a topping for smoothie bowls.
Energy Bites
Energy bites are the epitome of convenience, offering a burst of energy in just one or two bites. Combine oats, peanut butter, flax seeds, raw honey, and any mix-ins your children love, such as chocolate chips or dried cranberries. Roll the mixture into balls, and you have a snack that’s both nutritious and indulgent enough to feel like a treat.
Dried Fruit
For those moments when you and your kids crave something sweet, dried fruit is a natural and nutritious way to satisfy the craving. Making dried fruit at home is straightforward and allows you to avoid the added sugars often found in store-bought versions. Plus, drying fruit is a great way to use fruit that would otherwise go bad. For instance, drying is one of the best ways to preserve apples.
To dry your fruit, slice it thinly, place it on a baking sheet, and put it in the oven at a low temperature until it’s dehydrated. Dried apples, bananas, and mangoes are always a hit and make for a chewy and satisfying treat.
Veggie Chips
Veggie chips are a fantastic way to introduce some extra vegetables into your kids’ diet. Slice vegetables like beets, sweet potatoes, or kale thinly, toss them with a little olive oil and your choice of seasonings, and bake until crispy. These chips are not only colorful but also packed with vitamins and far healthier than their store-bought counterparts.
Cheese Crackers
Homemade cheese crackers are a surefire way to win over any cheese-loving child. With just a few ingredients like flour, butter, and grated cheese, you can create savory crackers that beat any processed alternative. They’re perfect for lunchboxes or as an afterschool snack that will keep your kids full until dinner.
Making these homemade grab-and-go snacks isn’t expensive or time-consuming, and it leads to the tastiest, most nutritious pantry! With a little preparation, you can provide your children with healthy, delicious snacks that will keep them energized throughout the day.
Want more snack and school lunch ideas? Check out my Lunch Ideas ebook and email series here.