Top 7 must-haves for back-to-school
It’s time to send the kiddies back to school! And although that means more time for yourself while the kids are at school all day, it also means things can get a bit hectic before school, after school, and in preparation for each new week. So, to help you out a bit with what to pack in lunches, what to serve the kids for an after-school snack, and more, we’re bringing you our list of the top 7 must-haves for back-to-school.
1. Out of the Woods Lunch Bag
First and foremost, you need something to pack those lunches in! If you’re planning on sending them with a brown paper bag each day, might we suggest a reusable bag, instead? Out of the Woods makes bags that are environmentally and ethically focused. They are made with Supernatural Paper, a strong, durable paper that is washable, non-flammable, replenishable, sustainable, and free from animal products (it’s vegan-friendly!). It’s really something you have to see and feel to understand how great it is; it’s hard to believe it’s paper because of how strong it is. These bags are not only eco-friendly in their materials, but also in the manufacturing process. They are super stylish, too! These bags would be great for all ages – from kids to high schoolers to college students and adults. Our favorite is the classic Paper Sac Lunch bag. This is a bag with a touch of nostalgia (like a brown paper bag) with a contemporary design. It’s simple, clean, and cool. The material is also easy to clean and is water resistant. Oh, and did I mention they make backpacks, too?!
See all Out of the Woods bags
2. Kate’s Real Food Bars
If wholesome ingredients are what you want to feed your kids, these bars should be on your list. Pack them in the kids’ lunch bags or backpacks for a mid-morning snack or for a snack before an after-school activity. These are made with organic, real food ingredients that are non-GMO and gluten-free. They are USDA Organic and are made in small batches for a homemade taste in every bite. They’re about as close to a homemade granola bar as you’re going to get (unless, of course, you’re Super Mom and you make your own granola bars). With flavors like Peanut Butter Milk Chocolate, Lemon Coconut, Mango Coconut, Dark Chocolate Cherry & Almond, and more, you can pack a different flavor every day of the week! Kate’s Real Food Bars are delicious, but if you have a picky eater on your hands and are worried about trying new products, you’ll be happy to know that these come with a Great Taste Guarantee. Based on how well these were received in our office (and some of our employees are picky eaters!) these will be a favorite snack for your kids, and a much more wholesome option compared to other bars on the market.
3. Lebby Chickpea Snacks
For those who like it sweet, these snacks are absolutely perfect to pack in lunches. They’re unique, delicious, and will certainly have other kids asking yours to share! If you’ve never tried chickpea snacks before, these are the ones to try. I’ve had other chickpea snacks in the past that have been so dry and chalky that I’ve almost choked trying to eat them. These snacks are absolutely not like that, and it’s because of how they are made. They are dry roasted without oil, salt, or additives – just fire-roasted, aired out, soaked, aired out again, heated again, cooled again, and flavored with chocolate, mocha, or sesame honey. The result is a chickpea snack with the perfect balance of crunchy exterior and tender interior. These are available in Dark Chocolate, Sesame Honey, Milk Chocolate, and Mocha, but I suggest getting the variety pack so you can give your kids (and yourself) the option to choose – because they ALL are delicious.
Check out Lebby Chickpea Snacks
4. ParmCrisps
For those who like it savory (or those who love cheese!), ParmCrisps are where it’s at. Parmesan cheese is baked into a versatile crisp that can be eaten as-is, crumbled onto salads, dipped into soup, and used in tons of recipes. These are great for packing in lunches for your kids or can be munched on after school before dinner. They contain 0 carbs, are Keto-friendly (not like most kids are on Keto diets, but you never know), are protein-packed, and naturally gluten-free. Plus, if your kids can’t have lactose, Parmesan cheese is a good choice for them to still be able to have cheese. It contains such a low amount of lactose that it’s generally fine for people with lactose intolerance (check with your doctor or a nutritionist if you’re unsure). ParmCrisps are a great alternative to carb-heavy crackers, and your kids are sure to love the many varieties they offer – like pizza, sour cream and onion, cheddar, and more.
Stock up on ParmCrisps
5. Flax4Life Snacking Granola
Most granola you see on the market is crunchy, but there’s something so delicious and unique about soft granola. Flax4Life’s Snacking Granola is soft and chewy, flavorful, and loaded with 2,350 mg of Omega 3, 5 grams of fiber, and 32 mg of lignans per serving. It’s healthier granola that you can feel good about serving to your kids in the morning with a yogurt parfait or in the afternoon as a snack right out of the bag. Available in Apple Cinnamon, Banana Coconut, Chunky Chocolate, Cranberry Orange, and Hawaiian. For fall, we recommend apple cinnamon, but you can’t go wrong with any of these flavors. Your kids will love them and you will, too.
6. Starlite Cuisine Taquitos
When the kids get home from school, just pop these gluten-free taquitos in the oven or microwave and soon you’ll have a hot, delicious snack that’s filling enough to hold the kids over until dinnertime. The great thing about these is they are vegan and plant-based, which means no bad-for-you processed meats for your kiddies. They’re also non-GMO, dairy-free, and free from trans fat and cholesterol. They do not contain added MSG, preservatives, or artificial additives. They come in beef-style, chicken-style, and black bean and chorizo-style. Our favorite is the black bean and chorizo-style, but all are delicious.
7. Gluten-Free Nation Cookies
If the kids were good at school and you want to offer them a treat for doing a good job or improving their behavior or grades, might I suggest cookies? Sure, it might be a bit of a bribe, but there’s no harm in food bribes, right? The snickerdoodle cookies from Gluten Free Nation are delightful and, for me, are nostalgic. I made snickerdoodle cupcakes with the grandkids back when they were little and I also loved snickerdoodle cookies when I was growing up. Gluten Free Nation makes many classic favorites, like muffins, pound cakes, breads, and cookies. Their products are made in a 100% dedicated gluten-free facility and they are certified gluten-free. If you want to help your kids feel full included and not deprived of the same goodies their non-gluten-free classmates indulge in, this company’s products can help do that.
Check out Gluten-Free Nation Cookies
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