Does your stomach sink when you hear the words, “I’m hungry”? It can be struggle trying to fight the munchies after the school bell rings. Don’t fret, though: There are healthy alternatives out there! These eight organic snacks have every taste bud covered. We even found a snack that won’t trigger gluten, dairy or nut allergies. Check them out – and tell us what you’d add to the list for your kids in the comments below.
Pirate’s Booty Aged White Cheddar Snacks
Arr, matey! Set sail on some after-school adventures, where the “X” marks the spot you’ll find some booty – Pirate’s Booty, that is. This yummy treasure is made with puffed rice and corn, aged white cheddar and baked, not fried – so it does a booty, er, body good. Costs range about $23 to $34 for packs ranging from 12 to 60.
Plum Kids Jammy Sammy Grape Jelly and Peanut Butter
Check out this cool take on after-school staple PB&J – the Jammy Sammy by Plum Kids. Perfect for on-the-go children, it’s made with 100 percent whole grains and real organic fruit – so it satisfies the munchies and mom’s conscience. Not a fan of grape jelly? It comes in strawberry/peanut butter or blueberry/oatmeal, too. A pack of five is about $5.
Horizon Organic Colby Cheese Sticks
Take a basic cheese stick and make it better – make it organic! This colby version by Horizon Organic is a taste tempter. Pair it with a whole grain cracker and you’ve fueled their tanks for another few hours. Available in many grocery stores – check yours! A six-pack runs around $5.
Stonyfield YoKids Squeezers – Blueberry & Lemonade
A refreshing new yogurt flavor comes from Stonyfield organics – blueberries and lemonade. Kids love to grab a yogurt on the go, and these squeezers are perfect. Great for after school – or toss one in the freezer and call it dessert, later in the evening. Either way, it’s a healthy choice. A pack of eight of 2-ounce squeezers is around $5.
Clif Kid Z Bar – Crispy Rice
No time for homemade rice crispy bars? No worries – Clif Kid to the rescue! This chocolate version will be sure to satisfy any sweet tooth in the house. What more could you ask for? It’s organic with 8 grams of whole grains and only 2.5 grams of fat. They could even have seconds. A box of six bars is about $10 (though bulk sizes on Amazon are a better bargain!).
Mary’s Gone Crackers Sticks & Twigs Pretzels
Food allergies in your house? Don’t worry: Mary’s Gone Crackers has you covered with her sea-salt Sticks & Twigs Pretzels. This crunchy treat is gluten-free, dairy-free, kosher and vegan – oh, and did I mention organic? Made from a blend of grains and sprinkled with sea salt, they’re a tasty treat. A 7.5-ounce bag is about $5.
Cascadian Farm Oatmeal Raisin Chewy Granola Bars
Did they ask for a cookie? Hand them this yummy oatmeal raisin granola bar by Cascadian Farm instead. The only way they’ll tell the difference is by the shape. This organic bar contains 3 grams of fiber and only 7 grams of sugar. You won’t feel guilty when they ask for another one. A box of eight is about $5.
Santa Cruz Organic Orange Mango Juice
No self-respecting after-school snack is complete without juice. Santa Cruz’s orange mango blend will please their preteen palates. It’s sunshine in a glass! One 8-ounce serving contains 100 percent of the recommended daily allowance for vitamin A – and only 130 calories. Expect to pay about $5 for a 32-ounce bottle.