A nutritious lunch helps our kids perform better in school and boosts their immune systems. But it’s not a simple task to find lunch box foods that are healthy, easy to eat—and won’t end up half-eaten in the cafeteria trash can.
Mollie, one of WFM’s grocery buyers and mother of school-age children, put together a selection of back-to-school snacks we think your kids will love. Plus, they’re naturally nutritious and made with real ingredients. Look for our Back-to-School display in the grocery section!
Organic applesauce pouches
We love the fact that these squeezable applesauce packets are re-closeable, so if your child doesn’t finish it at lunch, they can enjoy the rest as an after-school snack! Here’s a great video about how they grow, package, and process their products: GoGo squeeZ: From Seed to Pouch – YouTube.
Snack Bars
These bars are made with real fruit and whole grains. Plus, they’re plant-based, gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, and Non-GMO Project Certified.
Organic juice boxes
R.W. Knudson has been making organic juices since 1985. long before organic was “in.” You also won’t find any artificial flavors or preservatives in their juices.
Snack mixes
Hands off, parents! The only downside of these snack mixes is they’re as irrestistible to adults as kids.
Granola bars
These yummy bars are made with 5 super grains: oats, millets, buckwheat, amaranth, and quinoa. They’re also gluten-free, Non-GMO Project Certified, and you’ll recognize all of the ingredients.
Meat sticks
It’s hard to find lunch-box friendly snacks that are also high in protein. That’s why we love these easy-to-easy, delicious meat sticks (made with turkey, beef, and/or pork); they serve up between 6 and 9 grams of protein.
Fruit bars
These fruit bars are called “That’s it” for a reason. They’re made with fruit. That’s it. No added sugar. They’re plant-based, gluten-free, non-GMO, and allergen free. Plus, they contain two whole servings of fruit.