7 Healthy Organic Snack Ideas for Kids that They Will Love
We all want the best for our kids, and that includes what they eat. When it comes to healthy, organic snacks, of course, there are the obvious fruits and veggies.
But what do you choose when you want to stash something in a backpack, or you need a quick snack on the go? No parent wants to bring perishable food on a road trip, because we all know how that ends—strawberry pieces and mushy banana chunks end up between the seats.
A few weeks later when your car smells like mold, you finally realize it may be time to find organic snacks that don’t turn your car into a biohazard.
Below is a list of my favorite healthy, organic snacks for kids. Most of these are low in added sugar, non-GMO, and many are gluten-free, dairy-free, or nut-free.
Here are my 7 favorite healthy organic snacks to stick in a reusable snack bag for my children:
Organic, Non-GMO Cracker Snacks: A Fun and Healthy Choice
Annie’s Homegrown offers several different snack options, and they are all organic and non-GMO. They also have a good selection of gluten-free, healthy organic snacks.
Some of our favorites are the Cheddar Bunnies, Bunny Grahams, and Bunny Fruit Snacks. Annie’s Homegrown snacks also have 0 trans fat and 0 added sugar!
Its goal as a company is to create clean and natural versions of the snacks we all know and love (Goldfish, Oreos, etc.).
If you have some picky eaters at home, Annie’s also offers mac and cheese that is similar to Kraft, but with more organic ingredients .
Choosing Vegan and Nut-Free Snacks: The Popularity of Chickpea Puffs
One organic snack for kids that I underestimated is Hippeas chickpea white cheddar puffs. They are organic, non-GMO, vegan, and free from nuts, gluten, and soy. I was reluctant to try them because I’m wary of vegan cheese, but they were a hit with the whole family!
They also make them in nacho, barbecue, and sriracha flavors. Chickpeas are loaded with nutrients like fiber, magnesium, potassium, and protein. They also have zero trans fat and zero cholesterol. Do you even need another reason to buy these?
Well, here’s one: they support Farm Africa, a charity that helps farmers in eastern Africa prepare for inclement weather, which can completely ruin the food supply and economy of this area.
Making the decision to rebuy Hippeas Chickpeas was one of the easiest decisions I have ever made. Next time you are at the grocery store, give these organic snacks a try!
One of my favorite parts about packing organic snacks for my kids is the variety of choices. For example, dried seaweed snacks have been gaining popularity. These little packs are full of nutrients, have a satisfying crunch, and come in various flavors. It's a simple and convenient option for when you need to grab something quickly and head out the door. Plus, kids seem to love their unique, salty flavor.
Gluten-Free and Vegan Trail Mix: A Classic, Kid-friendly Snack Reimagined
I know how hard it can be to find a snack that your children are allowed to eat in school, with so many students having severe nut allergies. Don’t miss out on the classic trail mix we all know and love because of an allergy—try Enjoy Life!
Everything they make is gluten-free, vegan, non-GMO, and free from 14 allergens. Oh, and did I mention it's nut-free? They have a huge variety of products and they are all delicious, but you need to know about the Seed & Fruit Mix.
It’s a tasty trail mix, but it’s nut-free, which makes it a school-safe snack. So if trail mix doesn’t have nuts, then what’s in it?
Enjoy Life’s Seed & Fruit is a mix of dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and dairy-free chocolate chips. A handful of this mix in a reusable zipper bag will keep my kids busy and satisfied.
Enjoy life also offers nut-free fruit and oat breakfast snacks that are perfect for a quick organic snack before school. This company is great for finding tasty snacks without worrying about allergies.
Finding Non-GMO and Gluten-Free Options: The Appeal of Healthy Granola Bars
My absolute favorite granola bar to give my son is the chocolate chip bar by MadeGood.
Did I mention this one is ALSO nut-free? All MadeGood products are gluten-free, vegan, organic snacks that are also free from the top 8 allergens, and non-GMO.
They make a variety of organic snacks, from granola bites to cookies, and they are guaranteed to satisfy your (or your child’s) sugar cravings. MadeGood snacks also all include one serving of vegetables!
“So, what you’re saying is that this granola bar will cure my sweet tooth but it also has veggies in it?” Exactly! MadeGood is also a certified Zero Waste business, for all you eco-friendly and sustainable parents.
Adding Protein and Lowering Sugar: The Benefits of Organic Yogurt
My kid is yogurt-crazed, so I like to have single servings on hand for outings. The problem is, most of the yogurt geared toward kids is loaded with sugar.
Siggi’s makes yogurt with fewer ingredients and less sugar. Because of the process they use, this option has more protein than most other yogurt brands.
This is the perfect snack for before practices or after school to keep your kids satisfied until dinner without the sugar crash.
The best way I have found to keep the yogurt cool while in the car or for school lunches is with the Planet Wise Lunch Bag. Not only do they have amazing insulation that keeps cold food cold, but the bags are also eco-friendly!
Plant-Based and Crunchy: Veggie Crisp Snacks for Kids
Sometimes your child wants something crunchy, but you might feel guilty letting them dig into a bag of chips.
Our favorite salty snack is Off the Eaten Path veggie crisps. They are gluten-free, non-GMO, and plant-based. These organic snacks have chickpeas (remember, we love those!) black beans, and peas.
Eaten Path’s products are also kosher! I feel better knowing there are a few more veggies in my chips (and no artificial colors and flavors).
I normally don’t even let my kids snack in the car because the clean-up is frustrating, but with these silicone snack cups, I feel confident there won’t be spillage, thanks to the flat bottom and mess-free tops. I love it and so do my snack-loving kids!
Organic Freeze-Dried Fruit: Sweet Treats that are Still Healthy
Do you have kiddos that love sweet treats? You’re right, what a silly question. Everyone deserves to indulge in candy now and again, but when your kids are hungry right before bedtime, it’s not really an option.
I know cutting up fruit can be messy and time-consuming when you are in a rush, so maybe it’s time to try out freeze-dried fruit.
While the drying process causes some nutrients to be lost, freeze-dried fruits are still high in vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and potassium. Organic snacks for your kids don’t have to be too complicated!
A Few Bonus Organic Snack Ideas
One great way to offer a healthy, high-protein snack to your kids is hummus. It's full of fiber and protein, and when paired with raw veggies or whole-grain crackers, it becomes a well-rounded, nutritious snack. Hummus comes in a variety of flavors, so your little ones can find their favorite. Pack it in a small container or buy pre-packaged single servings for convenience.
Whole grain popcorn is another fantastic organic snack option. It's low in calories, high in fiber, and can be made in large batches. Plus, you can customize it with different seasonings to keep things interesting. It's easy to pop some corn, sprinkle a little nutritional yeast or cinnamon on top, and you've got yourself a nutritious, organic snack that kids adore.
You don’t have to sacrifice tasty food for organic snacks. There are so many snack options now that fit the dual need for convenience and nutrition.
Whatever type of diet your child follows, nut-free, vegan, gluten-free, plant-based, etc., you can find snacks for them all!
