8 healthy packaged snacks to grab-and-go when time is low

Making homemade snacks is almost always cheaper, healthier and better for the environment because there are no packets to throw away.  We have great snack ideas and recipes, but sometimes you just need a grab-and-go snack!

There are loads of packaged snacks in supermarkets, many labelled ‘perfect for the lunch box’ or ‘good for kids’.  Don’t be fooled by these marketing tactics. Many of these products are packed with sugar, salt and saturated fat.  But it’s not all bad news, there are healthy options available! Here are our top 8 healthy snacks that you can store in the fridge or pantry, ready to pop in the lunch box or when you have to grab and go.

1. Airpopped low-salt popcorn

Popcorn is a wholegrain, providing fibre for a healthy digestive system. Choose air-popped varieties that are lightly salted, as these will have less salt and fat in them compared to the flavoured ones.  Swap chips with popcorn today!

2. Yoghurt tubs

Many of us need more calcium in our diet. Yoghurt is a good source of calcium, necessary for strong bones and teeth. It makes a perfect grab-and-go snack.

3. Canned fruit tubs

Packed with fibre, vitamins and minerals, canned fruit is a good snack, especially when you don’t have fresh fruit available. Choose fruit in natural juice rather than in sugar syrup or jelly.

4. Roasted chickpeas or fava beans

Roasted chickpeas and fava beans contain fibre and protein for a filling snack.  Avoid the chocolate-coated ones and look out for 5 stars on the pack.

5. Cheese and wholegrain crackers

Cheese provides calcium and wholegrain crackers provide energy and fibre. Choose the sliced cheese and crackers, not the cheese spread and crackers, as the cheese spread is high in salt.

6. Fresh seasonal fruit and vegies

Don’t forget lots of fruit and vegies are the perfect grab-and-go snack that comes in its own packaging! Grab a banana, pear, mandarin, apple, baby cucumber or handful of cherry tomatoes.  A great way to get your 2+5.

7. Dried fruit packs

Dried fruit like sultanas, apple and apricots contain fibre and can be a handy, sweet snack. However, dried fruit can lead to tooth decay so it’s important not to eat it every day.

8. Long-life milk poppers

Like yoghurt, plain milk poppers or calcium-fortified soy milk poppers are a good source of calcium which is important for strong bones and teeth.  You can freeze them, which will help keep the lunch box cold – just remember to give it a good shake before drinking.

For more healthy snack ideas download our free Snack Solution Guide.