The berries were packed between May 28 and June 9 and you can identify a problematic package by the UPC code or the product lot code (see the FDA release for the full product lot code list). Four UPC codes are affected:
0 71430 01154 6
0 71430 01151 5
07143001150 8
071430011155 3
If you find a package with one of these codes in your home, discard it immediately. No other Dole products are affected by this recall. If you have any questions, you can call the Dole Consumer Center at 1-800-356-3111, which is open 24 hours a day.
Fortunately, no illnesses have been reported yet in association with the recall.
Healthy, homemade popsicles are a cool treat and a clever way to up your child’s intake of fruits and veggies. Keep them in the freezer for hot days, teething pain, sniffles and any other time your child can use a boost. Make extra; you’re going to want some too!
If you can't travel to Disneyland for a Dole Whip, these Vitamin C-rich popsicles are the next best thing. These pops from One Lovely Life are made with just two ingredients: diced pineapple and coconut milk, but you can add a sweetener like maple syrup or honey if you'd like (avoid honey for babes under age 1).
If you're introducing your child to nuts, these filling and flavorful popsicles are a great way to let them snack on almond butter in a baby-friendly form. Blended with yogurt and blueberries, they offer a nutritional boost along with kid-friendly flavors. Head to The View from Great Island for the recipe.
Superfoods for your super babe! Made with just blueberries, pomegranates and Greek yogurt, these super cute popsicles from Gimme Some Oven are tangy, creamy and sweet. Freeze them in Dixie cups to get this baby-friendly shape.
This fruit-sweetened frozen novelty is packed with protein and calcium. Mix them with your favorite berries (fresh or frozen) to create this picture-perfect, yummy treat. This recipe from Mama Papa Bubba uses medjool dates for sweetness, instead of honey, so it's safe for kids under a year old.
Babies get their daily dose of vegetables with these colorful popsicles. The Kids Activities Blog shares recipes such as Berry Red Veggie, Orange Carrot Mango and Lime Green Popsicles (spoiler: this one includes iron-rich spinach!).
These popsicles are full of calcium and vitamins, thanks to the yogurt, veggies and fruits. Kristin from Live Simply has created three popsicle recipes: Orange Delight (carrots, strawberry, mango), Green Dinosaur (spinach, bananas, pineapple) and Tickle-Me-Red (beets, strawberry, banana). If your child is under age one, swap out the honey for maple syrup.
Taste the rainbow with these beautiful frozen treats. There's prep work involved to blend and then layer smoothies in each of the rainbow colors, so save this one for a special occasion like a birthday or holiday. Get the recipe at The First Year Blog.
Here's a tasty treat for breastfed babes that also provides instant teething relief. Pour pumped breast milk into the cap of a pacifier (1 to 2 ounces per cap), then insert pacifier and freeze for 3-4 hours.
Strawberry & Yogurt Popsicles
Consider this a baby-fied version of the summer favorite strawberries with whipped cream. Full-fat vanilla yogurt replaces cream in this version and adds a little extra sweetness. Head to Pint Sized Baker for the recipe.
This green machine combines peas, spinach, Greek yogurt, banana and chia seeds for a powerhouse snack that includes vitamins A, C and K, magnesium, manganese and fiber. Head to My Fussy Eater for the recipe.
Kale has many health benefits, including a high amount of fiber that can aid your little one's digestion. Super Healthy Kids blends the greens with frozen berries to sweeten them up.
Hello, Wonderful shares four popsicle recipes that are sure to please your baby’s budding palette. Pro tip: To save on prep time, buy cold-pressed veggie juices to mix with your favorite frozen fruits.
It’s as easy at sounds, and endlessly customizable. Freeze your babe's favorite fruits for a treat they're sure to love. Slice larger fruits like pineapple and watermelon into long pieces. Keep smaller fruits like strawberries, mangoes, raspberries and bananas whole. Avoid dense fruits like whole grapes that could pose a choking hazard. If you’re feeling fancy, insert a popsicle stick into the bottom of the fruit so it’s easier for baby (or you) to hold. Freeze for 3-4 hours, and then enjoy.
Heads up if you have a peanut allergy in your household: Trader Joe’s is recalling its Dark Chocolate Almond Butter Cups (2-Pack) because it may contain peanut protein. The company made the announcement after reports of allergic reaction.
If you have a stash in your home, take a look at the date code to be safe. The following codes are affected:
SELL BY APR 05 2022
SELL BY APR 06 2022
SELL BY APR 07 2022
You can find the date code on the back of the package below the nutrition facts. If you have any affected package, you can return it to Trader Joe’s for a full refund. Contact the Customer Relations department for more information.
Summer means lots of adventures that are sustained by healthy, power-packing snacks. That’s why we’ve gathered up power bites that will be a hit with tiny tummies everywhere—and fuel the whole family on your next great adventure. Featuring energy-boosting ingredients and great flavors, these snack balls are easy to whip up for all your on-the-go needs. Click through our gallery to find the recipe you want to try.
When it comes to these Banana Bread Energy Bites from Running with Spoons, the magic number is five. There are just five ingredients and they take just five minutes to make—which all adds up to a quick and tasty snack for all your family adventures. Get the recipe here.
If your hiking snacks could use a bit of fall flavor, look no further than these Pumpkin Spice Oatmeal Energy Balls from The Healthy Maven. They’re made with pumpkin puree and are easy to customize for every pint-sized taste. Plus, they don’t need a food processer to whip up—sweet! Get the recipe here.
Nope, your eyes aren’t playing tricks on you. These Golden Raisin No-Bake Energy Bites may look like luscious truffles but they can definitely hold their own in the “healthy snack” category. Sporting natural sugars, healthy fats, omega 3s and fiber, these sweet bites can carry you through family treks, road trip munchies, and beyond. Get the recipe here.
What’s the best way to start the day? These Raspberry Coconut Breakfast Balls from Feeding Finn! These little bites of goodness have zero refined sugar and a healthy dose of protein via ground almonds. Plus, little connoisseurs will love that eye-catching color. Get the recipe here.
If you want to give your snacks a tropical twist, Peas & Crayons has just the thing: Key Lime Pie Energy Bites. Thanks to freshly squeezed lime juice, these bites are a cool combo of sweet and tart—and they taste oh-so-similar to Key Lime Pie Larabars. Get the recipe here.
Psst! Here's a little secret, courtesy of Love to Be in the Kitchen: you can get a fix of your favorite cookie in the form of these Monster Cookie Energy Bites. The kid-pleasing ingredients include peanut butter, chia seeds, honey, and mini M&Ms—which means that you’ll have to keep an eye on your little monsters to make sure these snacks don’t disappear all at once. Get the recipe here.
Here’s the scoop on these Cranberry Coconut Energy Bites from Life Made Sweeter: the irresistable sweetness comes from dried cranberries and bananas, they’re packed with protein, and toddler chefs can help make them. Plus, if you sub in gluten-free oats, these snacks can easily be a tasty gluten-free treat. Get the recipe here.
What’s up, Doc? These Carrot Energy Bites from Vegan Heaven feature a dream team of just five ingredients—including everyone’s fave orange veggie. They also check a lot of other snacktime boxes: vegan, sugar-free, nutrient-rich, and easy to make. We guarantee your wascally wabbits will love ‘em. Get the recipe here.
Good news! Eating Bird Food has cracked the snacking code with these Cherry Larabar Balls, which have the same great taste as their inspiration. They clock in at only 10 minutes of prep work and only require five ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Get the recipe here.
You may never look at quinoa the same once you try these Almond Quinoa Energy Balls from MJ and Hungryman. With a dash of figgy sweetness and protein via almonds and quinoa, these are just the kind of “smart snacks” that will see you through hikes, errands, and everything in between. Get the recipe here.
The genius of these Apple Cinnamon Cookie Energy Bites from Kristine’s Kitchen Blog is that they taste like cookies but have a whole lot more going for them: fresh apple, almond butter, oats, and cinnamon-y goodness. The only question is how long they’ll last. Get the recipe here.
Got a kiddo with a nut allergy? No worries! Lexi's Clean Kitchen has you covered with these delish Nut-Free Power Bites. These snacks are loaded with sunflower seeds and sunbutter, making them an awesome way to get a mid-hike protein boost. Bonus: they’re easy to mix up—no food processor needed! Get the recipe here.
The Bay Area is the mecca for adventurous eating, so why should the adults be having all the fun? From acai bowls to Indian burritos, it’s time to trade in the standard chocolate chip cookie for a macaroon at these local spots with little foodies in mind. Check out our favorite family restaurants for adventurous kids to get those taste buds talking.
Pacific Catch
Pacific Catch/Anna Marks
With a brand-new location that just opened up in Santa Clara, you have even more options for dining out with your family at Pacific Catch. Offering primarily seafood options, your family will love the fish tacos, lobster roll with fresh avocado and the family-style fresh catch entrees that take the guesswork out of what to order for dinner. The kids menu options include kid-sized versions of the popular fish and chips, coconut shrimp and California rolls. Non-fish eaters can opt for chicken strips or a teriyaki bowl with chicken as the protein. The Santa Clara location has ample outdoor seating and a fire pit for when the temps dip.
3315 Coronado Place Santa Clara, CA
11 locations across the Bay Area including Cupertino, San Francisco and Walnut Creek
With four Bay Area locations to choose from, there's likely a Jack's Restaurant near you. We love it for a family night out as the restaurants are totally family-friendly and the menu is full of food that kids will love. Take the kids on a trip to the Mediterranean with the sampler as a starter (pitas, hummus and tzatziki). Lamb meatballs are terrific for sharing along with the garlic oregano fries. Skip the traditional kid's menu choices and share a plate of the lamb chops that are perfectly sized for picking up and eating with your hands. To keep the Greek flavor going until the end, opt for the galaktoboureko for dessert. Layers of sweet phyllo pastry, semolina custard and apricot-orange blossom preserve will be just the bite you need to round out the meal.
Locations in Newark, San Bruno, San Mateo and Pleasant Hill Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner Online: ilovejacks.com
August (1) Five
Kate Loweth
The deep aromas of Indian food welcome you as soon as you walk in the door at August (1) Five in San Francisco. This modern take on Indian food is particularly kid friendly at brunch time when they offer a rotating menu of options like French toast topped with bananas and butterscotch and arancini. Both Chef Manish and owner Hetal's own children love the Poori Aloo, a potato stew, and the Veggie Appam, a savory, gluten-free pancake. It's location is ideal as it is right down the street from the War Memorial Opera House and open for dining before or after Nutcracker and SF Symphony performances.
524 Van Ness Ave. San Francisco, CA Hours: Brunch: 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Sat.-Sun. Lunch: 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Tues.-Fri. Dinner: 5 p.m.-9:30 p.m. Tues.-Sun. (open until 10:30 p.m. on Fri.-Sat). Online: august1five.com
SAJJ Mediterranean
SAJJ Mediterranean
Need something a little different to eat on family movie night? Check out SAJJ Mediterranean for a menu that’s healthy, filling and affordable for the whole crew with locally-sourced produce and hormone-free Halal meats. With their Feast for 4 deal, you’ll get falafel, chicken shwarma, salad, rice, hummus, tzatziki and pita bread for all of $30. With locations in SF, Mountain View, San Jose and Sunnyvale, you can pick it up on your way home and have dinner done.
4140 North First St. Suite #10 San Jose, CA Hours: Sun.-Thurs., 11 a.m-9 p.m & Fri.-Sat., 11 a.m-10 p.m Online: sajjstreeteats.com
The popular food truck serving Indian street food with a twist has several brick and mortar locations all over the Bay Area, and the décor is enough to want to hang out with the whole family. While the food choices can be a bit spicy for the little ones, the kids' menu is there to the rescue. The Bunty Burrito with paneer and Naan Pizza are top choices that are an instant hit, while grown-ups can snack on Sexy Fries and samosas. Can’t stay? Check out their Family-Style Meals To Go in Alameda and Oakland (for now).
1745 San Pablo Ave. Oakland, CA Hours: Mon.-Sun., 11:30 a.m-9 p.m Online: curryupnow.com
Mendocino Farms
Kate Loweth
This LA-based deli (and more!) is all the rage since it opened up its first location in Campbell and second in San Jose. The kids' menu is pretty standard, but the PB&J will probably be the best version of this sandwich you’ll ever have. Get your little ones to try something new like the beet side salad—you can grab samples of whatever sides look appetizing while you wait to pay for your meal. Aside from the delish menu, these people know what it’s like to eat out with kids by designing a kid’s corner complete with a mini table, chalk wall and Connect Four game. With the goal of building a place that the community can gather around, Mendocino Farms just might hit the spot. Read more here.
The Pruneyard 1875 S. Bascom Ave. Campbell, CA
Santana Row 3090 Olsen Dr., Suite 150 San Jose, CA
With a restaurant named “Thanks Mom” in Spanish and a dedication to love of the earth and the families that live in it, you almost have to visit, and it’ll be so worth it. This Mission Mexican joint is 100% plant-based, non-GMO and authentic. The interior décor takes you to a village in Mexico, while the food (looking at you guacamole) snagged some rave reviews from the Zagat national food reviewers. Try the quesadillas with pumpkin seed salsa and flautas with sweet potato and caramelized onions for a delicious take on vegan Mexican fare.
2211 Misson St. San Francisco, CA Hours: Mon. & Tues., 11 a.m-10 p.m; Wed.-Fri., 11 a.m-11 p.m; Sat., 10 a.m-11 p.m; Sun., 10 a.m-10 p.m Online: gracias-madre.com
Bumble
Mama bees looking for a place that doesn’t scream kid friendly but so is, look no further than Bumble. Its chic décor makes it an ideal spot for a mama’s brunch, while the playroom (available for a fee) and healthy kids' menu makes it all sorts of OK to bring the little ones. Mini pink waffles will match your grown-up portion, and the Lil B’ Plate makes it a point to include seasonal fruit and veggies. You can spend an entire afternoon here, but be sure to check the calendar for movie days and family nights.
145 First St. Los Altos, CA Hours: Tues.-Fri., 9 a.m-2 p.m; Sat. & Sun., 8 a.m-3 p.m Online: bumblelosaltos.com
For a healthy snack when the tummies are growling, head on over to Mana Bowls for take out. The Brazilian café is all about the super foods in a delicious way with acai bowls, smoothies and fresh juices. The peanut butter mango bowl is one of our favorites—acai sorbet and coconut base topped with granola and honey. The bitty bowls are perfect for the mini-me's and come with acai sorbet, bananas, strawberries, apple juice and granola.
1930 Sir Francis Drake Blvd. Fairfax, CA Hours: Daily 10 a.m-5 p.m Online: Manabowls.com
Think you can’t get a burger if you’re vegan? The founders of VeganBurg set out on a mission to change exactly that, and it has become one of the most popular vegan joints in the Bay Area, earning celebrity nods from Taylor Swift and Sir Paul McCartney. 100% plant-based and GMO-free, you can feel good about what you’re eating and how it impacts the environment. The Mini Meal includes a burger, fries with broccoli and a cookie. The other location is in Singapore, so we can rest easy that this one is located right here in the Bay.
1466 Haight St. San Francisco, CA Hours: Sun.-Thurs., 11 a.m-9 p.m; Fri. & Sat., 11 a.m-10 p.m Online: veganburg.com
Sunday supper is cozy and homey at this Piedmont neighborhood restaurant. Dishes change weekly and there is always a pasta dish (linguini with butter and parmesan cheese) made just for kiddos. For something more, they can indulge just like the grown-ups do with half-portion, half-priced three-course prix fixe dinners that include items like steak and eggs and cinnamon roll bread pudding.
For fast, casual, authentic Mexican food that’s more than a cheese quesadilla with beans, check out Panchito’s in North Bay. Here you can order classic favorites like carne asada and chile verde, with some pretty tasty chips and salsa on the side. Not only does the kids' menu serve up adult-sized entrees like Chile Relleno and tamales, they also feature a vocabulary key for bitty diners who want to try out their Spanish. De nada!
667 De. Gando Rd. San Rafael, CA Hours: Mon.-Fri., 11 a.m-9 p.m & Sat., 12 p.m-9 p.m Online: Panchitosrestaurant.com
Take the kiddos to Westfield Mall (next to Nordstrom’s) after some back-to-school shopping or before a movie at the Metreon for some yummy comfort food. Tap 415 has a cool vibe for both adults and kids with a thought out menu designed just for them. Classics include mac n’ cheese, cheddar burgers and mini corn dogs, but the seasonal mocktails and shakes are worth saving some room for.
845 Westfield Center, 4th Floor San Francisco, CA Hours: Mon.-Thurs., 11:30 a.m-9 p.m; Fri. & Sat., 11:30 a.m-9:30 p.m & Sun., 11:30 a.m-8:30 p.m Online: tap415.com
Foreign Cinema
The iconic SF restaurant draws the crowds every day, and although it’s a prime date spot, you wouldn’t believe it’s also seriously kid-friendly. The three-course prix fixe meal comes with chicken or steak, veggies, and pasta, and ends with an ice cream sundae while a feature film is shown in the background. Who knew a kids' menu could be so grown-up, but still add some fun with crayons and a coloring book?
2534 Mission St. San Francisco, CA Hours: Mon.-Wed., 5:30-10 p.m; Thurs.-Sat., 5:30-11 p.m; Sat. & Sun., 11 a.m-2:30 p.m Online: Foreigncinema.com
Fish sticks get a much needed upgrade with fish n’ chips at Yankee Pier. This East Bay restaurant is all about sustainability and their fresh seafood from “coast to coast” makes for one delicious meal. Kids' menu features shrimp cocktail, grilled salmon, classic clam chowder, and of course, fish n’ chips. For dessert, check out the house-made butterscotch bread pudding with whipped cream, enough for the table to share.
Calling all Indian burrito fans—this place is for you! The perfect lunch on the go, these burritos come with tikka masala, curried lamb and potatoes all wrapped up nicely in a flour tortilla. For the little ones, have them try a kid-sized version with egg, rice and yogurt. Although the menu is small, it packs a big punch when it comes to flavor. They have two locations in the city and offer catering for big events.
4001 18th St. San Francisco, CA Hours: Daily 11 a.m-10 p.m Online:Kasaindian.com
For casual Japanese food that you’ll actually want to visit with the whole gang, this Redwood City joint makes it easy to nosh on fresh sashimi while your kiddos explore mini portions of teriyaki bento boxes, tonkastsu bowls and ramen in soy sauce broth. The outside patio is nice to enjoy on a sunny day, and if naptime is near, all items are available for take out.
Healthy food backed by a physician gives us all the good-for-you feels. With locations in Palo Alto and Walnut Creek, True Food Kitchen is all about mingling nutrient-rich foods with flavorful combos for a meal that gives you the energy to chase those kids around for the rest of the day. Kids' menu items include almond butter, banana and apple sandwiches and chicken teriyaki bowls with brown rice and quinoa. Be sure to check out their brunch as well with yummy options of juices and smoothies, salads and grain bowls.
180 El Camino Real, Suite 1140 Palo Alto, CA Hours: Mon.-Fri., 11 a.m-9 p.m; Sat. & Sun., 10 a.m-9 p.m Online: truefoodkitchen.com
If you’re homeschooling your children by choice, or you’re doing so because of COVID-19 shutdowns, it’s a challenge. Homeschooling your children can be rewarding, but there are also a lot of things you have to overcome. One issue you may be facing is how to keep giving your kids healthy, nutritious snacks and meals while they’re spending so much time at home. The kids’ meals you feed your family, as well as their snacks, are what will fuel them to perform at their best level during their homeschool day, and the following are some tips and ideas.
1. Use a Meal Delivery Service
One option that can be convenient and perhaps a lifesaver, especially if you’re working from home at the same time as teaching or overseeing learning, is a meal delivery service. A meal delivery service will bring kid-approved, fresh, and prepared items right to your door. It eliminates the need to do meal prep, and if you go with a delivery service like Yumble, their items are specifically geared toward even the pickiest of eaters.
2. Create an Idea List
If your kids are a bit older and you want to take some of the work off your plate, you can create a list of meal and snack ideas, perhaps monthly or weekly. Stock the house with the items from that list, and then your kids can refer to it when they’re hungry. They can use it as inspiration to make their own meals and snacks based on what you have at home and what they’re in the mood for. You can make it part of your kids’ responsibilities to mark off any ingredient or food items that you run out of from the list, so you know when to replenish them.
3. Prep Snacks
You may already be meal prepping for lunch when you’re homeschooling, but don’t forget about snacks. Snacks are an important part of kids’ days and they fill-in nutritional gaps with items they might not get during mealtime. If you meal prep, make time to prepare snacks ahead of time as well. Packs of cut-up vegetables with dips are a good option, as are hardboiled eggs and muffins.
4. Get Inspired
The following are some ideas you can use as inspiration for lunch ideas when your kids learning at home:
Cheese quesadillas on whole wheat tortillas
Breakfast for lunch with things like scrambled eggs and pancakes
Mini pizzas on pita bread
Almond butter and jelly sandwiches
5. Choose Accessible Tools & Storage
Finally, when you’re making lunches and snacks for your kids during the homeschool day, there are some tools and storage containers that can make things easier. You can use mason jars to store items like soup, salads, or fruit and vegetables that you prepare ahead of time. Silicon muffin cups are a fun way to make dips accessible for fruits and vegetables. You can also use color-coded plates and Tupperware so kids can easily find the items meant for them.
"Rae is a graduate of Tufts University with a combined International Relations and Chinese degree. After spending time living and working abroad in China, she returned to NYC to pursue her career and continue curating quality content. Rae is passionate about travel, food, and writing (of course)."
Your holiday cooking just got easier! We’ve gathered up the best Instant Pot recipes that you can make in a flash for Christmas parties, Hanukkah gatherings, and more. From Instant Pot appetizers to delicious desserts, we have everything you need for a festive (and fast!) holiday meal.
This instant pot dish from The Kitcheneer screams fall flavors. Picture this: short ribs that are fall-off-the-bone good, cooked with dee-lish pumpkin mash. Get the recipe here.
Where has this cheesecake been all our lives? With caramel, apples, creamy vanilla, and cinnamon whipped cream, this holiday dessert is full of flavor and super simple, too. Get the recipe from Tidbits.
Are you crazy for kugel? This Old Gal (a primo resource for Instant Pot recipes) has a version you'll love! The classic flavors are all there, but it's extra simple to pull off with your Instant Pot. Dig in and get the recipe here.
Looking for a great addition to your holiday party? This easy Instant Pot appetizer (courtesy of Meatloaf and Melodrama) uses frozen meatballs and a few other ingredients. Lip-smacking good! Get the recipe here.
We have your next favorite holiday dessert, courtesy of The Lean Green Bean. With festive spices, french bread, and a bit of chocolate and almond butter to top it off, this treat will disappear faster than you can make it. Get the recipe here.
Hooray for ham that's done in 7 minutes! Oh So Delicioso has the hookup, with a recipe that has a sweet pineapple glaze and oodles of flavor. Plus, it pairs great with any holiday side dish. Get the recipe here.
This ultra-yummy bread from Tidbits is the perfect accompaniment to any holiday meal. Bursting with cranberries and pecans, it's got an extra healthy whole wheat kick. Get the recipe here.
Scalloped potatoes are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, which is why you should bookmark this dish from Crunchy Creamy Sweet. It will amp up any holiday dinner and be a hit with kids and grownups alike. Get the recipe here.
Psst! Not only is this pumpkin cheesecake easy to whip up in your handy-dandy Instant Pot, it also sports a unique granola crust. Creamy, crunchy, and no work at all--head to The Wicked Noodle for the recipe.
Need a holiday appetizer ASAP? Lexi's Clean Kitchen has you covered, with no-fuss Instant Pot hard boiled eggs and a deviled egg recipe that'll wow your party guests. Get the recipe here.
Make your holidays even sweeter with this yummy breakfast from Imagelicious. With a gooey cinnamon center and a vanilla glaze, these treats are the best way to start the day or get an afternoon pick-me-up. Get the recipe here.
Want to change up your usual holiday mashed potatoes? Boulder Locavore has just the thing. Think sweet potatoes, bacon, and...well, do we really need to say more. Get the Instant Pot recipe here.
When you’ve got a kid with allergies, Halloween is a unique challenge of its own. Navigating through piles of candy that your kiddo may or may not be allergic to is not the easiest task, which is why we’ve put together a list of candies and treats that skip some of the most common allergens, like tree nuts, gluten, soy and dairy. We hope it comes in handy both when buying candy and going through your little one’s haul, but remember: always check the ingredients list and manufacturing practices before letting your littles dive in!
Enjoy Life Chocolate Minis
Enjoy Life, a leading allergen-free food manufacturer, has released their latest treat—Halloween Chocolate Minis. Choose from dark chocolate, ricemilk chocolate, ricemilk crunch and a variety pack. All of the chocolate is free of the top eight allergens and is gluten-free.
Halloween can be tough for kids with food allergies. That's where free2b comes in. Their line of sun cups and mint cups are top 12 allergen-free, and free from artificial flavors, colors, sweeteners, preservatives, hydrogenated oils, palm oil and carrageenan, as well. The entire line is Non-GMO Project Verified, Certified Gluten-Free, Certified Vegan, Kosher Pareve and Fair Trade Certified.
Our kid tasters particularly loved the consistency of the filling in both the sunflower and mint options. Buy them in two packs or in Halloween-themed single packs for trick-or-treaters. You can purchase them online or at a store near you.
Black Forest Organic Trick or Treat Mix
Made with real fruit juice and simple ingredients, trick-or-treaters will go wild for this tasty mix from Black Forest Organic. It’s got a nice variety of lollipops, gummies and fruit chews, and they’re all gluten-free and nut-free.
Allergy-friendly food company SAFE + FAIR has an awesome line of kid-approved treats, including Abby’s Cookies and Remy’s Grahams. The treats are nut-free (and made in a nut-free facility), non-GMO and made with whole grains, so you’ll feel good about handing them out to the little ghouls at your doorstep. SAFE + FAIR even donates 3% of proceeds to the Sean N. Parker Center for Allergy and Asthma Research at Stanford University.
This cult-favorite brand carries a range of delish vegan and paleo chocolate bars in flavors so good, you won’t even want to give them away. Try the cashew butter and raspberry jelly, the crunchy mint or the almond butter and puffed quinoa. All of the bars are free from dairy, palm oils, emulsifiers, soy lecithin, gluten, refined sugar, cane sugar and sugar alcohols, but note that some flavors contain nuts.
Made from organic fruit juice and cane sugar, these sweet beans are free of over 10 allergens, including tree nuts, soy, casein, sesame and more. And, they recently released a new multi-pack—just in time for the big night!
Your kid can finally dig into a "peanut" butter cup, a "snickers" bar and "milk" chocolate on Halloween! These individually wrapped treats are milk free, nut free, gluten free and wheat free. They are also vegan, processed in an allergen-free environment and taste great.
Partake makes cookies in three flavors: a yummy (and slightly spiced) carrot oat, sweet potato millet and a wholesome sprouted grain chocolate chip. Thought up by a mom who struggled to find a tasty, allergen-free snack for her own kiddo, each box of cookies is filled with veggies, fruits, and grains, and is free of top allergens, including tree nuts, peanuts, eggs, wheat and more. Gluten-free and non-GMO Project verified, there’s nothing but goodness left in these sweet snacks.
Kids love Dum Dums for the more than 15 different flavors, while parents love the price! Free of the top eight allergens, and made in an allergen-free facility, these suckers are always a good bet. Be sure to look for the newest flavor—pineapple!
This year Welch's Fruit Snacks has a Halloweeny box and pouch with custom holiday-themed fun shapes that include a bat, a spooky witch, haunted castle, and pumpkin. These guys are completely peanut & tree nut free (and also made in an allergen-free/isolated environment) and perfect for trick or treating, lunchbox treats or parties. The fruity, beloved treats will balance out the overflowing chocolate and candy options for you and your gang.
Even though these classic treats are free of the top eight allergens and are produced and labeled in compliance with FDA Good Manufacturing Practices, kiddos with severe allergies still might want to skip 'em. But, if they get the green light from parents, we found a great combo bag that offers both Sour Patch Kids and Swedish Fish.
Annually a top pick: the name says it all. Lovingly made in small batches in Vermont, mail-order customers keep coming back for these incredibly delicious chocolates, creamy fudge, and every other candy you can think of! How about jelly beans? Check! Gummy Bears, crunchy-chewy Pretzel Caramel Bark? You know it. Everything is made in a tree-nut free facility (gluten/wheat, soy, eggs and dairy products are processed here, however), and worry-free seasonal candies can be shipped anywhere in the U.S.
Turn up the heat with these delectable, shiny, soft, allergy-free hearts. Zinged up with spicy real cinnamon oil and bursting with flavor, they're a throwback to the old-school cinnamon hearts from our own childhood. These little red guys are; "Hot! Hot! Hot!", and for calmer palates Gimbals' also has a complete line of other candies. Gimbal's candies are peanut-free, tree nut-free, gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free and egg-free and also include gourmet & sour jelly beans, Sour Lovers, Cherry Lovers, and black-as-Halloween-night Licorice Scotties.
Another one of the candy bunch you've already heard of, but did you know Smarties are free of all Top 8 allergens? These have been dubbed "America's Favorite Candy Roll" since 1949 and Smarties Candy Company has even been featured on the Food Network's "Unwrapped" television show with a fancy-schmancy factory tour so they're about as legit as candy gets. Allergy-free, gluten-free and completely vegan. Timeless.
So now you've met some of the new kids on the allergy-free block. Well: look no farther because here's a very familiar face! More than just Juicy Fruit or Spearmint gum, Lifesavers are delightfully allergy-free, the Gummy Life Savers and Creme Savers, too. Skittles & Starburst, oh my! Add Altoids to the allergy safe list, as well, and they're also gluten-free. So find the rainbow, taste the rainbow, and even ride the rainbow of favorite fruit flavors all while remaining allergy safe - and you can find these tasty treats absolutely everywhere.
If dark chocolate is your thing, look no further than PASCHA Chocolate's original assertive, tasty bars. This allergen-free organic chocolate is just right for baking and is such a great addition to recipes it will take your culinary skills to a whole new level (even if the Martha Stewart gene skipped you!). How about kitchen fun on an afternoon that won’t cause any bad reactions? Mail-order chocolate chips can get whipped up into sweet batters for cookies and bars, and whole or mini-bars can be nibbled any old time without allergy-worry—so get cookin' and take a walk on the Dark Side!
If something a little more exotic is on your radar for your next family vacation, Tahiti should be at the top of your list! With low-cost, direct flights on French bee available from SFO, it’s an easy getaway to another world. You won’t have the crowds of other island destinations and the kids will love learning some Tahitian and French phrases while you are on your tropical family vacation. Read on for the full scoop!
Have the Pool to Yourself
The island of Tahiti receives about as many visitors in a year as the Hawaiian islands receive in one weekend. So you can expect far fewer crowds and in general, a much less developed or touristy experience when you visit. This is especially evident when you head to the pool at your Tahitian hotel to find that you don't have to stake out a lounge chair before breakfast or jockey for a table at lunch.
One of our favorite Tahitian pool experiences is at the Manava Suite Resort Hotel. Just 15 minutes from the Papeete Airport, this hotel is a great option for families. Its massive pool has waterfalls, an infinity edge, a swim-up bar and gorgeous sunset views of the neighboring island of Moorea. In addition, you can swim and snorkel in the hotel's private lagoon as well as rent kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, jet skis and other water toys to venture out farther.
The hotel's suites are perfectly suited for families and we especially liked the two-bedroom duplex suite. It had two bedrooms and two bathrooms upstairs and a pull-out couch and kitchen downstairs. The ability to purchase your own groceries will help you significantly cut down on food expenses during your visit. Bonus: it's right next door to an awesome food truck location (read more below).
Taste the Local Flavors from a Food Truck
Have you ever noticed that you can get the best tips from your cab driver on your drive from the airport? Ask about where to find the local food trucks and you'll be in for a feast of tastes, sights and smells. You can find these in downtown Papeete and also near the Manava Suite Resort Hotel (turn left out of the hotel and walk a short distance along the road to find the gathering on the side of the street along the water).
Expect to find trucks selling poisson cru (fresh fish served with coconut milk and vegetables, very similar to poke), steak fries, pizza, chow mein and other local specialties in massive portions. A bowl of chow mein that's enough to serve four adults will run you around $12, a drastic savings from resort restaurant prices. For kids, find a truck selling crepes and they'll be in heaven. From classic combos like ham and cheese to sweet options like Nutella and banana, the options are endless.
Stay at a Private Island Resort
Tahiti is the largest island in French Polynesia and where you will fly into when you head there from the U.S. Other popular islands like Moorea and Bora Bora can be reached by ferry or flights on Air Tahiti.
For the ultimate private island experience, head to Le Taha'a Resort and Spa. To get there, fly from Tahiti to the island of Raiatea (around $300/adult, less for kids 12 and under) where the resort will pick you up in a boat to take you to your island paradise. In addition to traditional overwater suites (which can sleep a couple plus one child), Le Taha'a offers massive beach villas to accommodate families. These villas are right on the beach and have a private plunge pool, air conditioning, outdoor shower and tub, free WiFi and a huge bathroom. The Royal Beach Villa has even more space with a second separate bedroom and bathroom that would be great for grandparents.
Resort features include the best breakfast buffet you'll ever have (no joking), a swimming pool, tennis court and spa. Kids 12 and under eat free when ordering off the kids menu at all the on-site restaurants. Just down the beach from the pool you can access the coral garden where you can snorkel using equipment provided by the resort. Because the resort like most of French Polynesia is surrounded by coral reefs, you'll have very minimal waves and shallow water that's perfect for kids to wade in. Insider tip: Ask the concierge to set up a treasure hunt for the kids!
Vanilla and Pearls and Views
The island of Taha'a is the place to go if you'd like to learn about Tahiti's history selling pearls and vanilla beans. Terainui Tours can give you the full experience as you tour the island's pearl farms to see for yourself how the most beautiful pearls are encouraged to grow in the waters just off shore. Then head to a nearby vanilla farm to learn how it takes hand pollination and a number of years of care to get the delicious vanilla beans that are then dried in the sun.
If you're lucky, your tour guide will take you to a local home up in the hills with gorgeous views of the valley below. On a recent tour, we had the pleasure of tasting local delicacies like poisson cru, breadfruit and coconut water. Experiences like this where you get to meet local people will give you a great feel for the warm culture of Tahiti.
Black Sand Is Magic
For a beach of a different sort, head to the Tahiti Pearl Beach Resort on the island of Tahiti to enjoy the black sand of Matavai Bay. Located just a 15-minute drive from downtown Papeete, you'll love the relaxed tranquility that this hotel offers. Rooms include outdoor lanai balconies with water views and there are suites for families who need more room.
The hotel's massive pool is just steps from the black sand beach—look closely when the sun shines just right to see the golden sparkles in the sand. Dine in the outdoor courtyard or order a pizza to have delivered to your lounge chair while you watch the kids swim.
Don't pass up a chance to explore the hotel's rain forest courtyard in the lobby where the kids just might spot some massive snails or a gecko climbing a palm tree!
Learn About a New Culture
Take a break from the beach and spend some time touring Tahiti to learn a little bit about the culture of French Polynesia. You can take a Safari 4x4 to the Papenoo Valley to see waterfalls or a more leisurely Circle Island Tour to see some of the historical hot spots. Stops include landmarks such as Point Venus, Faaruumai Waterfall, Taputapuatea Marae and Maraa Fern Grotto. Kids will especially love visiting the Arahoho Blowhole and feeling the spray of the ocean!
Tahiti VIP Tours is a high-quality operator with vans that are large enough for groups and very informative guides. They are available for private tours and specialty services like helping you source an authentic ukulele to take home with you.
Waterfalls for Days
Don't miss out on visiting one or more of Tahiti's waterfalls while you are there. Book a tour that will take you on a half-day hike to some of the more majestic beauties or visit one that's right off the road for an easier option. We particularly loved the Faarumai Waterfalls as they were a quick five-minute walk from the parking lot and very impressive in height. They flow year round although they are more impressive in the rainy season.
Getting There with Ease—French bee
An airline that understands what it's like to travel with kids is key to getting off on the right start with your Tahitian adventure. French bee offers direct flights from SFO that will get you there in around eight hours and the price can't be beat. From $330/person one way to Tahiti, you can spend your vacation money on the vacation itself and not the flight.
Kids will love the free in-flight entertainment where they can play games or watch movies like Home Alone to pass the time in the air. They will also get a kick out of the external cameras where you can see what it's like for the pilots to land the plane. Bulkhead rows with bassinets are available for those travelling with little ones. Meals, baggage and drinks are extra so plan ahead and save yourself some money by packing your own snacks. Families are able to board early and the 3-4-3 seating arrangement means that you can all sit together once on board.
Tahiti uses the French Polynesian Franc (CFP). The Papeete airport has ATMs and a currency exchange to get you hooked up when you arrive.
If your hotel doesn't have WiFi or you will be traveling around the islands, you might want to consider renting a pocket router from Tahiti WiFi. You can pick it up from the Papeete airport and return it when you fly out.
Bring bug spray and reef-safe sunscreen. Mosquitoes are present in the inner part of Tahiti and on many of the other islands so protect your family with a good bug spray. You'll also want to make sure any sunscreen you bring along will not damage the reefs so look for ones that say "reef safe" or "ocean safe."
You'll need a power adapter for your electronics. We like this one as it packs up small and doesn't have parts you can lose.
—photos and story by Kate Loweth
Editor’s note: This trip was paid for by French bee, Le Taha’a, Tahiti Pearl, Manava Suite and Tahiti Tourisme but all opinions expressed here belong to the author.
Ah, snacktime. It’s our kids’ favorite time of the day, but for us parents, it can be a little more tricky. We’re always searching for snacks that are convenient for us, healthy for them and delicious enough to satisfy picky palates. Below, we’ve rounded up a bunch of new snacks that totally fit the bill, just in time for the back-to-school rush. Snacktime meltdowns are about to become a thing of the past—just scroll down to get the goods.
Fall 2019
Fruit Crunch Parfait
These new fruit parfait cups from Del Monte are perfect for anyone working with non-dairy dietary restrictions. The coconut creme has the creamy texture of yogurt, and the flavor is great. There's a full serving of fruit in each cup, as well as probiotic-rich crunchy granola toppings that are a hit with kids. They come in four flavors: Mango, Strawberry, Blueberry and Pineapple Coconut.
If you need a little crunch but want a healthier option than what you'd normally find on a supermarket shelf, try the new bean chips from Beanfields. Offered in flavors like cheddar sour cream and Himalayan pink salt, they satisfy your savory cravings and also pack in the protein with every bite.
These high-protein snacks are great for after school or before sports. They come in two different combos: Super Cheesy (crispy cheddar cheese and almonds) and Really Ranchy (crispy gouda cheese and pecans). Each pack has 9g of protein (but just 3g of net carbs).
For a snack that tastes like dessert, but is much more healthy than an actual chocolate bar, turn to TRUWOMEN Protein Bars. These delish bars (we tasted them ourselves!) are 100% plant-based and made with all-natural ingredients like almonds, brown rice, cassava flour and cashews. All bars are totally vegan, gluten-free, soy-free, non-GMO and kosher, with the minimal ingredients listed on the label. Choose from flavors like Daydreaming About Donuts to Saltylicious Almond Love to Oh Oh Cookie Dough.
You've likely already tried a few of the other flavors by Harvest Snaps; these veggie-based snacks are a great crowd pleaser and an excellent alternative to potato chips. The newest flavor, a sweet and smoky, Southern Style BBQ will give you that BBQ chip fix with way less sodium, fat or preservatives.
An after-school snack that is packed with protein but not packed with processed "mysterious" ingredients? Alpha Foods plant-based snacks like these nuggets fooled were happily gobbled up during a playdate with a vegetarian kid and a meat-eater, all without complaint.
Nothing says fall like pumpkin spice and this new bar from Bobo's will hit that PS craving for a snack that is low in fat and sugar. Approved by three finicky third graders, too.
As a parent, at some point you start to think "aren't all fruit bars the same?" We were suffering from fruit-leather overload and tried Pure Organic's Layered Fruit Bar in Pineapple & Passionfruit and realized we'd been doing fruit bars all wrong. These are packed with flavor, all natural, gluten free and low cal. They're absolutely delicious.
These crunchy little snacks come in bar and bite-sized and are the perfect alternative to those mounds of cheese crackers full of ingredients you can't pronounce. Because these babies are very straightforward: they are literally just baked cheese! Super low carb and high protein, all you KETO moms might just be snagging these for yourself.
It has finally happened. Our pickiest snacker devoured a protein bar without being cajoled. PAW Patrol Luckybar Protein Bars have more protein than two eggs. They have low carbs, no fillers, gluten or preservatives. And they taste great! We loved all the flavors, including Crazy Coconut and Chocolate Campfire. This is the jackpot of protein bars! Find them at luckybar.com or your fave grocery store.
bare Baked Crunchy Medleys
bare snacks
You might already be familiar with bare snack foods and their array of baked veggie and fruit snacks. The new kid on the block this school year are the Medleys. We loved the apple strawberry combo. .
A great alternative to a sugary after-school treat, SmartSweets Gummy Bears (and Sour Gummy Bears) are every bit as delicious at their sugar-ladened counterparts. Which means you can still satisfy that craving without blasting them with sugar.
Once Again Amore Organic Hazelnut Spread with Milk Chocolate Squeeze Packs
Looking for an alternative to Nutella or an on-the-go treat that isn't packed with tons of sugar? These little squeeze packs from Once Again (makers of nut butters galore) are so good we actually used them not-overly-sweet icing for sugar cookies.
These little stars are packed with yum power (seriously, we had to hide them from ourselves so the kids could try them) and they're packed with protein, too. Each serving has 6 grams, a lot more than your average snacky cracker, made with non-GMO ingredients, real cheese, and no artificial colors or ingredients. We also liked the Mixed Berry Yogurt crisps.
If you're looking for a snack bar that's filled with good things like peanut butter, dark chocolate, coconut and more, then Kate's Real Food bars are going to check all the boxes on your list. Made with organic non-GMO ingredients as well as all-natural honey, they are not only wholesome but taste great too. The newest flavor is lemon coconut, but there five other combos to pick from as well, including dark chocolate peanut butter and mango coconut.
Swap out those sugary crispy treats for something healthy! Made with farm-fresh blueberries, Smashcrispy Blueberry Crumbles are made in a nut-free facility, are naturally gluten-free and made with non-GMO ingredients. They pack just the right amount of sweetness, without being overly sugary.
You can shop blueberry and all the other flavors at Instacart.com.
Simple Mills Almond Flour Crackers
Simple Mills
There are a lot of gluten-free products out there and it's no surprise that some of them just don't hold up. So it's pretty rare to find a snack that is gluten-free that 1) the entire family loves and 2) tastes better than 99% of the other crackers out there, gluten or no gluten. Simple Mills crackers are made with almond flour, sunflower seeds, flaxseed and cassava, which means they actually have three grams of protein per serving. While the crowd favorite was Rosemary & Sea Salt, they have a variety of other flavors including Farmhouse Cheddar and Fine Ground Sea Salt snack packs perfect for fall lunches.
When you think of a coconut-based snack you might not always think of a savory. PRANA's Hula Salt & Pepper coconut chips will change that! For those times when you don't want to dole out the Lays, but something salty and a full of (good) fat is in order, these little snacks are packed with a crisp flavor. Mom approved (and also consumed).
How do you get your kids to eat enough protein but also not wrinkle their noses up? You give them a protein bar that is maple syrup flavored. Not only is this yummy little bar organic it's got eight grams of protein. While we acknowledge some kids don't like nuts and seeds, this little bar just might change their minds. They are also soy and dairy-free and have less than six grams of sugar per serving. For anyone who has ever nearly chipped a tooth on a Kind bar, this bar's for you!
Want your kiddos to eat their veggies but know they need a little motivation? These delicious veggie snack packs from GAEA may be your solution. Choose from carrot, cauliflower or gherkin (or one of their many olive varieties you may already be familiar with). Packs are resealable, nut-free, gluten-free, low-calorie and resealable. The snack packs are shelf-stable, which means they don't require refrigeration before eating and are also free of preservatives.
For busy days and hangry kiddos (we’ve all been there!), Nature’s Bakery has the perfect solution. Their Oatmeal Crumble Bars are packed with 14 grams of whole grains and three grams of fiber, ensuring that your little one will stay full for hours on end. They’re made with an open-top oat bar filled with real fruit jam and topped with a crunchy oat crumble and come in three flavors: strawberry, apple and cherry.
34 Degrees Sweet Crisps in Cinnamon, Lemon, Vanilla or Chocolate
34 Degrees
For a healthier alternative to a cookie or other treat, Sweet Crisp offers a variety of flavors including Cinnamon, Vanilla, Chocolate and Lemon. These wafer-thin treats are like round little discs of something between an ice cream cone consistency and a cookie. They're lower in sugar than most kids treats and make an excellent little snack to get your fix. Crowd favorite around here were the cinnamon, but it was a hot debate.
Sometimes you just need a little boost of protein—and honestly, those chalky protein powders and drinks are just not appealing, especially for kids. That’s why we love these tasty Chicken Snack Sticks from Mighty Spark. They’re made with chicken free from MSG, antibiotics and hormones and have up to 6 grams of protein in each serving. Check out their unique flavors: black bean & chipotle, BBQ seasoned sweet potato, sea salt & pepper, honey & jalapeno and cranberry & ginger.
Bobo's There With Care Limited Edition Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bar
Bobo's
Bobo's has teamed up with There With Care to donate $5 from every box sold of these Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Oat Bars. There With Care provides support to families facing critical illness, helping to provide fundamental services necessary to keep a family together during a medical crisis. Not to mention, these delicious, soft snack bars make the perfect after-school, on-the-go boost your kids will love. They were even approved by a finicky eight-year-old.
You’re probably familiar with Justin’s line of nut butters and snacks (those peanut butter cups are to die for!). This summer, they’ve upped the ante with their newest product, Almond Butter Covered Almonds. They’ve got 3 grams of plant-based protein per serving, making them a perfect after-school snack.
Fueling up on the go is easier than ever thanks to Rowdy Prebiotic Foods. Their new Blueberry Almond Tart Bar is the perfect quick snack, made with antioxidant-rich blueberries, creamy almond butter, and their signature natural sweetener, yacon root. All of their bars are free of dairy, soy and gluten, are low-glycemic, paleo-friendly and 95% organic.
Learn more (and check out the other flavors) at rowdybars.com.
Kellogg’s Nutri-Grain Kids
Nutri-Grain
If you’ve got a picky eater on your hands, then these new, bite-sized Nutri-Grain Kids are an essential item to keep in your pantry. They’re available in three kid-pleasing flavors (apple, strawberry and grape) and the ingredients are parent-approved too. The filling is made with real fruit, and there’s no high-fructose corn syrup or artificial flavors. They’re also a good source of whole grain and pack in plenty of vitamins and minerals.
It’ll be love at first taste with Nature Nate’s honey. Their raw and unfiltered honey is made by North American bees, and now it’s available in convenient packets that are perfect for slipping into lunchboxes or enjoying as an after-school snack. Drizzle some onto a nut butter sandwich, add it to ants on a log or blend it into a smoothie—the sky’s the limit with this awesome alternative to processed sugar.
Siggi’s Icelandic skyr is already super delicious, but they’ve taken it to the next level with their newest release, Simple Sides. It has their signature 2% skyr (if you haven’t had it before, it’s similar to Greek yogurt and also packs in a ton of protein) on one side, and the other side has a complementary topping. Vanilla yogurt is paired with almonds and dried cherries, honey yogurt goes with dried figs and walnuts, and apples, almonds and oats get sprinkled on vanilla and cinnamon yogurt.
Spice up snack time with these tasty new crackers from Back to Nature. Their Cracked Black Pepper Harvest Whole Wheat Crackers are free from hydrogenated oils, high fructose corn syrup and artificial preservatives—and they taste great too. Stack ‘em up with cheese or nosh on them all by themselves. Plus, check out their wild Kale & Sea Salt Crackers, which are just as green as you’d imagine, with pieces of real kale inside. We’ll take anything to get more veggies on our plates!
Happy Tot Organics Superfood Bars are nutrient-dense fruit and oat bars that are made for busy toddlers and families. Containing 350 milligrams of omega-3s (ALA) from flaxseed and three grams of fiber, these bars boast zero grams of added sugar and are naturally sweetened with real organic fruits! You can find from plenty of major retailers nationwide and choose between two flavors: blueberry and oatmeal or strawberry, sunflower butter and banana.
If your kids dig Fritos, but you want something a tad bit healthier, turn to RW Garcia's new Organic Yellow Corn Chips. They're the first snack company ever to receive Non-GMO Project Verification, which is basically the gold standard for affirming that a product contains no GMOs. Besides being tasty, the chips are made in a facility that is totally peanut- and tree nut-free, which is awesome news for any families dealing with those allergens.
When is a raisin not a raisin? When it's a vine-dried grape, aka a revamped raisin from Life's Grape. It might not sound like that big of a deal but for anyone whose ever tried to pry that last chunk of hard, dry raisins from a box, hear this: these are superior raisins!!! Every one is plump and sweet and our editor's finicky eight-year-old gobbled them up a lunch-sized packet and asked for more. We can't wait to use them in baking, too!
Square Organics latest snack packs a serious protein punch: both the Peanut Butter Protein Crispy Bar (with flavors like Vanilla Crunch, Toasted Coconut & Dark Chocolate Chip) and chocolate-coated Organic Protein Bar (Cookie Dough, Nuts & Sea Salt and Peanut Butter) have a whopping 10 grams of protein in that yummy little square. They literally last for hours and make that perfect after-school-before-practice-snack.
Enjoy your Honeycrisp year-round thanks to Tree Top's new organic Honeycrisp dried apple slices. You'll love that there is only one ingredient in this flavorful snack: Honeycrisp apples. Tree Top sources their apples from Pacific Northwest orchards and its new product comes in a convenient 20 oz. resealable pouch. Available now at Costco (check your local Costco for details with prices varying by location).
Whether your kiddos are anti-crust or you're just trying to give them extra healthy ingredients, Ozery Bakery's Morning Rounds will be a hit. They are made with real fruit and grains that contain 5 grams of real fruit, 7 grams of whole grain and 2 grams of fiber. Toss in lunches or toast up for breakfast, these tasty snacks are so good your littles won't even realize they're healthy!
Chocolate as a snack, you say? This isn't your ordinary candy bar. PRANA offers up "superbarks" made from fair trade chocolate and key ingredients. The PRANA Chia Balance—dark chocolate bark with caramelized coconut & probiotic chia—is not only incredibly delish, but it is also nutrient-dense with pumpkin and sunflower seeds, probiotic chia seeds and is even a great source of fiber. There's even 4g of protein in a serving. The Maca Power version—dark chocolate bark with corn flakes, almonds and maca—provides sustained energy with 4 g of protein, ancient grains and maca, which has a positive effect on memory, energy and mood. There are seven barks to choose from.
Looking for a healthier lunchbox treat that is actually more delicious than a traditional, sugar-packed cereal treat bar? Made Good's Caramel Crispy Squares and Strawberry Crispy Squares are divine. They are free from nuts and other common allergens, including peanut, dairy, egg and soy, so they are totally safe for school lunches. Sweetened with cane syrup and made with brown rice crisps, these delicious snack bars might make their way into mom or dad's own lunchbox, too. They also come in Vanilla and Chocolate Chip.
Next time that dessert craving hits (for you or them) reach for a Yasso Frozen Greek Yogurt Snack Buddies Bar, a new line of kid-sized Greek yogurt bars that debuted March 2019. Dairy-based, Yasso's Snack Buddies offer 25% less sugar than the leading novelty and 10% more protein. It's packed with live and active cultures, and no high fructose corn syrup or high-intensity sweeteners. Eight perfectly kid-sized bars come in each box with new flavors: Mint Cookie Chums, Strawbuddy Lemonade, Fudge Space Chip and Party Animal.
Shop here or get yours at retailers like Target, Publix, and more.
Kids know best when it comes to what tastes good so it's pretty awesome that Kashi's newest snack, Organic Super Food Bites, was dreamed up by a team of kids. They're not only tasty but good for you, too. They're packed with superfood ingredients like coconut flour, chickpeas, açai and sweet potato, and include 10g of whole grains and three grams of fiber. Choose from two flavors: Mixed Berry and Chocolate. These peanut-free snacks come in handy pouches, which make dishing them out on-the-go easy peasy.
Sans artificial ingredients or fillers, Truth Bars will give your kiddos their daily dose of prebiotics and probiotics. Choose from five flavors: Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch, Mint Chocolate Chip, Chocolate Almond Crunch, Chocolate Raspberry Coconut and Dark Chocolate Coconut. Gluten free, non-GMO, kosher and a max of five grams of sugar per bar, this is one snack you and the kids can feel good about.
For kids with allergies, finding a bar that actually tastes good and is safe can be a challenge. These delicious new breakfast bars from one of the most trusted allergy-friendly food companies are sure to be a win. Free of gluten, wheat, dairy, soy, sulfites, lupin, fish, crustaceans, tree nuts, peanuts, casein, egg, shellfish, sesame and mustard (phew!) you might wonder what actually in these bars. With four types of "purity protocol gluten-free oats" and lots of whole grains, they come in a variety of yummy flavors including Apple Cinnamon, Berry Medley, Chocolate Chip Banana and Maple Fig.
One word to the wise: they are more crumbly than other breakfast bars we've tried, so be prepared if you plan to eat on the go!
New to January 2019 is 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, free from artificial hormones, toxic pesticides and GMOs.
The snack bar company co-founded by actors Kristen Bell, Ryan Devlin, Todd Grinnell and Ravi Patel has just launched a new kids’ bar, and they’re delicious. Made totally school safe (no nuts, dairy, soy or gluten), the new flavors include Chocolate Chip “Dino”-Mite, Rockin’ Straw-beary and S’more Blast, and each bar is Non-GMO Project Certified, Gluten Free, and Kosher, plus they’re made with clean ingredients and only have 5g of sugar per serving. And, that whole life-saving thing? With every box purchased, a child in need will receive a meal.
We’ve always loved the quality of cereals and baking goods from Bob’s Red Mill, so we were thrilled to hear the employee-owned company was debuting a line of kid-friendly snack bars in five different flavors. Inspired by some of your favorite childhood snacks, these bars are filled with wholesome ingredients like organic honey and peanut butter, plus they’re filled with fiber and protein to keep little bellies full longer. New flavors include Peanut Butter Jelly & Oats, Peanut Butter Chocolate & Oats, Peanut Butter Coconut & Oats, Peanut Butter Apple Spice & Oats and Peanut Butter Banana & Oats.
This new company makes products free of the top eight allergens, so you’ll be able to toss one of their new snack bars into your kid’s lunch box or share with friends with no worries. We especially love that each bar is filled with pumpkin and sunflower seeds, which means each bite is packed with extra nutrients and antioxidants. Choose between pineapple and raspberry.
Ready for the cleanest, tastiest, most nutritious on-the-go snacks? Perfect Kids offers trusted, quality ingredients with a cookie-dough-like texture and taste. Each bar also delivers seven grams of whole food protein and eight Superfood veggies.
What’s better than instant oatmeal? How about warm and ready in minutes spoonable muffin! These plant-based muffins are loaded with Superfoods and protein. They’re available in Banana Nut, Blueberry, and Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip.
Your kids’ favorite lunch is now an on-the-go snack. These peanut butter and jelly single-serve snack packs come in four different flavors including Almond Butter and Raspberry.
Introducing Pop Chips that are convenient, delicious, and guilt-free made from chickpeas and rice that are the perfect addition to any meal or snack. Each box comes with 4 bags of Cheddar, 4 bags of White Cheddar, and 4 bags of Apple Cinnamon Squeaky Pops.
The Complete Crunchy Cookies are bite-sized, plant-protein packed, contagiously crunchy cookies available in classic flavors such as Chocolate Chip, Double Chocolate, and Cinnamon Sugar. Each 1.25oz pouch is packed with 6 grams of plant-based protein and four grams of fiber, while the 4.25oz resealable bag that delivers 20 grams of protein and 14 grams of fiber.
Available at Lenny & Larry, $20.20 for 1.25oz, 12 pack
Quinn Pretzels
These pretzels are whole grain, gluten free, non-GMO and yummy! They come in Classic Sea Salt Pretzel Sticks and Twists along with Touch of Honey Pretzel Sticks, and the newest flavor—Deli Rye Style Rods.
Keep them going strong with a snack that packs a nutritious punch! We love Jif Power Ups Chewy Granola Bars because they are super-yum and have 5 grams of protein in each bar. They come in a variety of flavors including Chocolate with Peanut Butter and Peanut Butter Banana and are a kid-approved by our own editor's son who gave them "two dancing thumbs up." Check out also the Jif Power Ups Creamy Clusters, too, for a super easy on-the-go snack with staying power. Even Neil Patrick Harris agrees.
The bars are $5.99 for 5 and the clusters just $2.99 a bag. Shop them at Jif.com
Keep your kids fueled up for recess with thinkKIDS's new protein-packed bars. These bars have a whopping 45% less sugar than most granola bars out there—just 4 grams of sugar per serving, plus 7 grams of protein, plus they're made without icky stuff like high-fructose corn syrup and artificial colors. The kid-friendly flavors include Vanilla Cupcake, Cinnamon Sugar Cookie, Cookies 'n' Cream and Chocolate Chip.
Not down with dairy? Check out Kite Hill's dairy-free yogurt tubes. These vegan snacks are made with almond milk, fruit and live active cultures. Choose between two yummy options: sweet Wild Berry or Strawberry Banana. Pop them in the fridge or freezer for a smooth, creamy treat.
GoMacro's protein bars are packed full of good organic stuff. Three new flavors of the vegan bars, each with 10 grams of plant-based protein, are ready to feed hungry hordes. Blueberry and Cashew Butter will please the fruit lovers out there and Dark Chocolate + Almonds offers a cocoa fix. Parents will want to keep the Mocha Chocolate Chip ones all to themselves—the bar gives a caffeine boost equal to half a cup of coffee.
