If you’re a parent, you know that wherever you go, snack food is a must with kids. A well-packed bag of snacks can turn a long wait, a hot afternoon, or a bumpy car ride into something a lot more manageable. It also gives you more control over what your kids eat, helps avoid unnecessary spending, and keeps everyone in good spirits. Here’s how to put together a summer snack bag that’s practical, tasty, and kid-approved.
In BLW Meals app, we have so many fun ideas for summer snack food activities. Check it out with a 14-day free trial for new users.
In the meantime, we put together some of our favorite tips to help you make your summer snacking as easy as possible.
1. Start with a Good Snack Food Bag
First, you’ll want something insulated or at least roomy enough to hold an ice pack. This helps keep things like cheese, yogurt, and fresh fruit cool. Look for a bag with different compartments to separate dry snacks from cold ones or drinks. A small cooler backpack or a soft lunch tote works well if you’re planning to be out for a few hours.
If you don’t want to have to take an additional bag with you, try using a packing cube as a snack organizer to add to your tote or backpack.
2. Pack Snack Food That Is a Mix of Nutrients
Try to include a variety of snack food that covers at least three of these groups:
- Protein: This helps kids feel full and keeps their energy steady. Think cheese sticks, hard-boiled eggs, hummus, or roasted chickpeas.
- Fruits and Veggies: Fresh produce is refreshing and hydrating. Good options include grapes, apple slices, carrot sticks, cucumber rounds, or cherry tomatoes.
- Whole Grains: These give kids long-lasting energy. You can add whole grain crackers, pretzels, granola bars, or a mini sandwich.
- Healthy Fats: These are great for growing bodies. Try a little trail mix with seeds or nuts, a nut butter packet (if allergies aren’t a concern), or a small guacamole cup.
Remember that kids make up their nutritional needs over several meals, so don’t stress too much if you aren’t able to include all the nutrients in one snack. You will always be able to serve a balanced meal later!
3. Bring Water (and Maybe a Little Extra)
Hot weather means kids need more fluids. Always pack reusable water bottles, ideally ones that keep drinks cool. You could also add some fruit-infused water for variety.
4. Prep and Portion Snack Food Ahead of Time
Cut fruits and vegetables into bite-sized pieces before you leave. Put snacks in reusable containers or zip-top bags so they’re easy to grab and mess-free. Bento-style boxes are a fun way to organize different snacks and can make even simple foods look more appealing.
A little trick: freeze a yogurt tube or a fruit pouch overnight. By the time your child eats it, it’ll be nicely chilled but not frozen solid.
5. Keep It Clean and Simple
Try to stick with snacks that are easy to hold and not too messy, especially if your kids will be eating in the car or outdoors. Mini muffins, fruit slices, or cheese sticks are great options. On the other hand, crumbly snacks can create more mess than they’re worth. Be sure to pack napkins, wipes, and a small bag for trash to make cleanup quick and easy.
6. Add a Little Fun
Summer is about enjoying the little things, so make snack time feel special. Use cookie cutters to shape sandwiches or melon slices. Throw in a small surprise like a sticker or a fun napkin. If your kids are old enough, involve them in choosing the snacks before you head out. They’re more likely to eat what they helped pick.
7. Think About Shelf Life
If you’ll be out all day or if there’s a chance you won’t eat the snacks right away, go for foods that hold up well. Dried fruit, apples, or sealed snack bars are easy to carry and won’t spoil in the heat.
8. Pack Something for Yourself Too
Parents need snacks just as much as kids. Bring along something that you enjoy. Maybe a handful of trail mix, some fruit, or a protein bar. Having a little something to keep your own energy up can make the day go a lot smoother.
Screenshot This Sample Snack Bag for a Summer Outing:
- A couple of our Blueberry Lemon Yogurt Muffins (download BLW Meals app for over 650 recipes!)
- A small container of watermelon
- Cheese stick
- Hard-boiled egg
- Sliced cucumber
- Frozen yogurt tube
- Reusable water bottle
- Napkins, wipes, and a small bag for trash
Packing a snack bag might seem like a small thing, but it really helps make summer outings less stressful and more enjoyable. With a bit of planning, you can keep your kids full, happy, and ready for whatever the day brings. Whether you’re off to the beach or just heading to the park, a good snack bag is one of the best tools you can have in your summer parent kit.
For more advice on everything from picky eating to meal plans, download BLW Meals app, available for Android and iOS!
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