Low Waste Snack Options For The Kiddos!

I noticed when I started reducing my waste one of the many hurdles that came up was snack foods. I was fortunate that my kiddos weren't used to lots of pre-packaged junk food, but it was still a challenge. So here are my top low waste snack options that we keep on hand.

1. Fruit

Fruit is natures individually packaged candy and kids love it. It's healthy, it travels well, and its usually lower calorie which makes it a perfect in-between meal snack. Kids get hungry all the time and at odd times while they are growing, but they still need healthy eating habits. Offering them foods that will still allow for an appetite at the next meal time is very important.

2. Nuts and Dried Berries

High calorie, nutritious, and travels straight from a bulk bin into a canister of your choosing. We let the kids pick the trail mix they want and then keep the canister in our vehicle, so we always have it in a pinch.

3. Candy

I know, I know it's not healthy. Candy has been sold in bulk bins forever and its super easy to treat your kiddos without the trash. At the mall? Skip the ice cream and head to the candy store.

4. Crackers and Cookies and Cakes, Oh My!

Yes, you can make crackers. Yes, you can make cookies. This is not an everyday solution, but if you know you will have a busy week and need grab and go options, it's relatively easy to make a large batch baked good on Sunday. I often go with a sweet bread (banana bread from whatever remains of last weeks bananas).

5. Pb & Js

You can make a whole loaf of bread into pb&js, cut them in halves, keep them in a sealed container; they will be good all week.

6. Energy Balls

There are a bazillion recipes for homemade energy balls, they are so versatile and can be tailored to any taste, dietary need, or size preferred for a snack.

7. Vegetables

If you have kiddos that will eat raw veg, that's the best. Cut up a variety of veggies in the fridge and provide a few dip options. (dressing, hummus, etc.) Otherwise, roasted veg is also a great option. I usually roast a sheet of my families favorite vegetables on Sunday, and then they can add them to lunches, eat them as a snack, or turn into another dinner ingredient later in the week.

8. Cheese

You can get a large block of cheese, slice it into desired cube sizes, and freeze whatever you won't finish this week.

9. Noodles

Super easy and great for a warm filler. This may not be ideal for everyone but my kid's love noodles. Boil an entire package of noodles for the week, add a few basic seasonings to taste, and whatever doesn't get eaten can be an ingredient for a dinner meal. It is also great for me because I can toss some veggies, nuts, and noodles together for myself any time and have a healthy, balanced meal throughout the week.

At least a couple of those options should spark some ideas for you. If none of that works for your family, then pick anything your family likes to eat and meal prep it ahead of time, even if its just a box of mac and cheese, having it in the fridge ready to go could save you from needing a lot of other pre-packaged unhealthy foods.