Top 8 Healthy Snacks for Kids on the Go This Holiday Season

The holiday season is coming up, and with it, lots of traveling. Whether you’re flying across the country for Christmas, driving down the coast for Thanksgiving, or simply taking a trip to the mall for holiday shopping, any amount of travel may result in snacky children. Keep the ‘hanger’ at bay with filling and nutritious snacks for any type of travel. We’ve compiled a list of our top 8 favorite healthy snacks for kids on the go this holiday season. Which ones will you try?

1. Popcorn – Good & Gather Organic Olive Oil & Himalayan Salt Popcorn

We love popcorn because it’s high in fiber, keeping your child fuller longer. Plus, it’s easy to pack and snack! Good & Gather popcorn is from one of our favorite stores – Target! It’s organic, gluten free, and is made simply with olive oil, a healthy fat, and Himalayan pink salt, which is made up of minerals like magnesium, potassium, and calcium.

2. Celery with Peanut Butter – Once Again Organic Peanut Butter

Peanut butter is high in protein, which helps children grow strong! Plus, it fills your child up when they’re feeling snacky. Once Again is our brand pick because it’s organic and made from one single ingredient: peanuts. So, you can feel confident your child isn’t eating any unnecessary sugar. Add some celery for the perfect crunch, and you’ve got yourself a snack! Just pack in a small to-go sized container for the road. Try their almond butter and cashew butter, too!

3. Nuts

Nuts of all kinds are a great source of protein, fiber, vitamins, and healthy fats. They’re filling, so you won’t need to worry if your child will be hungry again soon. Try almonds, cashews, or pistachios for a good variety of nutrients. Pro tip: mix them with dried fruit or Greek yogurt for added flavor and texture.

4. Slice of Cheese – Tillamook Whole Milk Mozzarella Snacks

Cheese is high in protein, calcium, and healthy fats, which is perfect for a growing child. Plus, who doesn’t love mozzarella? Tillamook brand is made from simple ingredients, so you know your kiddo is only eating the best of the best. Find this brand almost anywhere, including Walmart, Publix, and Target. If your child is extra hungry, pair a slice of cheese with some crackers (see below!).

5. Crackers – Simple Mills Fine Gound Sea Salt Almond Flour Crackers

If you’re looking for healthy, clean ingredients, this cracker is it. It also gets brownie points for being gluten free! Packed with nutrients from ingredients like nut and seed flour, with the perfect hint of sea salt and rosemary, this is sure to become a family favorite. Or, if you’re looking for a Cheez-It or Goldfish alternative, try the Farmhouse Cheddar Almond Flour Crackers. Your kids will love them! You really can’t go wrong with any Simple Mills products.

6. Fruit Snacks – Solely Fruit Gummies

If your child is a fruit snack fiend, ditch the Welch’s and go for the all-natural Solely Fruit Gummies. Made from solely fruit (get it?) and a little Vitamin C, these fruit snacks are as healthy as they get. That’s right - no added sugars or artificial colors. They’re prepacked, so just toss a few packs in your child’s carry on! Our favorite is the Mango and Guava, but you may just have to try them all! Find them at your local Target or on Amazon.

7. Carrots and Ranch – Primal Kitchen Ranch Dressing

Carrots are full of antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber, and they’re great for eyesight! Pair these crunchy sticks with ranch, and you’ve got yourself a picnic! Primal Kitchen ranch dressing is our top pick because of its list of clean ingredients. There’s no sugar added, plus it’s dairy and gluten free. Its main ingredient is avocado oil, so it has healthy fat, which is great for hair and skin!

8. Yogurt with berries – Maple Hill Plain Greek Yogurt or Cocojune

Yogurt with berries is a sweet combo, perfect for breakfast, lunch, or snack time. We choose Maple Hill Greek yogurt because it is packed with protein and made from simple ingredients, including organic grass-fed dairy. This is important because grass-fed dairy contains the perfect combination of vitamin D and vitamin K2, which work together to promote bone and heart health in growing children.

If your child is dairy free, check out Cocojune, an amazingly delicious yogurt made from coconut milk. They even have kid pouches mess-free travel. Top it off with some berries for some nutrients like fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants. 

The holiday season is filled with all kinds of treats, so let’s fill our travel time with healthy snacks to get our children the nutrients they need for happy holidays. Pop these snacks in small to-go containers, a small cooler, or lunch bag, and you’re good to go!