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Meal prepping might be all the rage, but sometimes, you need to get lunch together in a jiffy. Maybe you spent your entire weekend at your kid’s soccer tournament or took a much-needed mini-getaway instead of tending to those pesky survival needs.
You still need to eat, and you don’t want to binge on empty calories and processed junk. If you’re looking for healthy packaged snacks, here are nine wholesome options that won’t make it harder to button your pants.
What’s so great about sprouting wheat? Plenty, if you care about your nutritional intake. It captures the germination process, which breaks down some of the starch and phytic acid that inhibit the absorption of certain vitamins and minerals.
Unique pretzels are among the tastiest on the planet for one, well, unique reason: the split. The perfectly baked crunchiness results in a texture you won’t find in any old sourdough.
Are you trying to get more protein in your diet? You can’t go wrong with Epic Sesame Ginger Chicken Bites, which offer seven grams in each 110-calorie serving.
You’ll love the ingredients — they’re all whole food, no mystery meats or “artificial” anything. You will find delicious anti-inflammatory spices like black and red pepper and ginger, along with sesame seeds and, of course, the bird.
Why is it worth it to pay a few cents more for organics? You know that the food you’re providing your family comes as free from harmful pesticides as possible, grown by farmers who take care to avoid soil — and the resulting nutrient — degradation.
These dippers come with an attached ranch cup, making it easier for you to get your little ones to eat their veggies. Carrots are rich in beta carotene, the precursor of vitamin A, an essential nutrient for eye health.
Sweet Nothings prides itself on using nothing but whole, organic ingredients for its healthy packaged snacks. This variety contains good-for-you things like dates, apples, peanuts, oats, flaxseed and cinnamon.
This slightly sweet treat makes the ideal dessert to slip into your child’s lunchbox. You’ll feel good serving it and confident that they won’t trade it for something processed and full of additives — it’s way too delicious to share.
Most packaged crackers are a nightmare for your teeth and waistline. Why? They’re laden with white flour, the creation of which results in a chemical byproduct called alloxan. It’s so bad for you that scientists use it to induce diabetes in laboratory animals.
You can feel good about serving these Van’s Simply Delicious Lots of Everything Gluten-Free crackers, however. They’re baked with oats, millet, brown rice, quinoa and amaranth — lots of ancient grain goodness without the troublesome wheat protein.
Many brands of popcorn snack packs leave a bit to be desired in the health department. They’re laden with all kinds of additives. Many brands also use palm oil, the cultivation of which decimates orangutan habitats.
Are you on a quest to get more protein in your diet but have a hankering for sweets? Why not opt for a healthy packaged snack that offers the best of both worlds?
Quest protein cookies deliver 15 grams of the muscle-building stuff in each serving. They come in various flavors — but who can say no to chocolate chips?
Jerky might be the ultimate healthy packaged snack for the paleo and keto set. It’s packed with filling protein, and many varieties have few if any net carbohydrates.
When you opt for Chef’s Cut, you get steakhouse-quality meat in every bite. If you’re not into eating beef to cut your carbon footprint, you can find chicken and turkey versions as well.
Nuts and seeds are among the best healthy packaged snacks to eat anytime, especially if you have the winter blues. Why? These foods are packed with minerals like magnesium, selenium and zinc. All three nutrients play vital roles in neurological health and improving mood.
You can feel good giving these snacks to nearly anyone on your lunchbox list. They’re gluten-free, vegan, soy-free, paleo-friendly and free of added sugars and sweeteners.
Please don’t fret if you missed meal prep day due to outside obligations. Fill your family’s lunch kettles with these healthy packaged snacks in a jiffy.
