As we welcome the new year, it’s time to introduce healthy routines and reevaluate your family’s eating habits. With a well-balanced regimen and meal plan that the entire household can partake in, your kiddos will learn the importance of nutrition and adopting a wholesome lifestyle.
While it can be tough to get children on board with eating nourishing foods—we’re looking at you, pantry full of snacks—involving them in the decision-making process for meal-time and asking for a lending hand in the kitchen can get the excitement rolling.
To help kickstart your family’s wellness journey, we’ve turned to foodie mom Meghan Allen of @raisingtwinboys for inspiration. With eight-year-old twin boys of her own, Allen knows how important it is to raise healthy eaters who play a role in creating the food they eat.
“We watch cooking shows together and sometimes pick out recipes online to make and try,” Allen says. “They love trying new foods and often put their own spin on them by adding or removing ingredients. We consider cooking an art form and allow them to play around in the kitchen.”
With Sun-Maid’s classic raisins, Allen shares fun, creative and easy breakfast recipes that her sons Hayden and William have tested—and approved. Read on to learn how to make these on-the-go options for busy school mornings.
Build-Your-Own Overnight Oats
Even the pickiest of eaters will look forward to breakfast with these simple yet delicious build-your-own overnight oats that can be made in advance of a hectic school week. “These are made with ingredients you probably have in your pantry already and they can be customized to your and your kiddos’ taste, which makes them a crowd pleaser,” Allen adds.
Ingredients (Makes 4 Jars):
4 cups Old Fashioned Rolled Oats
2 cups Milk of your choice (I used Almond)
8 Tbsp. Almond Butter
1 cup Sun-Maid California Raisins
4 Tbsp. Chia Seeds
Toppings of your choice, we love:
Blueberries
Strawberries (sliced)
Coconut Chips
Cacao Nibs
Bananas (sliced)
Walnuts
Directions Per Jar:
Pick your favorite jar with a lid.
Add 2 Tbsp. almond butter to your jar.
Add 1 Tbsp. chia seeds on top of almond butter.
Add 1 cup oats to cover chia seeds.
Add ½ cup of your choice of milk to cover the oat mixture.
Add ¼ cup of Sun-Maid California Raisins on top.
Top with additional toppings of choice! We loosely use 1-2 Tbsp. of blueberries, strawberries, coconut chips, cacao nibs, bananas and walnuts per jar.
When done building, cover each jar with a lid, chill overnight in the fridge or for at least 2 hours.
No-Bake Cacao-Raisin Energy Bites
Need a boost in the morning? These bite-sized treats, generously stuffed with cacao and Sun-Maid raisins, can do just the trick. Allen recommends customizing the recipe by rolling the energy bites in shredded coconut, sesame seeds or cacao nibs. “Sun-Maid is a staple in our house,” says Allen. “[These] can help guide moms, like me, who are looking for easy solutions to breakfast and weekday morning chaos.”
Ingredients:
½ cup Almonds
½ cup Walnuts
2 Tbsp. Cacao Powder
¼ to ½ Tsp. Salt
¾ cup Sun-Maid California Raisins
1 Tsp. Vanilla Extract
1 Tbsp. Sesame Seeds
1 cup Old Fashioned Oats
1 Tbsp. Maple Syrup
½ cup Almond Butter
1-2 Tbsp. Water
Toppings of your choice, we love:
Shredded Coconut
Extra Sesame Seeds
Cacao Nibs
Directions:
Prep a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Pour all ingredients, except almond butter, into a food processor.
Use “pulse” button to blend.
Add ½ cup of almond butter into food processor.
Use “pulse” button again to blend.
Form small balls from mixture and add to baking sheet. It’s best to form them into the size of a ping-pong ball.
To add some variety to your bites, roll them with toppings of your choice such as shredded coconut, sesame seeds or cacao nibs.
Refrigerate overnight or at least 4 hours prior to serving.
There’s something for everyone on your list at your neighborhood Trader Joe’s
The holiday season is here—are you looking for that last-minute gift idea? No need to make a separate run to the mall, just head to your local Trader Joe’s. The grocer has the perfect selection of quick gifts, including Trader Joe’s gift cards, beauty products, home decor, and more. Your recipients will be thrilled with whatever you pick out for them—we know it. And don’t forget to pick up the best Trader Joe’s holiday products while you’re there!
Felt Ball Wreath
Kate Loweth
What says "I love Trader Joe's and I love the holidays" more than a festive wreath made out of colored or white felt balls? Gift it with a bottle of wine. $19.99
Gummy Bear Flavored Lip Duo
Kate Loweth
New for 2022: The word on TikTok is that this is a pretty close dupe to the favorite set from Lineage but we'll leave that judgment to you. We love this option as a stocking stuffer. Get it for $6.99
Crackling Red Fruits in the Forest Candle
Kate Loweth
New for 2022: These have a wood wick so you'll think you're sitting by the fire this holiday season. $9.99
Grump Tree
Kate Loweth
Whether you’re feeling a little Grinchy or you’re short on space to decorate, these adorable little trees are the perfect accent to warm your home and your heart. The skinny evergreen Cyprus trees are wrapped in a red ribbon and topped with a single red ornament. Perfect to bring to your neighbor's Christmas party. $9.99
Moisturizing Lip Balm Set
Kate Loweth
The mango flavor tops our list but with six to choose from, you'll definitely find one that suits your mood. $5.99
Hot Cocoa Polar Bear
Kate Loweth
New for 2022: These take hot cocoa bombs to the next level and we.are.here.for.it. They make the perfect stocking stuffer or gift to go along with your gift card. $1.99
Olive Wood Cutting Boards
We love these for charcuterie any time of year and Trader Joe's has a pretty epic cheese selection to get the party started. $12.99
Chocolate Passport
Kate Loweth
Go on a journey of indulgence with these too-cute boxes of chocolates that take you to Peru, Ecuador, Venezuela, The Dominican Republic, Ghana, Papua New Guinea, Sao Tome, and Tanzania. Perfect for the chocolate lover on your list. $9.99
Paperwhites
Kate Loweth
These are an inexpensive addition to any gift this holiday season and they are pretty fool-proof as well. $3.99
Boozy Little Chocolate Truffles
Kate Loweth
Whether you gift these to the mailman or your child's teacher, we know they'll love these tiny chocolates with a kick. $6.99
Merry & Bright Skin Care Trio
Vitamin C serum, face mask, and lip balm are the favorite products that make it into this set for just $9.99.
Candle Trio
Kate Loweth
Cranberry pine, fresh currant, and nutmeg are the holiday scents that make up this fun trio. $7.99
Hand-Woven Newspaper Basket
Kate Loweth
These baskets are a great size for displaying those holiday books by the fireplace or for tucking in a snuggly blanket. $6.99
Olive Wood Bowl Trio
Kate Loweth
For $29.99, you can snag this set of three that's perfect for displaying your Jingle Jangle at your holiday party.
Perfect as a family gift or to bring for a hostess, these hot chocolate sticks will power any giftee through the chilly winter. They are made with 46% dark cocoa, with cocoa butter and pure cane sugar and fashioned into 3.5-inch sticks that dissolve when stirred for two to three minutes.
You can pick up a 7 ounce box for $3.29.
Cookie Mixes
Karly Wood
Whether you break up this trio of baking mixes or give them all to one person, you can't go wrong with TJ's variety of cookie mixes. After all, the holidays are all about getting your bake on, but not everyone has the desire to make cookies from scratch. Perfect for teachers or neighbors, pair a mix with a cute dishcloth or whisk and you've got a fun and festive gift! This year, Trader's has Peppermint Chocolate Chunk Cookie Mix and a delicious Pfeffernüsse Cookie Mix.
Find these mixes in the baking aisle starting at $2.99 each.
Felted Wool Trivets
Kate Loweth
Multiple colors are available this year, perfect for dressing up your holiday table. $4.99
Peppermint Cream, Gingerbread & Egg Nog Liqueur
Kate Loweth
Want to spice up that holiday beverage? Just top it off with a little Peppermint Cream, Gingerbread, or Egg Not Liqueur! Made with vodka, these come in at $7.99.
Felted Wool Garland
Kate Loweth
Three colors to choose from and some are even seeing a mini version of these, perfect for your Elf on the Shelf holiday display. $9.99
Mistletoe
Karly Wood
Meet me under the mistletoe! This preserved product is meant to last the entire season and would make a sweet gift for the loved ones in your life.
A box is just $2.49 and can be found near the front of the store.
Can you ever go truly wrong with a gift card? Let your family and friends grab their fave products on their own time when you wrap up a Trader Joe's gift card that can be used in any store at any time.
Fantastic Florals
Karly Wood
No need to spend copious amounts of moolah on a seasonal floral bouquet, especially when you hit up Trader's. Before you check out, sample the amazing holiday bouquets, classic bunches and glam greenery that always lines the buckets of the grocer's floral department. You'll never need to show up at a holiday shindig empty-handed again!
Wine
Karly Wood
TJ's has long been known for its excellent and well-priced array of wine and this holiday you can take full advantage. Whether your giftee loves a good import or prefers a subtle sauvignon blanc, you can easily shop the vino department with confidence that whatever you choose, it has Joe's stamp of approval––and it won't break the bank.
Cinnamon Toscata, Chimay Autumn Cheese, Baked Blood Orange Chocolate Chip Ricotta––these are just a few of the decadent cheeses at your fingertips at TJ's. Pick up a few unique wedges and pair with chocolates, crackers or wine for the perfect hostess gift!
There's something for everyone for the holidays at Trader Joe's! Sink your teeth into Dark Chocolate Almond Butter Cups, the Taste Test of Caramels or Dark Chocolate Liqueur Cherries. Keep an eye out for specialty assortments, too!
Help your loved ones cozy up this holiday with beautifully packaged teas and coffees that only Trader Joe's can do. Tins of teas and artful bags of coffee make great gifts that are easy to snag on your next TJ run.
Egg nog, almond nog, Greek whole milk yogurt egg nog––oh my! Nothing says the holidays like a nosh-worthy nog product! Pick up a few to wish your fam and friends a festive season on your weekly grocery run.
Candy Cane Joe-Joe's
Karly Wood
We've yet to meet a person who doesn't love Trader Joe's coveted Candy Cane Joe-Joe's! Loved one, neighbor, teacher or friend, you can't go wrong picking up a few boxes of these to keep around for last-minute gifts. Top with a red bow––or maybe a half-gallon of milk––there's no wrong way to Joe Joe.
From dark fudge to bright and cheery pinwheel sugar cookies, we’ve got a whole lot of easy Christmas cookie recipes for you to try this winter
The holiday season is upon us, and that can only mean one thing: cookies! We’ve created the ultimate list of Christmas cookie recipes to include in your celebrations, many of which are tried-and-true favorites (like these cream cheese Christmas Tree cookies) from our own editors and staff. Whether you’re looking for the perfect cookie exchange recipe or a new twist on a classic cookie, our list has it all.
While these cookies from Dessert for Two look like a million bucks, they are surprisingly easy to make yourself. Simple sugar cookies are topped with royal icing and artfully decorated using M&M's. You will totally win the cookie exchange this year.
Cooking Classy's peppermint meltaway cookies are the essence of the holidays. Light and airy peppermint-infused cookies are topped with fluffy homemade frosting and crushed candy canes. These bite-sized treats are sure to be a hit this holiday.
Ever heard of black cocoa powder? These gorgeous dark chocolate candy cane cookies from Liv For Cake are made with rich, dark ingredients. After baking, they are dipped in melting chocolate and crushed candy canes for the perfect holiday treat.
Nothing says the holidays quite like cranberry. Live Well Bake Often's chocolate cranberry cookies are a feast for the senses. Creamy white chocolate chips and chewy dried cranberries not only make for a beautiful-looking cookie that will be the centerpiece of your cookie platter but a tasty one, too.
These perfectly festive candy cane-shaped cookies from Kristine's Kitchen are the epitome of the holidays. Simple sugar cookie dough is twisted and shaped, baked, and then topped with crunchy peppermint candy. These are great for cookie exchanges or holiday bake sales!
Give your go-to cookie recipe a twist this holiday season and bake up some brown sugar cookies. This recipe from Gimme Some Oven comes together quickly and is easily customizable when you use festive cookie cutters, colored frosting, and sprinkles.
The warm flavors of the holidays are all here in A Taste of Madness' salted caramel Nutella chocolate chip cookies. Nutella, salted caramel, and chocolate chips put a unique twist on the traditional cookie and make it fancy enough for all your festivities.
Knock your fam's socks off this holiday with Princess Pinky Girl's Christmas pinwheel sugar cookies. The different-colored dough is layered, rolled, and sliced before baking to make these festive and fun cookies. Don't forget the sprinkles!
The holidays are a great time to try your hand at new recipes, and these Linzer cookies are the place to start. This recipe from Rasa Malaysia is made with buttery and crumbly dough that's baked into perfect circles and sandwiched together with a sweet jam. Don't forget the generous amount of powdered sugar on top!
Need a simple cookie this holiday? This six-ingredient recipe for Italian almond cookies from An Italian In My Kitchen is for you. The buttery cookie is light and airy with the perfect amount of almond flavor. We imagine these as a perfect after-dinner treat enjoyed best with a cup of coffee.
What do you get when you combine the best cookie in the world with the most iconic Christmas flavor? Eggnog snickerdoodles! Wondermom Wannabe has developed an easy way to combine your fave flavors into a chewy cookie that pairs great with a glass of milk, or let's be honest, eggnog.
You had us at Nutella! Food Fanatic's toffee Nutella cookies are the perfect blend of hazelnut, chocolate, and toffee that results in a chewy cookie that you won't be able to stop eating.
Dust off your cookie cutters to make these traditional Dutch cookies from The View from Great Island. They’re subtly spiced with cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and ginger, and they look great topped with a simple royal icing.
Keep it simple (but oh-so-delicious) by making a batch of these fudge cookies from Simply Stacie. You can skip the nuts if your crew isn’t into them, and you’ll end up with a melt-in-your-mouth cookie either way.
Oreo cookies are already delicious, but these bonbons from Love & Risotto transform them into something special. Let your whole crew get involved in rolling up the bonbons and dipping them in chocolate—the final product will be super satisfying.
These cookies from The View from Great Island are super easy to make using your favorite flavor of jam. Let the kids get involved in mixing the batter and topping them with the jam before popping the cookies in the oven.
Get your gingerbread fix with these tasty Christmas cookies from Crazy for Crust. They’re filled with warm spices and molasses and are perfectly chewy. Topped off with M&Ms, you’ve got a dessert that’ll wow your whole crew.
We guarantee that the little ones will love helping you decorate these adorable cookies from Bakergirl. Plus, you can swap out the peanut butter cookie for your favorite sugar cookie or gingerbread recipe if that’s more your speed.
Made with just four ingredients, these cookies from Italian Recipe Book are super easy to whip up. And since everyone loves Nutella, they’re bound to be crowd-pleasers.
Brighten up your dessert table with these simple cookies from Cooking with Bliss. With a tangy mix of fresh cranberries and orange zest, they’re bound to be a family favorite.
If your kids are cookie obsessed, then make these cookies that you can feel good about sneaking in a second, third, maybe even fourth helping. Sophia from Veggies Don’t Bite created this recipe that is sugar-free (her solution is date paste!) and combines crispy oat edges with the sweet delicious flavor of chocolate chips.
It'll be tough to go back to regular old cookies after making these stuffed chocolate chip cookies. And, be sure to save a couple for yourself, because these ooey-gooey treats will be gobbled up in no time.
If you love the taste of gingerbread but are looking for a more kid-pleasing version, Veggie and the Beast‘s recipe for soft cookies should fit the bill. Rolled in a bit of white sugar, these little guys are a perfect balance of spiced and sweet.
Peanut butter and chocolate fans, take note: this classic recipe from House of Nash Eats is a must. Basic peanut butter cookies are taken to the next level with a chocolate kiss placed on top after baking.
These nut-free cookies make a perfect lunchbox treat or after-school snack. Little ones and adults alike will love the combo of oats, sunflower butter, honey, coconut, and dried cranberries.
Unfortunately, we don’t usually see Girl Scouts selling their addictive cookies during the holiday season, but luckily there’s a way to get your Thin Mint fix with minimum effort. This recipe from Averie Cooks will be done in no time, and the cookies will disappear even faster.
These little cookies from The Wicked Noodle couldn’t be easier—just melt some chocolate kisses on top of pretzels, and then the kiddos can help you decorate with festive M&Ms.
Sicilian Fig Cookies (Cuccidati)
iStock
Former editor Amber Guetebier shares this recipe and tells us, “I made these for my Sicilian friend for Christmas. They are totally time-consuming (over two hours from start to finish) but perfect if you want something autentico for the holidays, and if your kids are tenacious and into baking and getting covered in flour and honey."
Raspberry Ribbon Cookies
Scott Wardell
There’s something about shortbread that screams holidays, so these raspberry ribbon cookies are a perfect choice. The little ones will love the delicious raspberry jam on top, too.
It’s not news that peanut butter and chocolate go great together, which is why you shouldn’t be surprised when these four-ingredient cookies from Mom’s Kitchen Handbook disappear shortly after pulling them from the oven. Believe it or not, they really do have just four ingredients and take less than ten minutes to prep! Waiting is truly the hardest part.
This year, make these colorful fortune cookies from Glitter and Bubbles for Santa—he’s sure to gobble them up. Kids will love dipping the cookies in different types of sprinkles.
If you've got a lactose-intolerant little one, these oatmeal coconut cookies from ¡Hola! Jalapeno are a lifesaver. Plus, you can adjust them to fit your family's taste by adding mix-ins like peanut butter or chocolate chips.
Dig out your cookie cutters to make these cute little trees topped with a delicious vanilla frosting. The cream cheese added to the cookie batter gives them a special touch, too.
Lemon Cookies
Brandi McWade
When you’re in dire need of a cookie fix or just don’t have the time to scour your pantry for all of the ingredients, try out this lemon cookie recipe courtesy of our former Digital Media Manager, Brandi McWade. The cookies are actually made from a box of lemon cake mix, which makes this as convenient as it can get.
Even though these are technically brownies, we couldn't resist including them in our roundup of must-have holiday sweets. This recipe from Leah's Thoughts is the perfect holiday combination of rich chocolate with icy, cool peppermint.
Hot days call for cold treats, and there’s no time like the present to swap out your go-to Otter Pops for a new dessert that’s perfect for kids. From delicious frozen cookie dough bites to oat-milk chip ice cream, we’ve found a few new products to infuse a little fun into your llife. Keep reading to see them all.
It's pretty much everyone's dream to have frozen cookie dough ready to pop in the oven for a warm treat. Home Dough totally gets that convenience is key and delivers in the taste category as well. With Home Dough, fresh-baked, better-than-homemade cookies are always just ten minutes away. Choose from Chocolate Chip, Oatmeal Toffee, or Molasses Ginger Spice, all made from tried and true, mom-approved recipes and the same simple ingredients you’d find in your cupboard. They even come in gluten-free varieties! We suggest you order up a variety pack and try them today!
$18 for 8 cookie balls, $48 for a 24-ball variety pack. Available here.
Enlightened Sundae Cones
Sundae cones are what summer is made of and Enlightened is here to bring this favorite treat to your home with less sugar than regular cones. You'll get a crunchy cone filled with frozen Green yogurt or light ice cream and topped with nuts and chocolate. A final surprise? The chocolate-filled tip is there for your last bite. Order them online or find them at a store near you.
Killer Creamery's Sammies
courtesy Killer Creamery
For a treat that doesn't have a lot of sugar but tons of taste, we love the new Sammies from Killer Creamery. Offered in chocolate or vanilla ice cream with the classic cookie outside, with only 120 calories, no added sugar and only two to three net carbs, you'll feel just fine having one after dinner!
Available at stores nationwide, $5.99 - $6.99 for six.
Bubbies Vegan Mochi & Cookie Dough Bites
Bubbie's
Two new options from Bubbies will get you starting the summer off right.
The irresistible combination of ice cream wrapped in a decadent chocolate chip cookie dough is easy to eat—and even easier to enjoy! Like all Bubbies products, the Cookie Dough Bites are made with all-natural ingredients, are Certified Gluten-Free, Kosher dairy, no rBST, and Non-GMO!
Those looking to add a vegan treat to their dessert lineup will love these new additions to Bubbies mochi repertoire. You'll find mango, chocolate and strawberry vegan mochi that enrobe the non-dairy frozen dessert in perfectly sweetened mochi dough.
Daiya’s Dessert Bars make for the perfect treat for a hot day. These indulgent, chocolate-dipped, frozen dessert bars are completely plant-based and so tasty, parents will want to keep them for themselves!
If you want indulgent taste without the guilt, Nubocha is here for you. This low-sugar, non-dairy gelato brand was co-founded by famed Italian chocolatier Gianluca Franzoni, and it is reimagining gelato with health and wellness in mind.
Its low-sugar, dairy-free recipes consist of just three main ingredients: premium varietals of nuts or cacao, pure spring water, and allulose, a rare, zero calorie sugar found naturally in foods like raisins, figs and maple syrup. The simplicity of Nubocha’s recipes and its unique use of spring water as a base, allow each thoughtfully sourced ingredient to shine, offering a healthier, flavorful gelato with no added sugar and less than 350 calories per pint.
Beckon Ice Cream’s lactose-free ice cream is the perfect cold dessert for your summer gatherings. They just released perfectly-sized snack cups in flavors vanilla (with rainbow sprinkles in the lid), dark chocolate (with brownie chunks in the lid) and mint chip. These portable cups are a great option to bring in your cooler for your next park picnic.
If you love ice cream but it doesn't necessarily love you, ReThink has you covered. All of ReThink’s ice cream flavors are made with A2/A2 Dairy to be extra digestible. They're diabetic-friendly, Keto, gluten-dree, lactose-free, and made with all-natural ingredients including collagen, prebiotic fiber, and green tea extract for antioxidants.
We sampled the current flavors of Vanilla Supreme, Chocolate Majesty, Mint with Chocolate Flakes, Chocolate with Almond Butter, Coffee Hazelnut, Lemon Poppy Seed, Cardamom Pistachio, Almond with Chocolate Flakes, and Black Cherry Vanilla. Chocolate Majesty stood out as the kid favorite while Lemon Poppy Seed was much loved by the adults.
Attention, your new summer obsession is here! Check out Must Love—a new non-dairy, GMO-free, plant-based ice cream that will be the perfect addition to your freezer stash. Must Love is now available at Sprouts and select Whole Foods stores, with wider distribution ahead! Must Love offers two different bases: bananas and oat milk. The banana base is made with only bananas, coconut milk and dates while the oat milk base with only oat milk, coconut milk and dates. Cashew Cookie Dough is a kid favorite and Choco Choco Chip is for all you chocolate lovers out there.
Coconut Bliss Cups of Joy
If you are looking for a plant-based frozen dessert to add to your freezer this summer, you definitely need to try Coconut Bliss. The brand’s first ever single serve ice cream indulgence,Cups of Joy, are perfect for kids (and their parents) looking for a convenient and delicious plant-based treat. The cups are available in two flavors, Dark Chocolate and Madagascan Vanilla Bean. The four-pack retails for $8.99.
Want a little hands-on fun for your family's dessert? Coconut Bliss’s at-home ice cream machine, theBliss Maker™, brings their convenient plant-based scoops directly to your home. Order up the bundle and you'll also get ice cream mix that's ready to pop in the machine!
N!CK's Swedish Style Light Ice Cream
Amazon's #1 ice cream N!CK's Swedish Style Light Ice Cream has expanded its vegan line to include four new flavors that you're going to love: Vanilj Bean, Strawbär Kräm, Hazelnöt Fudge and Peanöt Butter Fudge.
Perfect for your summer sundae party, these flavors are joining the line up that tastes and melts just like dairy, but is still lactose and animal-free thanks to Perfect Day technology. Perfect Day’s real milk protein is made without animals, so kids can enjoy the real taste, texture, and nutrition of dairy—but produced sustainably and without the downsides of factory farming, lactose, hormones, or antibiotics. A dessert that you can feel good serving your family!
Your fave Outshine bars are getting some new flavors! Made with fresh milk for that creamy goodness, each bar contains five grams of protein, 25% less sugar than regular frozen dairy bars and four delicious flavor choices. Enjoy Strawberry and Mango, which are made with real fruit, in addition to Chocolate and Coffee, which offers 20mg of caffeine!
Available at retailers nationwide starting Spring of 2021.
Turkey Hill's 2021 Lineup
Get ready to sit down and cool off with Turkey Hill's new line of novelties that include 16 products like Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches, Fruit & Cream Bars and Layered Sundae Cups. With flavors that include Caramel Brownie, Chocolate Cream Pie, Peanut Butter, Choco Mint Chip, Coconut, Orange and Strawberry Lemonade there is something for everyone.
You can find all the new products at retailers nationwide.
So Delicious Dairy Free Light Frozen Desserts
So Delicious Dairy Free has just launched its brand new Light Frozen Desserts! Each pint is less than 330 calories and they are certified gluten-free, vegan action certified and non-GMO Project Verified. Current flavors include Salted Caramel, Peanut Butter, Strawberry, Cocoa Chip, Mint Chip and Tiramisu.
Available in grocery stores nationwide for a suggested retail price of $5.49 per pint.
Popsicle Fruit Twisters
Popsicle's newest sweet treat combines real fruit and milk. The twisty popsicle has a surprise fruit filling and is just 70 calories each. Enjoy two fresh flavors that include Strawberry, Blueberry & Vanilla Swirl and Peach, Raspberry & Vanilla Swirl.
Talk about the perfect bite! These mochi-covered ice cream bites from Mochidoki are a new favorite summer treat with kid- and parent-approved flavors like vanilla chip, Thai tea, mango and salted caramel. At just 80 calories a piece, they are full of quality, natural and non-GMO ingredients, and are less messy than typical ice cream treats. They are currently available for purchase at their NYC stores and can be shipped to 26 states plus D.C. (with more to come).
Each one of these 3.5 ozs cups is filled with healthy ingredients like chia and flax seeds and organic fruits. There are no artificial flavors, they are dairy and gluten-free and they come frozen, so each one is perfect for a snack at any time. Chocolate and strawberry were our favorite flavors!
What's better than gelato delivered to your front door? New gelato flavors created each month and delivered to your front door! Each month has a theme based on the season, or collaborations or whatever strikes their fancy. Think watermelon, banana split, root beer float and more.
Kids will flip over these Organic Ice Wands featuring Anna, Elsa and Olaf from Frozen 2 and the plant-based Organic SuperFruit Freezies that were released from DeeBee's just in time for the summer heat. DeeBee's Organics shelf-stable freezies are made from premium organic fruits with zero added artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives and are allergen-free of nuts, dairy, fish, wheat and soy. You can feel good serving them every afternoon this summer!
Officially the first oat milk pop available, Chloe’s Pops come in three tasty flavors: Mint Chip, Salted Caramel and Raspberry Chip. All three flavors are dairy-free, plant-based, Non-GMO Project Verified, gluten-free and made without any artificial ingredients. Also, these oat milk pops are free of the top eight allergens.
Inspired by a coconut macaron, this flavor from Talenti is not just a non-dairy alternative, but it’s got layers of goodness, including real coconuts, chocolate cookies and a non-dairy hot fudge swirl.
Another fun treat from Chloe’s is their Marvel Pops! Inspired by Marvel Universe, these fruit popsicles are made with just three ingredients: fruit juice, cane sugar and water! Perfect for a backyard treat, these new pops are free of the top eight allergens.
Move over, sunflower butter. Take a seat, almond butter. Because today is about the original sticky spread kids can’t get enough of—peanut butter. Celebrate the ooey-gooey good stuff on March 1, National Peanut Butter Lover’s Day, with a new take on a PB&J, a peanut butter-slathered burger and sweets that’ll make your teeth hurt just by looking at them. Here’s where to find the best peanut butter dishes in Seattle.
Just south of Alki Beach under the West Seattle Bridge is where you’ll find this Seattle original. Dressed from top to bottom in kitschy diner flair, Luna Park Cafe serves delicious food and unforgettable milkshakes to those willing to make the trek (or are lucky enough to live on this accidental island). It's the best spot to get your peanut butter fix with a thick peanut butter milkshake (vegan version available), complete with whipped cream and a cherry.
Hours: Daily, 8 a.m.-9 p.m.
Luna Park Cafe 2918 S.W. Avalon Way Seattle, WA 206-935-7250 Online:lunaparkcafe.com
A staple of kid-food everywhere, PB&J is universal. If it’s what your kiddo craves on National Peanut Butter Lover’s Day, you can give them what they want with an unexpected twist. Head to Valhalla Sandwiches in Greenwood for a grilled PB&J. It’s the warmed-up version of the original, featuring blackberry jam and fresh sourdough bread. Eat it in-house or head to nearby Alice Ball Park for a picnic.
The Pie Bar is where you’ll find a sweet version of your mini peanut butter lover’s favorite sandwich, PB&J pie. Order a slice after gobbling up one of the Pie Bar’s savory dinner pies. The dressed-up version of their traditional peanut butter pie, this slice includes drizzled marionberry compote hidden under a mound of whipped cream.
Hours: vary by location
Phinney 7402 Greenwood Ave. N. Seattle, WA 206-397-4905
Ballard 2218 N.W. Market St. Seattle, WA 206-535-8489
Get your March 1 morning rolling when you pick up a Shake, Rattle & Roll cinnamon roll from Cinnaholic. This totally decadent treat is 100% plant-based, although you wouldn’t know it by looking at it. One of Cinnaholic’s featured winter flavors, this beauty is slathered with peanut butter frosting then piled high with homemade peanut butter cups, bananas and pretzels. Sweet and salty, much?
Good to know: If you miss this seasonal special, don’t worry. You can still pile peanut butter on your cinnamon roll when you build your own. Just order peanut butter frosting then top it with your favorite goodies.
Come for the peanut butter-slathered burger, stay for the ambiance. Whether your kiddo loves peanut butter, firefighters or both, McCoy’s Firehouse Bar & Grill in Pioneer Square is the place to go. The walls are lined with firefighter memorabilia kids go gaga for (hint: the patch wall will keep them busy for a while). And the combo of sweet peanut butter mixed with salty bacon on this burger is not-to-miss. Don’t forget your firefighter hat for this one, kids.
Scratch cooking is the key to this popular Eastside eatery where you can score a slice of salted peanut butter frosted cake to cure your peanut butter craving. Currently serving take-away only, families can get everything they need for a healthy meal, so you don’t have to feel too guilty about that celebratory slice at the end of the day.
Consider Hunk-a Chunka PB&B “The King” of peanut butter ice creams. In an ode to Elvis, the folks at Salt & Straw use honey banana ice cream as the base for this creative flavor. Then they drop in marionberry jam and peanut butter melted with white chocolate to finish it off. Be sure to check out their monthly store flavors to make sure they’re scooping it in-store. If not, you can grab a pint of the good stuff to go.
There’s a new bakeshop in town, and National Peanut Butter Lover’s Day is a great reason to check it out. Grab the kids and head to Madrona where you’ll find an array of fresh-baked cookies, including the delish (gluten- and dairy-free) peanut butter cookie. Pick one up before hitting nearby Madrona playground where you can burn off all that sugar.
Hours: Wed.-Sun., 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Cookies with Tiffany 1123 34th Ave. Seattle, WA 205-550-9903 Online:cookieswithtiffany.com
Fact: the mouse is king in Anaheim. However, if you’re willing to venture slightly beyond the mouse’s kingdom, you will discover that Anaheim has so much more to offer: eclectic food halls, a next-level children’s museum and science center, a swashbuckling pirate show/dinner and a whole other theme park! We explored it all so the next time your family heads south, you’ll want to hit them all up.
To See/Do/Play
Knott’s Berry Farm With humble beginnings as a berry farm nearly one hundred years ago, Knott’s Berry Farm touts itself as California’s original theme park and for good reason—Walt Disney himself was a visitor, pre-Disneyland. Today Knott's Berry Farm is best known for high-thrill coasters that push the limits (think: multiple inversions and > 90-degree drops). Shorties who don’t (or don’t want to) qualify for the coasters will find Camp Snoopy at just the right speed and thrill level.
Good to know: •Consider the Fast Pass upgrade to expedite wait times •Try the famous Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner restaurant along with their signature boysenberry jam but be prepared to wait (shops and a Ghost Town are nearby for entertainment)
Downtown Anaheim Farmer’s Market Over 30 vendors gather every Thursday at Center Street to hawk their food/wares. Varying from succulents and bee products to pet bandanas and almond butter, this market showcases both local talent and produce and it is impossible to leave without a purchase!
Discovery Cube With over 100 hands-on exhibits, this top-notch children’s science center and museum will keep little hands and minds engaged. At the Physics Lab, kids build race cars and test them against the clock or other cars, all while exploring physics as a byproduct. We also stepped into a wind tunnel to investigate aerodynamics, tried to engineer the perfect paper airplane and dabbled with altering 3D topography. Good to know: • A cafe serves up snacks and is denoted, appropriately, by a large “COFFEE” sign • The museum is mind-boggling expansive as we discovered we missed an entire wing on our way out so be sure to allow time to explore it all
Pirate’s Dinner Adventure Don your eyepatch and wood peg leg as your family embarks on an immersive evening of revelry and adventure. Divided into teams to involve audience participation, (clean) trash-talking is encouraged as you cheer your pirate on in daring tasks. Acrobatics, swordplay and stunts are all on the menu in addition to a full dinner—the hardest part will be getting the kids to pay attention to eat with all the spectacles going on!
Good to know: • The adults liked how there was an actual story plot and witty puns incorporated • Sensory sensitive kids may be overloaded with all the sounds and lights
Disneyland Having grown up in SoCal and gone regularly as a kid (RIP $30 tickets), it was thrilling to take my kids back to the magical world that is Disneyland. We enjoyed Skellabration at the Haunted House in addition to the festive holiday decorations but one of my favorite things about Disneyland during the holidays is the food! From Peppermint beignets from Mint Julep Bar to eggnog cold brew from Red Rose Taverne—give me all of it!
Good to know: • Rope drop is still the way to go. We recommend being at the park’s security lines 30-45 mins before opening so that you’re on Main St at opening • Fantasyland at rope drop has never failed us. At publishing of this article, there is no longer a virtual queue for Rise of Resistance so that’s where we would head • Consider ordering meals (and snacks) via the mobile app • There is currently no Fast Lane pass but Disney Genie and Genie+ is slated to be released at any moment so stay tuned!
Nosh
Anaheim Packing House This Insta-worthy food hall was one of the highlights of our trip—we loved the unique decorations of bright lanterns and swings, the airy open-space setting, the farmer’s park with its heart swing .. . oh! And all the artisan food options! The classic southern fried chicken at Georgia’s, miso ramen at Orange Tei, Strawberry Pocky (sorbetto on a stick) at Popbar and apple pie a la mode at Pie Hole were big hits for us. If you’re able to find it, kids 21+ can slip into the Blind Rabbit speakeasy
The Fifth This rooftop restaurant and bar located across the street from Disneyland means if timed properly, your family will enjoy a bird’s eye view of the fireworks on select nights (reservations highly recommended on those nights)! Casual enough for relaxing after a day at the park but also ideal for special occasions, we found the Fifth to be inviting and family-friendly. While there wasn’t a kid menu per se, we found plenty of kid options such as mini corn dogs, burgers, grilled cheese and pasta.
SteelCraft Built with repurposed shipping containers, SteelCraft aims to unite the community through local craft food and drink vendors, live music and other neighborhood events. We loved dining in the large, open-space communal dining space where there was space for kids to swing and play ping pong while waiting for our food. Our favorites included the Mexican x Asian fusion barrio ramen, made-to-order Duck donuts and washing it all down with coffee boba (other options include craft beer, wine and cocktails).
Getting Around
FRAN Free Rides Around the Neighborhood (FRAN) is a program utilizing open-air electric vehicles that the City of Anaheim uses to offer free, on-demand rides within its local downtown area. With sixteen points of interest and popular downtown destinations, riders can summon a ride at their convenience through an app or good ‘ole fashioned phone call and a vehicle is dispatched shortly. It was a fast, convenient method for us to travel around and the best part is that it was free!
Helpful tip: We found it fastest to call for a ride (714) 490-0486
Rest
Howard Johnson Anaheim & Water Playground Recently renovated, a mere eight-minute walk separates your family from this property and the gates of Disneyland if you can get the kids to leave the super fun Castaway Cove water playground (reservations are required). At 538 sq ft, the spacious Kids Suite can accommodate up to six guests with one king bed and twin bunk beds plus a sleeper sofa in a separate bedroom. Between the water playground and fun bunk beds, my kids declared HoJo Anaheim their new favorite hotel!
1380 S Harbor Blvd Anaheim, CA
Grand Legacy at The Park This hotel’s prime location across the street from Disneyland makes it a five-minute commute—it truly doesn’t get any closer and is faster than walking to Disney’s parking structures. This means you can easily be at rope drop after rolling out of bed or party until closing. Fifth restaurant (mentioned above) also makes its home at the rooftop here which, along with a pool for kids to splash and cool off in, is all the reason to consider staying here on your next visit.
1650 S Harbor Blvd. Anaheim, CA
Get Away Today has partnered with Visit Anaheim in a campaign to welcome families this winter. Whether you choose to travel with your family or give the gift of travel, the savings are yours with a third or fourth night free at select hotels and a free extra day at Disneyland with the purchase of four days!
—photos and story by Christine Lai
Editor’s note: This trip was sponsored by Visit Anaheim, but all opinions expressed here belong to the writer.
If 2020 taught us anything, it was to have a stockpile of healthy snacks for kids ready at home when the hangries strike. Fuel up with these low- or no-sugar store-bought snacks for kids that will boost their brain power and give them the energy they need to play and learn. From brand-new snacks just released in 2021 to healthy snacks we always have in our pantry, read on for the best new store-bought snacks to stock up on now.
Spudsy Sweet Potato Fries
Those misshapen sweet potatoes aren't going to waste! Spudsy take them and upcycles them into a plant-based snack the whole family will love! The brand's Sweet Potato Fries are grain and gluten-free, non-GMO, plant-based and come in three flavors including Hot Fry, Vegan Ranch Fry and Cheese Fry. While you're shopping, be sure to pick up a few of our other faves, cinnamon churro and Bangin' Bar-B-Q sweet potato puffs!
These are not your Corn Nuts of the 90's! Love, Corn products are gluten-free, non-GMO, vegan, kosher and come in so many delicious flavors. New this year, Vegan Cheezy makes the perfect, guilt-free snacks for moms and a great addition to school lunches.
Perfect for toddlers, big kids and even busy moms, Yumi's fruit leathers come in mixed berry, mango and strawberry flavors. Kids will get a full serving of fruit and vegetables with no added sugar in each strip!
Don't just eat, feed your brain! Brainiac's new products include Brain Squeezers, Brain Butters and Smart Tubes & Smoothies that pack a proprietary blend of brain nutrients including Omega‑3s and Choline and are Gluten Free, Non-GMO, Kosher, have no added sugars or artificial flavors and are approved by pediatricians. Did we mention they taste great, too?
Get all the things you love about an Everything bagel in a thin, tasty cracker! RW Garcia's delicious snack is organic, verified non-GMO, gluten free, kosher and is made with corn, seeds, garlic and onion.
Find them at local grocers nationwide.
KIND Bar Minis
KIND Minis pack massive taste into 100 calories or less, with choices like Dark Chocolate Cherry Cashew and Peanut Butter. Kids will love adding them to their lunchbox rotation and you can feel good that they are getting some good nutrition in at snack time.
Yes, you can still have your tasty cheese balls and eat them too! The Good Crisp just turned your guilty pleasure into a healthy snack with no fillers, artificial flavors, gluten or GMO's. On top of that, they've added Wellmune, which helps support your kiddos immune system.
Make packing that sweet snack a breeze with GoGos squeeZ brand new AlmondBlend Pudding! The plant-based pouch offers 5 grams of protein and 30% less sugar as compared to traditional dairy pudding so no guilt required.
The Famous Amos brand is being reimagined for today’s world with three new cookies. While sticking with its bite-sized shape that people know and love, Famous Amos is shaking things up by introducing three new recipes with premium ingredients from around the world including:
Belgian Chocolate Chip: An elevated classic chocolate chip cookie with authentic Belgian chocolate
Philippine Coconut and White Chocolate Chip: A bite-size variety with coconut from the Philippines
Mediterranean Hazelnut and Chocolate Chip: A bite-size variety with hazelnuts from the Mediterranean
These Lemon Blueberry Bars from Hungry Buddha are the perfect combo of zesty lemon with the sweetness of juicy berries all in one delicious, vegan, plant-powered and allergy-friendly snack bar. These gluten free, Non-GMO bars are packed with 10g of protein and only 2g of sugar, and are made without the use of palm oil, sugar alcohols, dairy or soy. Pick these up at your local Sprouts Market for $2.49.
Catalina Crunch
Catalina Crunch, the makers of delicious keto-friendly cereals and cookies, just released a brand new Crunch Mix that features protein, fiber and specially curated natural ingredients in four delectable flavors: Traditional, Cheddar, Creamy Ranch and Spicy Kick. Each variety is made with the same delicious taste and crunch of your favorite party mixes and features a delicious mix of Catalina Crunch cereal, vibrant seasonings, nuts, chickpea pretzels and (depending on the flavor) cheese crisps. We love to keep these in the car for impromptu park days and hiking trips.
Perfect Bar to the rescue! The new snack size is perfect for kiddos and now comes in Peanut Butter and Dark Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter. Made with organic peanut butter and organic honey, 20+ organic superfoods and six grams of whole food protein, these petite bars make the ideal lunch or after-school snack.
Get them in the refrigerated sections of Target, Kroger, Albertsons, Safeway and retailers nationwide for $6.99 for an eight count box.
Undercover Snacks
Healthy ingredients… in disguise! Developed by a mom whose two daughters were diagnosed with celiac disease, all Undercover Snacks are made with carefully sourced all-natural, gluten-free, non-GMO, simple ingredients and Rain Forest Alliance Certified chocolate.
Undercover Snacks are made with crispy quinoa, which is naturally gluten-free, packed with protein, fiber and nutrients, and has an incredible crunchy texture. They are made in a dedicated facility that is free of the top ten food allergens. For lunchboxes, tuck one of their single-serve packs in as a treat!
Looking for healthy, allergy-friendly snacks to pack in your kid's backpack or lunchbox that are free from the top 8 allergens? Look no further! Developed by a mom whose children have severe food allergies, Without a Trace offers a mouthwatering variety of plant-based, gluten-free Chewy Granola Bars, Power Bites and Cookies. They are perfect for tucking in lunchboxes or as a grab-n-go snack for everyone in the family.
A sweet, popcorn-based treat without all the extra added sugar? Yes please! Just a 1/2 cup clocks in at 60 calories and 2 grams of sugar thanks to their all-natural sweeteners. Now you can feel good about treating the kids without any of the guilt.
Make snack time fun and educational! Dick and Jane's educational snacks are all-natural, non-GMO and 100% nut-free. Each pack is made with crackers imprinted with learning opportunities like spelling, abbreviations and more. Varieties currently include States & Capitals, Presidents, English & Spanish, Food & Nutrition, Fun & Fitness and Farmers Market.
KRAVE recently introduced a new Zero Sugar Jerky line that marries grass-fed beef with all the flavor and none of the sugar. Your kids will love the two new flavors: Sonoma Style BBQ and Southwest Hatch Chile. KRAVE Zero Sugar Jerky perfects bold flavor and tender texture for a snack that delivers on taste and nutrition—both 100% grass-fed beef jerky flavors have 12g of protein, 0g of sugar and only 1.5g of fat per serving.
KRAVE Zero Sugar Jerky is available now in select CVS stores nationwide and online at kravejerky.com, with availability in Meijer, Kroger and on Amazon coming soon.
Belgian Boys
Belgian Boys make delicious non-GMO European sweets and you're going to want to stock up on them for your next road trip. Kids will especially love the speculoos cookies that come in the too-cute mustache shape and the Belgian chocolate cookie bars (hide these, you'll want them for yourself). Try their frozen breakfast items like waffles and bite-sized pancakes for on-the-go munching.
Up your protein game this year with these in your backpack. Perfect for a day at the beach or a hiking adventure, these jerky bars are the savory treat your crew needs. Hot Honey is our favorite with its sweet kick. Tender Chicken Bars also come in teriyaki and original flavors.
Plant-based eaters, listen up! Pure Batch has grab-and-go cookie batches that include four types of truffles, a protein brownie and refrigerated-to-eat cookies. You'll love knowing that you are feeding your body with something nutritious while also enjoying a sweet treat.
2Betties creates dairy-free, nutrient-dense mini donuts with no refined sugars. We love them for a hiking treat to motivate the kids to keep going! They are currently offered in six delicious flavors: Chocolate Chunk, Maple Cinnamon, Sweet Almond, Mocha Chip, Vanilla Bean, and Pumpkin Spice. Hide the wrapper and your guests will think you’re an expert donut maker.
Developed by parents, DINO BARS are the healthy, travel-friendly bar that your kids will love eating. They are wrapped in edible paper and available in three fun flavors: strawberry, blueberry, and mango. Parents will love that they are non-GMO, USDA certified organic and free from nuts, gluten, soy, and dairy.
Horizon Organic's Yogurt Pouches and Cultured Dairy Smoothies
Horizon Organic's newest offerings from their Growing Years line include a yummy dairy smoothie and yogurt pouches. The dairy smoothie comes in a small container that's perfect for school lunches or a quick snack. We also love that these new snacks were developed with the help of a pediatrician, so you'll know your kids are getting great nutrition.
Sink your teeth into RIND’s new Skin-In Dried Fruit snacks! The chewy, tasty snacks have no added sugar and 4-6g of fiber per serving. Because the skin is still on, kiddos will get more vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber than other dried fruit brands. Not only that, they are non-GMO project verified, Kosher certified, allergen-friendly and gluten-free. We love all the flavors that include Tropical Blend, Straw-Peary, Orchard, Tangy Kiwi, Coco-Melon and Coconut Crisps.
Enjoying lentils never tasted so good! Perfect to enjoy by the handful or tossed on a salad, these salty snacks pack plant-based protein, are gluten-free and have vegan options. Choose from Pink Himalayan Salt, Barbeque, Falafel and Cinnamon Sugar.
Quinn is known for making crazy delicious and totally craveable pretzels and microwave popcorn using only 100% REAL, simple ingredients and kicking artificial ingredients and unpronounceables to the curb. We love the maple almond butter filled pretzels for family hikes and the whole grain sea salt pretzel sticks for school lunches.
For on-the-go snacking that you can count on to be free of junk, look to Supernola. These superfood clusters come in Triple Berry Vanilla, Dragon Fruit Lemon Zest, Honey Sweet Goji, Banana Nut Crunch, and Dark Chocolate Nut Crunch. Supernola fits many specialty diets including Paleo, Keto (4 flavors), Vegan (4 flavors), and is naturally dairy, gluten, grain, peanut and refined sugar-free.
Chips made out of cactus? Just say YES to Tia Lupita! These grain-free chips come in flavors like sea salt (our favorite), salsa verde, hot sauce, and chipotle, you'll definitely find one that you love.
The world's first Greek yogurt bar wrapped in chocolate has two new flavors! Delicious enough to pass for dessert, the Coconut and Berry Açaí treats are just 100 calories, contain one gram of sugar and pack eight grams of protein.
The two newest flavors are available exclusively at Whole Foods and you can find the others by visiting cliosnacks.com.
Raisels Pick-Your-Mix
Raisels, the creators of the fun-flavored Golden Raisins, has just launched the perfect way to get the flavors you want sent right to your door. The new Pick-Your-Mix option will allow you to mix-and-match delicious Raisel packs to create a perfect, custom Raisels box. Choose from among 7 options to bring the sweet, sour and slightly-spicy Raisel flavors to you. We love these as an alternative for kids who love sour candies—they won't know they're really eating fruit!
Bobo's Almond Brownie Oat Bars and Bites
Bobo's is back with new whole grain snacks! Get ready to let kiddos sink their teeth into gluten-free whole grain oats, cocoa, chocolate chips and chocolate almond butter in the new almond brownie oat bars and bites. Not only that, choose from brand new strawberry and apple stuff'd oat bites for a fruity snack that keeps you full.
Solely's new Organic Whole Fruit Gummies contain only two or three ingredients, real whole fruit and a little Vitamin C. Every pouch offers 0.7 ounces of fruit, is only 60-70 calories and has no added sugar, preservatives, gelatins, colors, or gums. They're also USDA organic, Kosher, and Non-GMO verified. Choose from Organic Mango and Organic Mango & Orange flavors!
Available exclusively at Whole Foods Market.
LesserEvil Lil' Puffs
We'll just come out and say it: these new snacks from LesserEvil are so delicious you'll want to buy one bag for them, and one bag for you. The brand-new line includes flavors like Veggie Blend, Sweet Potato Apple, Non-Dairy Cheddar and Strawberry Beet. The puffs, which are in fun star-like shapes, use organic coconut oil and offer zero grams of sugar. They're certified USDA organic, vegan, non-GMO project verified, grain-free and gluten-free. The tasty snacks are best for toddlers 12 months and older.
We love these refrigerated bars for on-the-go snacking as they come in kid-friendly flavors like Almond Butter, Dark Chocolate Chip Almond Butter and Honey Almond Butter. Pop them in your purse for a protein-rich, plant-based snack that you can feel good about serving. With 10g of protein per bar, you can definitely keep the hangries away.
We love this delicious line of tender chicken snacks made from real, wholesome ingredients like antibiotic-free chicken and various spices and we think you will too. They’re available in three flavors: Original, Teriyaki, and Hot Honey and they're the perfect option for hikes or to keep in your purse for when the hangries hit. High in protein, they can definitely get you through a playdate at the park that ran through lunchtime.
Give their lunches a colorful boost with Butterfly's brand-new nut butter that comes in two unique colors and flavors: Blue Dream and Pink Panther. Each is a unique mix of walnut, cashews, macadamia and MCT oil. The color comes from pitaya (dragon fruit) and blue spirulina. Both new flavors are organic, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free and sugar-free.
If your babe is a puff fanatic turn to the brand-new grain-free puffs from Serenity Kids. With zero grams of sugar and no fillers like rice and grains, Serenity Kids leads with cassava root and real veggies. Choose from flavors like Carrot & Beet with Olive Oil, Broccoli & Spinach with Bone Broth, Tomato & Mushroom with Bone Broth and Sweet Pepper & Basil with Olive Oil. The entire line is non-GMO and USDA Organic certified.
This uber-fresh plant-based food company gets a 10,000/1000 rating from our editors, which basically means these protein bars are beyond tasty! Handcraft and plant-based, Urban Remedy's bars are low in sugar, high in protein and rich in healthy fats. Currently, they are available in Cacao, Matcha and Superfood Chaga flavors.
Ditch your traditional sandwich cookies that are loaded with sugar for these low-carb treats that taste delicious! Packed with 4g plant protein, 2g sugar and only 5g net carbs. 100% plant-based, nothing artificial, great macros and now available in four flavors: Chocolate Vanilla, Chocolate Mint, Vanilla Crème and Peanut Butter.
These delicious mochi ice cream bites are available in individually-wrapped packaging and are gluten free and non-GMO. Made with all-natural ingredients, they are a tasty, no-mess, perfectly portioned treat everyone will enjoy. The new single serve mochi are available in varieties including Vegan Chocolate, Vegan Strawberry, and (non-vegan) Green Tea, Triple Chocolate, Cookie Dough Bites and more at the self-serve freezers in Whole Foods and other grocery stores nationwide!
CLIF Kid Zbars: Cinnamon Roll
Our tots adore Zbars (and we do, too), which is why we're eager to let you know about CLIF Kid's brand new flavor: cinnamon roll. It's packed with whole grain oats and swirls of cinnamon, and it tastes just like your fave doughy cinnamon rolls (but without the gooey, sticky mess).
Our kids can't get enough of Nature's Bakery fig bars, which means this brand has set the bar high for kids (and adult) snacks. Good news: Nature Bakery's brand-new soft-baked bars are just as delicious as their beloved fig bars. The new snack comes in two flavors: Chocolate Oat and Banana Chocolate Chip. Both flavors feature organic whole grains, fruits and veggies with 9 grams of whole grains, fruits, veggies and chocolate chips. They're free of high fructose corn syrup and are nut-, dairy- and soy-free. Our toddler loved the bar and we thought that it was soft enough to give to our 11 month old who devoured it as well.
Launched in early 2020, Mavericks Snacks is new to the snacking game. But that doesn't mean they're going unnoticed. Mavericks Snacks was recently voted "Best New Healthy School Snack" and are winning kids (and parents) over with their delicious Cookiez and Crackerz. Their Cookiez have 40% less sugar than the leading kids cookie and their Crackerz boast 8 grams of whole grains. All snacks are non-GMO and peanut-free.
This keto-friendly snack brand strives to make OG-tasting products in a healthier way. Each product is gluten-free, grain-free, made with clean ingredients and has no added sugar. Shop seven delicious products for 2021 that include Caramel Clusters, Salted Caramel Mini Cookies and Vanilla Shortbread Mini Cookies.
A great on-the-go snack, GOOD GOOD's Krunchy Keto Bars taste like a dessert. Packed with nutrients, each bar is loaded with eight to 13 grams of protein, 6 grams of fiber and has no added sugar. Choose from Raspberry Cheesecake and Caramel Friendly flavors in this snack that is great for parents and kiddos!
We all know how hard it is to get kids to eat healthy—the constant battle over sugar and veggies never ends. That's why ICONIC® Kids was created. It's a delicious kid’s drink with 0g of added sugar, a full serving of daily organic vegetables, Vitamin D3, and a taste that will trick kids into thinking it’s dessert. Try the sample pack and you'll get two of each of these flavors: Fruity Fiesta (tastes like the milk leftover from a bowl of Fruit Loops), Chocolate Carnival (as decadent as a sliver of rich dark chocolate cake) and Vanilla Vacay (tastes JUST like a vanilla milkshake).
Gluten-free and plant based, Without a Trace's Power Bites are tasty as can be. The allergen-friendly bites are made with real ingredients and are free from chemicals, fillers, are non-GMO and the Big 8, plus sesame. Enjoy these fork-free morsels in Red Raspberry and Cinna-Monster.
Snacking Avocado is a uniquely light and crispy clean-ingredient snack made with slices of real Hass avocados that are freeze-dried and simply seasoned with sea salt and spices. Available in three savory flavors, including Sea Salt, Sea Salt Lime and Roasted Chipotle, the nutritious new line is vegan, keto, gluten-free, Non-GMO, high-fiber and sugar free.
Addicted to Thin Mints but looking for a better-for-you option? Check this out! Kate's Real Food just launched their newest all-natural energy bar flavor, Dark Chocolate Mint, and you're going to love it. Like all Kate’s Real Food products, the Mint Bar is loaded with tasty USDA-certified organic ingredients, including cool peppermint extract, smooth dark chocolate, natural cacao powder, creamy peanut butter and certified gluten-free oats. It also includes organic, dried bits of cacao beans, adding texture to the bar with chocolate in a pure, unaltered form.
For a breakfast or on-the-go snack you can feel good about, we love The Soulfull Project's new granola. Made with steel-cut oats, brown rice crisps and puffed quinoa, your kids will love the "no junk" flavors of maple pecan, toasted coconut and dark chocolate cherry. You'll feel good knowing that for every serving of a Soulfull Project item that is purchased, one is donated to a food bank in that same region.
Bubba's Fine Foods Sweet & Savory Nut Mixes
These brand-new nut mixes from Bubba’s Fine foods come in six different flavors, three savory, and three sweet. Each one is filled with real food ingredients, and pack a whopping seven grams of protein. The 1.2oz serving size makes this an easy snack for busy parents and kids alike. And, if you’re trying to eat a more keto-focused diet, these nut mixes also only have three grams of net carbs per serving, too!
Clio has launched a new less-sugar Greek yogurt bar in two flavors, peach and mixed berry. With only one gram of sugar and eight grams of protein, this is a sweet treat you can feel good about sharing with the kids.
You know and love KIND bars for their low-sugar combo of nuts, dark chocolate, salt and much more. Now, they've just launched their second-edition EQUALITY bar. While the bar itself is the favorite Salted Caramel Dark Chocolate Nut, but the new wrapper is custom designed by a Black female artist, and it represents a world that’s beautifully diverse, inclusive and equitable.
Ditch the sugary sports drink and hydrate with Greater Than instead. With new flavors that include Strawberry Lemonade and Peach Clementine, this electrolyte drink is non-GMO, gluten and dairy free, 100 percent vegan, organic and paleo friendly. It's perfect for busy kids and parents on the go!
Beginning eaters can be a picky bunch, but you and your child will love these new and nutritious foods and drinks designed specifically for babies and toddlers. Packed with healthy ingredients (hello, pea protein, grass-fed bison and bok choy) and available in delicious flavor combinations and kid-friendly packaging (puffs! pouches! smoothie melts! teething wafers!), they’re a win-win. Read on for your baby’s new favorites!
We love Cerebelly for their nutrient-rich, organic kid snacks, and the new bone broth pouches have our mouths watering. Available in three flavors (butternut squash chicken broth with thyme; carrot beef bone broth with rosemary; sweet potato pinto bean with cumin), they're packed with kid-friendly flavors and brain-supporting nutrients including lutein, DHA and protein. Created for kids 11 months and up.
This Australian-owned snack brand makes nutritious, wholesome organic foods for babies and toddlers with no artificial flavors, colors or additives. The line is broken down into two ranges: The Baby Bellies range features snacks for kids 7+ months and 10+ months in kid-friendly flavors and age-appropriate shapes. The Little Bellies range is for kids 12+ months and features animal crackers and tomato sticks. The snacks dissolve so they're easy for littles to eat, and the shapes and sizes are developmentally appropriate so kids can grip them and feed themselves.
Looking for a nutritious, delicious and easy way to prepare breakfast foods for your babe? Try the apple, carrot and cinnamon muffin mix from Happy Family Organics, or the pancake & waffle mix. You'll whip these up in five minutes flat, so they're perfect for busy mornings or days you want to focus on family time rather than cooking. Both organic, non-GMO mixes are made with 100% whole grains, iron and no added sugar. You only need to add water to prepare the pancake & waffle mix; add water and your child's favorite puree to the muffin mix.
You may know Holle from the brand's baby formula, but this Swiss company has recently launched nutritious fruit and veggie pouches in six flavors, including Veggie Bunny, made with carrot, sweet potatoes and peas. They're not only made with organic ingredients, the products carry the Demeter seal, which means the products meet the highest international standards for holistic, ecological and ethical practices in organic farming.
Available at holleusa.com, $19.99 for a box of six pouches.
Happy Baby Savory Blends from Happy Family Organics
Get your baby's veggies in with these new pouches from Happy Family Organics. Each flavor contains 1.5 servings of organic vegetables in each pouch, more than other leading brands. The veggies are blended with healthy fats, herbs and spices for delicious combinations that expand your child's palate. Each flavor sounds like it came straight off a restaurant menu: Squash, Chickpeas & Spinach with Avocado Oil + Sage; Broccoli & Carrots with Olive Oil + Garlic; Sweet Potatoes with Olive Oil + Rosemary; Purple Carrot & Cauliflower with Avocado Oil + Oregano.
When a snack attack hits, you'll feel good about giving your child these nutrient-rich puffs. They have a slight crunch and chewy texture that kids like, and you'll like that they contain healthy veggies, as well as bone broth for protein and organic olive oil for healthy fats. The three savory flavors are: Broccoli & Spinach Grain free Puffs with Bone Broth, Carrot & Beet Grain Free Puffs with Olive Oil, and Tomato & Mushroom Grain Free Puffs with Bone Broth. These puffs are non-GMO, USDA Organic certified and Certified Gluten-Free.
Available at myserenitykids.com, $32.95 for a six-pack of 1.5-ounce containers.
Smoothie-Inspired Veggie & Fruit Pouches from Cerebelly
What could be more enticing than a smoothie-inspired puree with Peppa and George Pig on the label? How about the fact that these veggie & fruit pouches are packed with brain-supporting nutrients such as iron, Vitamin B6 and selenium. Available in three mouthwatering flavors (purple carrot blueberry, sweet potato peach, and celery apple kiwi), the Cerebelly x Peppa Pig pouches are sure to be a hit at snack time. The company donates a portion of each product to Baby2Baby to support children in need.
With just four healthy ingredients, these melty puffs from Littlemore Organics are the perfect snack to pop in your diaper bag or serve at home. Available in two savory flavors, sunflower butter and tomato, they contain no added sugar or salt; no corn, rice or gluten; and no peanuts or tree nuts. The line was created by two Boston-based mom friends, one a pediatrician, who set out to develop a packaged snack that was tasty, nutritious and convenient to bring with you. For babies 6 months and up who have started on solids.
Yogurt smoothie melts with no added sugar? Yes, please! These toddler favorites get their sweetness from organic fruits and veggies, contain no preservatives, and come in a shape that makes it easy for kids to grasp and chew. Available in plant-based yogurt (made with coconut milk) and cow's milk yogurt varieties, these melt-in-your-mouth snacks come in three yummy flavors: Beets 'n' Berries, Carrot Raspberry and Mango Carrots. The resealable bag means you can pop them in your bag for outings. They're recommended for kids 8 months to 4 years.
Treat your Gerber baby to delicious, nutritious organic foods delivered right to your door with these subscription box meals created by registered dieticians. The box contents change each month to add variety to your child's diet and respond to their nutritional needs and developmental milestones. Each box is filled with USDA Certified Organic cereals, purees, pouches or snacks.
Available at gerber.com, starting at $69.99 per box/month (under $2 per serving).
Want to feed your baby healthy foods that broaden their palate? Try these bone-broth toddler purees from Serenity Kids. Packed with nutrients that help strengthen bones and support digestion and immunity, these toddler puree pouches come in flavorful varieties with no added sugars or preservatives: Turkey Bolognese, Beef Pot Roast and Turmeric Chicken. All are made with pasture-raised meat from small American regenerative family farms, organic bone broth and Certified USDA Organic vegetables and herbs. They're also free of ingredients that contain antibiotics, added hormones, pesticides, fillers, GMOs or major allergens.
Available at serenitykids.com, $29.95/6 pouches of each flavor; $32.95/6-pouch variety pack. Save 20% with a subscription.
These heat-and-serve toddler meals (designed for kids 1+) come in flavors kids love and are packed full of nutrients. The macaroni & cheese has 8 grams of protein and 3 grams of fiber, along with 1/4 cup of veggies (pureed butternut squash, sweet potato and cauliflower). The pasta & tomato sauce has 6 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber, along with 1/4 of veggies (carrots, sweet potatoes, red pepper). Both are low in sodium and contain no added sugar, additives or preservatives.
Available at target.com and in the produce section of Target stores, $4.99.
With 3 grams of protein, no added sugar and 10 brain-supporting nutrients, Cerebelly's Smart Bars are the snack you'll feel good about feeding your toddler. Think your child might need convincing to try something new? Two of the new flavors feature kid favorites Peppa Pig and George Pig on the package. Cerebelly was created by a neurosurgeon and mom of three to deliver age-optimized nutrition to children's growing brains. The bars in the Peppa Pig collaboration are carrot raisin and blueberry banana sweet potato. The bars also come in apple kale and strawberry beet. Read more about the Cerebelly X Peppa Pig Smart Bars.
Available at cerebelly.com, from $3.74 for a five-pack.
Plant-Based Complete Nutrition for Toddlers from Else Nutrition
This nutritional drink is free of dairy, soy, gluten, corn syrup and GMOs. What it's full of is minimally processed plant-based ingredients, whole foods and 20 vitamins and minerals your child needs to support their growth and development after they turn one. The main ingredients are organic almond butter, organic buckwheat flour and organic tapioca maltodextrin.
BabyPops are a puffed corn and oat snack that's sized just right for tiny hands. This quick-dissolving organic snack contains no added sweetener or salt, and the ingredients are non-GMO. It launched with three yummy varieties: peanut, banana raspberry and tomato. All varieties contain peanut; the peanut version includes organic peanut flour, and the other two are flavored with fruits and veggies.
Nutty Blends from Happy Family Organics combine a fruit with a nut in a tasty pouch, for a healthy, filling snack and an easy way to introduce peanuts and tree nuts to your baby. The line, which was developed with the help of pediatric allergists, comes in four flavors you'll be tempted to try yourself: bananas & almond butter, apples & walnut butter, pears & cashew butter, and bananas & peanut butter.
Learn more and find your nearest store carrying this product at happyfamilyorganics.com, $1.99 per pouch.
Organic Plant-Based Meals from Amara Organic Foods
Add breast milk, formula or water to these shelf-stable, organic, single-serve meal packets for a delicious baby puree, packed with nutrients. Great for kids transitioning to solid foods and quick and easy to prepare on the go, these handy packets come in a variety of flavors, from kale potato veggie mash and peas, corn & carrots to tropical mango and pumpkin & pear.
Available at amaraorganicfoods.com and at grocery stores including Whole Foods and Sprouts.
Organic Banana Mango Puree in a Recyclable Pouch from Gerber
Gerber has launched a recyclable baby-food pouch, so you can feel better about buying the pouches your kids love to eat. The first flavor available in this innovative pouch is organic banana mango puree, a sweet treat packed with potassium and vitamin C. The pouch is completely recyclable through Gerber's national recycling program with TerraCycle.
The nutrient-packed pouches from Serenity Kids sound like fancy restaurant meals. The two newest: pasture-raised turkey with organic pumpkin, sweet potato and beets, and grass-fed bison with organic kabocha squash and spinach. These low-sugar, high-fat pouches for babies six months and up are filled with organic vegetables from small family farms and ethically sourced meats from ranches utilizing regenerative agricultural techniques. Choose from meat and veggie combos, or organic veggies only. The company only uses ingredients that don't contain antibiotics, added hormones, pesticides, fillers, GMOs or major allergens.
Here's a smart snack for toddlers: These nutritious pouches support the immune system and digestive health. In addition to fruits and veggies, the pouches contain 35 mg of beta-glucan and 2g of prebiotic fiber for digestive health. They're available at major retailers nationwide and come in three flavors: bananas, spinach & blueberries; bananas, carrots & strawberries; and pears, beets & blackberries.
Why should we care about regenerative farming? It promotes biodiversity and can help to reverse climate change by building healthy soil that captures carbon from the atmosphere. Healthier soil, healthier food. The Happy Baby Regenerative & Organic line of food pouches debuted with three flavor combinations: apples, kale and oats; pears, squash and oats; and apples and carrots.
Available exclusively at Whole Foods, $8.49 for a four-pack. Learn more at happyfamilyorganics.com.
Babies love pouches, and you'll love that these organic, cold-pressed blends are sustainably grown, certified USDA Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified, and full of healthy, organic fruits and veggies. The flavors are grouped by ages and stages, so you can easily find the ones right for your child. Purchase individual flavors as 12-packs, try a variety pack, or sign up for a money-saving subscription.
Horizon Organic has introduced Growing Years organic whole milk, developed in partnership with pediatricians to deliver key nutrients for kids age 1-5. The milk contains DHA Omega-3 for brain and eye health, choline to transport DHA throughout the body, prebiotics that feed good bacteria to the gut, and vitamin D, protein and calcium for growing bones. It's certified organic and produced by pasture-raised cows who are fed an organic, non-GMO diet and are never treated with antibiotics or added hormones.
Available nationwide at select stores for $5.99; use the store locator at horizon.com to find your nearest location.
The veggie-packed baby food pouches from Cerebelly are carefully tailored to nourish baby's growing brain and body. Created by a neurosurgeon mom and a team of medical experts, the purees contain tasty ingredient combinations (such as carrot & chickpea; sweet potato & mango) that deliver protein, omega-3 DHA and the specific nutrients your baby needs for their age and developmental stage. Pick up a three-flavor variety pack at Whole Foods or sign up on the Cerebelly website for shipments every two weeks. On the site, you'll enter information about your baby's age and current developmental milestones, and Cerebelly will recommend flavors that can benefit your babe most. You choose what you like and whether you want 1-4 pouches per day.
Available at Whole Foods and cerebelly.com ($2.31-$2.89 per pouch).
Biodynamic, Organic Pouches & Applesauce from White Leaf Provisions
Environmentally conscious parents will love these new fruit and veggie pouches and applesauce flavors (apple + pear, apple + cinnamon) from White Leaf Provisions. The offerings from this family-run business are both biodynamic and organic. You'll feel good about the delicious snacks you're feeding your kids, as well as the recyclable packaging and earth-friendly farming methods.
Available at whiteleafprovisions.com, $17.94 for a six-pack of pouches and $7.59 for a four-pack of applesauce.
Yummy new flavors of baby food and hearty toddler bowls! Happy Baby Clearly Crafted Jars ($1.25), which feature organic ingredients and the name of the farms where ingredients are grown on each jar, now come in six new flavors: carrots; green beans; carrots & peas; pears & prunes; pears, pineapple & avocado; apples, mangos & beets. The company's Happy Tot Bowls ($2.99) are full of nutritious ingredients and contain no added sugar. The new flavors are: turkey bolognese with lentil pasta, mac & cheese with organic lentil pasta & veggie sauce, and cheesy lentils & quinoa with organic cauliflower & parmesan sauce.
Sprout Foods, known for creating nutritious and delicious food that helps kids get their veggies and other nutrients, is debuting new pouches and snacks for both babies and toddlers. The exciting new offerings include organic waffles, quick-dissolving teething wafers, purees made with organic bone broth protein, four toddler smoothies (made with either yogurt or coconut milk) and two pouches of plant-based protein.
This freeze-dried baby food is packed full of nutrients and other magic: It doesn't expire and is super compact and convenient for travel (even in a carry-on!). To serve, mix the powder with water, breastmilk, formula, milk or broth. Or, for older kids, add the powder to prepared meals to up their health factor. Choose from delicious and nutritious options with clever names, including: Smashing Pumpkins (Japanese pumpkins and carrots), Goldilocks Chicken Congee (millet, barley, koshihikari rice, chicken stock, celery, carrot, bok choy and Japanese pumpkin) and Under the Sardinian Sea (wild sole, Italian white beans, tomato, oregon, basil and avocado oil.
New in January 2019 are Stonyfield Organic YoBaby Veggie Yogurt cups in purple carrot and sweet potato flavors, as well as Kids Whole Milk pouches in new flavors apple cinnamon, sweet potato, and blueberry apple carrot. The baby yogurt cups include no added sweeteners and, like all of their products, are certified organic and free from artificial hormones, toxic pesticides and GMOs. Find the new lines at Target, Publix, Hannafords and many more retailers (find a store near you). Looking for something non-dairy? Try the brand's three new non-dairy fruit and veggie smoothie pouches, made with rich coconut cream as well as half a serving of fruit per pouch. The pouches are available at Whole Foods and come in tropical twist, strawbana smash and berry cherry blast flavors.
Bowls & Bites from Yummy Spoonfuls
Yummy Spoonfuls
Calling all toddlers! Even picky eaters will love the flavor combinations in these bowls (veggie beef, sweet potato & chicken, pinto bean & turkey) and bites (turkey & spinach, chicken & sweet potato, chicken & broccoli). And parents will love that they're nutritious, organic and packed with protein, grains and veggies. And, best of all, they're specifically designed for toddlers' developmental and nutritional needs and don't contain added sugars, artificial preservatives, additives or artificial flavors. Launched in November 2018, the line also features bigger bowls designed for kids age 2 and up.
Every new school year brings its fair share of jitters, excitement, and everything in between, but the span of emotions leading into this year are greater than ever. After a year (or more) of balancing virtual or hybrid school, many parents are dusting off lunchboxes and backpacks to send their kids back to school in-person for the first time in over a year. It’s a big deal. But, at least for me, with each new school supply purchased and each lunchbox packed, the nerves slip away and eagerness kicks in.
A new survey from Juicy Juice found that a staggering 95% of parents say they are excited to return to a sense of normalcy this school year after balancing remote school last year. And I’m one of them! So to celebrate the “yay” moments as I like to call them, I’m sharing some tips to help families stoke the positivity and set themselves up to conquer the school year ahead.
1. Be There for Your Littles
Heading back to school after a year of virtual or hybrid schooling can be a little intimidating for kids. Combat those back-to-school jitters with a little lunchbox note. It’s a great way for parents to inject some encouragement, confidence, and joy into the school day. It’s also a great way to stay connected and let them know you’re thinking of them during the day.
2. Go Easy on Yourself
Daily to-do’s don’t need to weigh you down. For example, don’t try to be the best chef when making school lunches. Lunchboxes can be easy and predictable! Stick with staples like a sandwich, some fruit and veggies, something salty and a maybe a sweet treat. Within these categories you can get creative. Maybe one day it’s turkey and cheese and the next day it’s almond butter with jelly. I give my son Juicy Juice 100% juice boxes because there are so many flavors to choose, it keeps his lunchbox interesting! The more you can simplify the tasks that you have to do multiple times a week, the lighter your to-do list will feel.
3. Leverage Your Resources
With so many children returning to school after a year or more of virtual education, you may notice some emotional difficulties with your child including some anxiety, social troubles, and attention problems. Your child’s school likely has a counselor or psychologist, so don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns. But don’t forget to get yourself some help too. Lean on the other parents in your class for support. Even create a parent group chat! As parents, we may feel out of the loop when it comes to the day-to-day activities and events that happen at school, so help each other stay in the know and connected.
4. Play Goes a Long Way
Now that kids are heading back to school, we’re spending less time together, so make your family time count by setting aside a special time where you really connect with each other and just play! Play is the natural language of young children. By playing with your kids without the distraction of your phone or mobile device, you’ll have meaningful conversations, learn what’s on their mind and maybe uncover any difficulties they may be experiencing. This can be just 10 minutes after school before homework, it doesn’t have to be a lot of time to make a big difference!
5.Connect with Others
Take advantage of that parent group chat and schedule some play dates. Connecting with other classroom parents and planning an outdoor play date with other kids who will be in your child’s classroom will help build (or rebuild) that sense of community for parents. For kids who’ve been in virtual school all year, this is a great way to familiarize them with their new classmates and practice some socialization skills.
Amber Kemp-Gerstel is the host of Disney Family Sundays on Disney+ and founder of Damask Love, a creative blog all about DIY. Amber received her Ph.D. in Clinical Child Psychology from Vanderbilt University and practiced as a pediatric psychologist for many years before shifting careers to pursue her passion for creativity.
There’s no better way to embrace a movie night than with popcorn. Whether it’s popped in the microwave or on the stove-top, this budget-friendly pantry staple can be dressed up to suit any occasion. Check out our favorite recipes below; you’ll find everything from the best popcorn seasoning to classic caramel popcorn and more.
Always a favorite with kids, this easy white cheddar recipe from The Suburban Soapbox will be a hit. With only three ingredients, even your tween can whip this up! Get the recipe here.
If you love the convenience of microwave popcorn but don't love all the artificial stuff that comes along with it, this recipe for homemade microwave popcorn from One Lovely Life is right up your alley! It still only takes three minutes, and there are a few great snack mix ideas like candy and seasonings you can try as well. Get the recipe here.
This classic baseball snack can be re-created at home in a snap with this recipe from Boulder Locavore. With peanuts, corn syrup and a lot of love, you can easily make a batch for your next movie night. Get the recipe here.
You no longer have to wait for a visit to the State Fair for a taste of churros. This popcorn has all the flavor of churro but none of the deep-fried guilt. It combines caramel, cinnamon, and sugar to make a delicious treat you’ll make again and again. Head to Everyday Reading for the how-to, plus top tips on popping the perfect corn.
Create a popcorn animal medley for your own little monkeys! This rainbow sprinkled popcorn, combines white chocolate and animal cookies for a recipe that will get the kids howling with excitement. The recipe comes from The Melrose Family via House of Yumm and is easy to make, looks magical and tastes delicious. Win, win!
Press pause on the remote, this popcorn cake is a showstopper! Dry cake mix and marshmallows are the key ingredients for this festive number. The recipe is open to variation depending on the cake mix you buy, head over to Taste and Tell for the how-to, plus tips on getting the perfect color to get this seasonal red velvet look.
Popped kettle corn and crushed Oreos with melted white chocolate? Yes, please! This cookies 'n' cream popcorn snack comes from Erica, the baking-obsessed dentist behind the blog, Erica's Sweet Tooth. The recipe couldn't be easier and has inspired some other popcorn varieties on her site, including funfetti, apple spice, and pink strawberry shortcake versions! Check out her blog for more.
If you want to cut down on sugar, popcorn makes the perfect savory snack. This taco version, from Well Plated, couldn't be easier. Just drizzle your freshly popped corn with melted butter and sprinkle with a spice mixture you can customize for little taste buds. A zest of lime brings this snack to life, and nutritional yeast or parmesan completes the cheesy taco seasoning.
This surprising recipe involves making a fruit-leather style tomato base that's ground up to make the pizza blend. Get the recipe at the Food Network plus tips on how to cook this up with the kids. The adorable presentation of this pizza popcorn suggests it could make the perfect neighborly holiday gift.
For a sweet and savory snack mix that can be customized with whatever you have on hand, try this combo mixing pretzel sticks, popcorn, and M&Ms. Colored candy melts are the key to the green sheen but pick whatever color you like for a party mix that suits your crowd. Get the recipe at Endlessly Inspired.
If you're a fan of the everything bagel, it's an easy leap to make this everything popcorn! With just a few pantry staples, like poppy seeds and toasted sesame seeds, freshly popped corn can be turned into a healthy savory snack—it even works as a crunchy topping for your dinner! Check out more tips and get the recipe at Flour Arrangements.
Nutella popcorn ... need we say more? The kids won't forget this indulgent combo that's the perfect snack for a crowd. Head to Remodelaholic for the how-to and some tweaks to the recipe depending on whether you like your popcorn gooey and chewy or with some pop and crunch.
Pair a bowl of s'mores popcorn with a summer blockbuster from your Netflix wishlist and it'll be like winter never arrived! This delicious combo will take you back to long mid-summer evenings by the firepit. Just raid the pantry for candy melts and graham crackers and finish off with a sprinkling of mini marshmallows. Find the recipe at Endlessly Inspired.
This recipe turns popcorn into a snack that works in front of a movie as well as in Monday's school lunchbox! These popcorn balls aren't loaded with sugar. Instead, they are made with high protein nut butter and brown rice syrup making them both nutritional and delicious. Head to Weelicious for the recipe.
Naturally sweetened caramel popcorn made with maple syrup and almond butter! This popcorn from Cookie and Kate promises to produce a snack that's healthy, vegan, and easy to make. The recipe uses almond butter, but any nut butter will work—like peanut or cashew —and produces a chunky and delicious snack.
