Finding snacks that are both healthy and kid approved can be challenging. I gave a few ideas in my previous blog post here but want to give a few more ideas.

Things I look for in a packaged snack include low in added sugar, high in nutrients, easy to pack and go, and of course, something kids will like.

Here are a few tips when buying healthy store bought snacks for kids.

1. Look for snacks with minimal to no added sugar - On the nutrition facts label, under total sugar there is a now a row for added sugar. Try to aim for a snack with added sugar less than 6 grams per serving.

2. Ingredients are listed in descending order - Pay close attention to the first three ingredients on the list as those are contained in the highest amounts in the product. If it’s things like sugar, high fructose corn syrup, dextrose, I would probably pass over this product.

3. Pay attention to the sodium content - I get so focused on the sugar amounts that sometimes I forget to pay attention to sodium. Sodium AKA salt is lurking in many products marketed to kids and can be found in very high amounts. It’s ok to have some sodium, but try to look for unsalted or low sodium items, particularly when shopping for crackers and chips.

4. Try to purchase a whole grain or multi grain option when possible - These products will contain more fiber which will keep kids fuller longer.

5. On that note, look for products high in protein and fat - A snack that is high in protein and healthy fat is going to keep our kids full much longer. Better yet, a product that is high in fiber, protein, and fat!

6. Try to combine snacks if it is low in protein and fat - For example, your kiddie really wants multi grain crackers. Pick up individual yogurt pouches or nut butters that are high in protein and healthy fat to go along with the crackers. This is a winning combo sure to satisfy their tummies for a while.

7. Be mindful of serving size - Sometimes we assume a packaged snack is a single serving, but it’s still good to double check the nutrition facts label.

Don’t get hung up on finding the perfect packaged snack - there isn’t one. Do the best that you can to find healthy options for on the go snacks!

Here’s my list of store bought finds that are kid approved :)

20 Store Bought Snack Ideas

1. Trader Joe’s Organic Mini Cheese Crackers

2. Larabar Minis

3. Mavericks Kids Crackers

4. Trader Joe’s ABC Bars

5. Organic Applesauce Pouches (we buy these)

6. Siggi’s Kids Yogurt Pouches

7. RX Kids Protein Bars

8. Bear All Fruit Snack

9. Organic Mozzarella String Cheese

10. Any of the Made Good Products (they have granola bars, cookies, crackers)

11. Individual Nut Butter Packets

12. From The Ground Up chips, pretzels, crackers

13. gimME Organic Seaweed Snack

14. Applegate Naturals Snack Packs

15. Barbara’s Cheese Puffs

16. Little Chobani Probiotic Kids’ Yogurt Drinks

17. Laughing Cow and Go Cups

18. Sabra Kids Taco Dip and Chips

19. Gogo Squeez Plant Based Pudding Pouch

20. Enjoy Life Snacks (allergy friendly!)