Snack Smart: The Best Packaged Snacks for Young Travelers on the Go
Traveling with our little ones is undoubtedly an enriching experience. Every trip comes with a heap of opportunities for new adventures as well as family bonding. However, there are certain challenges too that almost every parent comes across, such as maintaining a healthy diet on the go.
Well, snacks play an important role in keeping the kids’ energy levels up and can help make the journey more enjoyable for everyone. All that you need is a little planning and you can provide nutritious and delicious snacks that are easy to manage, even on long road trips or flights. In this guide today, we will explore some of the best-packaged snack options for the little travelers, ensuring they are fed, happy, and ready for adventure.
- Whole Grain Crackers and Cheese: A combination of whole grain crackers and cheese offers a satisfying mix of carbohydrates and protein, essential for maintaining energy levels during long trips. This snack option is filling and also provides a good amount of fiber and calcium. You can choose low-sodium cheese and whole grain crackers that are free from added sugars, to keep it healthier.
- Fruit and Veggie Pouches: These pouches are a great way to ensure your kids get their fruits and vegetables while traveling. They are spill-proof, which makes them especially handy in moving vehicles. The pouches often come in various combinations of fruits and vegetables. Sometimes they even include yogurt or grains, providing a well-rounded snack in terms of vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
- Dry Cereals and Granola Bars: Choose low-sugar, high-fiber cereals or granola bars to avoid quick sugar highs and subsequent crashes. These snacks are easy to handle, which makes them perfect for small hands. They provide a good source of energy through complex carbohydrates and are often fortified with vitamins and minerals, which make them an excellent snack choice during travel.
- Popcorn: Air-popped popcorn is low in calories yet high in fiber. This is what makes it a healthy snack option. It is also entertaining for kids to eat and can be flavored with a little sprinkle of cheese or cinnamon for an extra tasty treat. However, you just have to be sure about avoiding high butter and salt content to keep it healthy.
- Nut Butter Packs: Single-serve nut butter packs are a great travel snack. They are portable, do not need any preparation, and provide a good source of healthy fats as well as protein. You can simply spread them on fruit, or crackers, or enjoy them straight from the pack. This will surely keep hunger at bay during long stretches on the road.
- Dried Fruit and Nut Mixes: A trail mix with dried fruits and nuts is perfect for a quick snack that delivers a mix of textures and flavors to keep things interesting. They offer a good balance of protein, fats, and carbohydrates, providing sustained energy. Make sure to choose a mix without added sugars or chocolate to maximize health benefits.
- Yogurt Tubes: Freezing yogurt tubes before hitting the road can provide a cool, mess-free snack later in the day. They are a good source of calcium and probiotics, which are beneficial for the digestive health of kids. You can choose low-sugar varieties to make this a healthy snack option.
- Rice Cakes or Puffed Rice Snacks: These are ideal for kids who are fond of eating something crunchy. These are low in calories and can be found in whole grain varieties. Rice cakes are versatile and can be topped with a variety of spreads or enjoyed plain.
- Vegetable Chips or Strips: Vegetable chips or strips are a fantastic way to incorporate vegetables into your child’s snack time in a fun and crunchy way. You can go for varieties that are baked and use real vegetables with minimal processing to ensure they retain more of their nutritional value.
- Hydration Options: Keeping kids hydrated is crucial, especially during travel. Along with water, consider packing coconut water or small juice boxes that are 100% juice with no added sugars. These options provide hydration with a nutritional boost, without the added sugars found in typical sodas or sports drinks.
Useful Tips for Traveling with Snacks
- Pre-portion Snacks: Before you set off, divide snacks into small, manageable portions. You can use reusable containers or zip-lock bags. This helps in controlling portion sizes and also makes it easier to distribute snacks among children without any fuss.
- Keep a Clean Space: Snacking can quickly turn your car or plane seat into a mess. So, you can pack extra napkins, wet wipes, and a small trash bag to keep the area clean. Consider a travel tray or organizer for each child to minimize spills.
- Balance Variety and Preferences: While it is great to have various types of snacks, it is also important to bring along some tried and true favorites. This ensures that there is always something they will definitely want to eat. This will further reduce the chances of hunger-driven tantrums.
- Consider Dietary Restrictions: You must consider any food allergies or dietary restrictions that your kids have while packing snacks. Gluten-free, nut-free, and dairy-free options are easily available and should be included if necessary.
Bottom line!
Packing the right snacks when traveling with kids is important and will also help in making the trip stress-free. Remember, the goal is to keep the little ones satisfied and energized for the journey ahead without compromising on their nutritional needs. With these tips and a selection of the best-packaged snacks, you are all set for a successful adventure with your young explorers.