I’m sorry, but life is not “like a box of chocolates,” because if it were, then each bite would be sweet and probably not last more than 10 minutes in my hands (especially if they were filled with caramel). Life, perhaps, is more accurately depicted as that Jelly Belly BeanBoozledⓇ game where you have to spin the dial and manage through your pick—barf, juicy pear, spoiled milk, lime, rotten egg, coconut, etc. Not every experience in life is “strawberry” and “peach.” Some days are just plain “spoiled milk” and “moldy cheese.”
Yes, every day is truly a gift, on both the good days and the ones that feel like a “booger” pick. Whether you spin the dial and life lends you a sweet or foul hand, each moment is a small part of your vast journey in experiencing, feeling, learning, growing, and then back again. Reflecting back on my likely relatable lessons learned in each stage of life, I have received both the tasty and foul jelly beans, too. That is why I feel the need to share this account of my personal rainbow of flavors that I have tasted in each stage of life.
“Coconut” childhood Always trust your instincts and speak up when you need to, right away. Don’t ever feel less than anyone. You are important, smart, and worthy. When you start writing and publishing your first works of poetry, let nothing stop you. You are boundless with possibility if you truly want it. When school work starts to get you down, find a different way to study and learn. Your will to succeed and effort are far more important than the score. Do your best always, and that will be good enough.
“Barf” note to self: When you don’t like your dinner, don’t think you can fool your parents by hiding your bites in a napkin or pushing the food into really small but very tall piles. They always know!
“Tutti-Frutti” teenage years Even when your body doesn’t change as quickly as your friends’, it will happen. Stop rushing it and give it time. Let your full personality bloom to others. Don’t measure yourself so much by school scores and exam results. True success comes from your determination and passion to succeed in what you love—not from a number.
“Stinky Socks” note to self: Please stop picking any zits. Your skin is beautiful and will self-heal—so hands-off—and take out any stress through your writing, not on yourself. When you look back at this time later, you will really appreciate your flawless skin.
“Chocolate Pudding” college life Love yourself more and criticize less. Stop wearing makeup, you don’t need to hide behind a layer of foundation. Wear that bikini with pride—no stretch marks, cellulite, stretched-out skin, or wrinkles yet—and stop worrying about that thigh gap! Your financial struggle will bring out the greatest work ethic and inner strength that you will carry always. You will find a way to pay for school, a car, living expenses, and manage to save a bundle, all while taking a full load of classes and two internships. This work ethic is more valuable than the schooling itself, so stop worrying about the scores and keep pushing on.
“Rotten Egg” note to self: After you discover $5 pizzas, freshman year, and your dream guy asks you on a date, DO NOT squeeze into those black corduroy pants! You will regret bending down. Buttons will pop and tearing sounds will haunt you. He’ll still marry you, though, shameless appetite and all.
“Caramel Corn” career Follow your dreams and don’t settle. Even if you don’t get the job you were hoping right away, don’t stop until you do what you love. The money will come when you don’t give up—work hard and plan your dream into reality. You are worthy, so don’t ever let any manager speak down to you, ever!
“Dead Fish” note to self: You don’t make a good first impression by going cross-eyed and bobble-head sleeping during your first Board of Directors meeting. Your boss WILL take a picture. Get more sleep!
“Strawberry Banana Smoothie” marriage Don’t worry about everything being perfect on your wedding day because the unexpected will undoubtedly happen. Enjoy every second of your special day, soak it all in, and wear flats instead of those fancy high heels. Marriage is incredible and also takes work. Be honest and respectful always. Never go to bed angry. Stop being so stubborn, and admit when you’re a pain and apologize. Don’t forget to keep it hot—less flannel pyjamas and more slinky things, even on “fat” days. He always thinks your sexy, so stop worrying about that post-broccoli bloatation.
“Baby Wipes” note to self: When tensions rise, feed him or let him nap immediately! The hungry and tired combo is lethal.
“Peach” pregnancy Being pregnant is awkward, uncomfortable, tiring, nauseating, and also such an incredible and miraculous blessing. Enjoy every second, because when you’re truly done having kids, you’ll know it—and then you’ll feel old. After each baby, don’t self-shame over your awkward figure for a while. Your body will need time to heal and your emotions time to settle before you get the proper portion and over-carbing issue in check. Give yourself a full year to get back into your pre-preggo body. When it’s time to have each baby, don’t be stubborn—listen to your body and your instincts. Sometimes, your intuition is far greater than a nurse’s or doctor’s assumption.
“Toothpaste” note to self: You don’t need to eat the entire cake, the scale doesn’t lie.
“Berry Blue” mom Being a first time mom is hard. You will be so tired. You will have a hard time asking for help. Sleep more and recharge. You are NOT a machine. Don’t over-sanitize everything—pass around the baby more. Stop micro-managing and let others find their own way. Opinions are just that, opinions—take them or leave them. Don’t use pantry-prowling and shovelling food in your face as an excuse for a break. Remember that when your child melts down, don’t crumble with her. Be the calm in her storm. Be the confident and compassionate one until the dark clouds clear. It is the only way. When the kids argue, let them. Don’t always try and fix everything, it is not your battle. Give them the tools to repair, heal, and step away. Learn from them, as they have so much to teach you.
“Skunk Spray” note to self: Enjoy bringing your baby to the supermarket because when they’re all in school, you won’t have anyone to blame when you pass gas.
“Lime” back to ME time Having a free moment once all kids are in school will feel strange and will take some time before you stop looking over your shoulder or automatically opening all of the car doors every time you get in or out of the minivan. Take the time to find yourself again. Pursue your true dreams in the few hours you have—you will be surprised by how fast it happens. Wear your body like a badge of honor—you did create four miracles with it. You are not perfect and don’t need to pretend to be. Be real. Be honest. Be selfless and kind, and teach your children the same. They are always watching. Don’t live with guilt or regret. Do what you love and show others how much you appreciate and love them. “You are your own perfect imperfection.”
“Booger” note to self: Really try and get more sleep because your wide-gapped mouth will appear both frightening and morbid when you fall asleep in the passenger seat or airplane. Even though it’s the law of gravity, people WILL stare, take pictures, point, and laugh.
Enjoy the journey and keep learning. Even in the moments that may taste like “canned dog food” or “lawn clippings,” you never know what you’re going to get.
Take every moment with patience, open-mindedness, and willingness to understand—and always remember to laugh, hug, and find thankfulness in any situation.
Remember, it’s not about the flavor of the bean that your dealt with, but rather the experience, the laughter, and the company that makes it all worth while during the game.
Ruthi Davis is a the Founder of Ruth Davis Consulting LLC with over two decades of success in advertising/marketing, media/publicity, business development, client relations, and organizational optimization for a variety of clients. Ruthi is a proud mom and influencer in the parenting and family market as founder of the Superfly Supermom brand.
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.
Convenience rules. Between work, carpool, preschool pick-up, soccer, dance class, karate, story-time, grocery shopping, finding your toddler’s other shoe and everything else that happens daily, you just don’t have time for those little extras. Don’t stress mama. With these creative solutions it looks like a few major brands want to make every parents life easier—in the kitchen.
So forget about the hard work (or any work at all, for that matter) and check out these not-so-much-effort-required products.
Mac & Cheese in a Can
No time to boil water? Heinz’s Mac & Cheese in a can is here to take the sting out of that obnoxious wait time. While the product isn’t exactly new, you can stock up on the dinnertime essential on Amazon that boasts a creamy cheese sauce, and would likely make a great camping meal.
Is stacking a marshmallow, one piece of chocolate and two graham crackers together just way too much work? While sandwiching the sweetest part of a s’more may seem like child’s play (pretty literally), it looks like the makers of Stuffed Puffs chocolate-in-the-middle marshmallows might not agree.
Forget about crinkling up your own candy bar to top your kiddo’s ice cream sundae. With Butterfinger Bits and Buncha Crunch, you can add extra sweetness with a simple pour. Add if opening a box of Nerds is too much of a time-suck, you can simply pour out the dessert toppers!
Yum in a bowl! Dole’s Spoonable Smoothies are here and they make breakfast (or a snack) super-crazy-easy. With Strawberry Banana and Pineapple Banana flavors, now you can make your very own on-trend smoothie bowl—without having to mix, blend or do anything more than lift a spoon.
Just as you had mastered lunch and backpack packing for the school year, they go and change it up on you. Now it’s time for summer camp and you’re back at square one: what do you tuck in their backpacks for day camp? Here are seven unique items you may not have thought of, and the best places in LA to find them.
photo credit: Jenn Fujikawa
Your camp will provide you with a list of food and specialty items to bring (swimsuits, tennis racquets, ipads or riding gear, for example), but take a peek at our list of unique items or amazing local shops that stock basics, and your kiddos will be the most prepared and happy kids at any camp. And don’t forget to label everything that you want to have come back home!
A Specialty Backpack
No matter what kind of camp or the length of the day, every camper needs to bring along at least a water bottle, sunscreen, snack (for if they don’t like what’s being served) and a fold up hat. A lightweight backpack is perfect for the haul. Remember to get the smallest one you can that will fit all their gear—a bag that’s too big often means kids won’t want to tote it along and won’t have gear handy when they need it. Adventure 16 is one of our favorite LA spots to go backpack shopping because they offer a wide range of packs from small sizes for junior campers, to backpacks with built in hydration systems (no lost water bottles, hurray!).
Tip: Have your kids try on the backpacks and walk around the store, that way they get they get a good feel for carrying around a pack.
Wen Kids Apple Detangler Spray
If camp activities include water sports or activities, campers with long hair might find themselves with a tangled mess for the rest of the day. Wen Kids Detangler Spray is easy to apply, leaving silky hair and a sweet scent. Even if your little Rapunzel starts the day in braids to avoid this scenario, we’ve learned that they often come undone (intentionally or not). LA Stylist Chaz Dean has loads of experience seeing kids with LA hair, which means lots of tangles from pools and the beach, and these sprays not only do the job, the scents like apple (our favorite) watermelon and strawberry banana, keep kids spraying.
Hang Ten SPF 50 Kids Mineral Sunscreen Lotion Our little beach bums know all about protecting themselves from the sun’s rays. Summer camp means more sun time than usual and in summer’s stronger rays, so extra protection they won’t protest is a must. Hang Ten’s Mineral-based sunscreen is a must for tiny ones with allergies or sensitive skin so they can have all the outdoor fun without the worry.
Tip: Hang Ten’s formula is non-greasy which is a plus for little ones who don’t like to get their hands dirty. It’s available in many local stores, and always in stock at the Manhattan Beauty Center.
Manhattan Beauty Center
1006 Manhattan Ave.
Manhattan Beach
Online: hangtensunscreen.com
photo credit: Jenn Fujikawa
Customizable notebook
You may wonder why a notebook is listed on the packing list for camp essentials; it’s because unless they’re in computer camp, tech-dependent kids will have to break their screen addiction and go back to pen and paper. Electronics aren’t allowed at many camps, which means quiet time will be filled with reading, writing and drawing.
The MUJI store in Santa Monica offers a personalization station where you can customize products with provided stamps and art supplies right there in the store. Customizing a journal allows for quick identification amongst the other little camper’s supplies, and also makes is special, which means it will get more use!
MUJI
2936 Main St.
Santa Monica
310-566-8345
Online:muji.com
Disposable Camera
Kids these days are all about their phones but cell phones are often another tech no-no at camp. You’ll have to go back to the stone age and get a one-use disposable, but it doesn’t have to be frumpy. This ultra cool one-use camera has a fun added twist of adding prints and backgrounds to your photos, making it the hippest disposable on the block.
Tip: Buy more than one camera. It takes kids a while to realize there’s not an unlimited amount of shots, like with camera phones.
Hiking Boots
True, you may have signed them up for sewing, cooking or computer camp. But for lot of us city folk, summer camp is a great time to expose the kids to nature and a camp with lots of outdoor activities. Unless your family regularly hits the trails every weekend, most likely your kids don’t own hiking boots. Rugged terrain and the possibility of wildlife is a great excuse to invest in a good pair of boots, and then you’ll use them all year on family hikes. The Skechers Outlet in Gardena offers a wide selection of styles for your little adventurer and it won’t break the bank.
Tip: Head to the clearance rack in the back, you can find shoes up to 70% off.
Kindercone Sleeping Bag
Ok, maybe you’re not sending them to sleepaway camp (or maybe you are!). But lots of camps have a late night or one sleepover night option. Summer is also a great time to do a family sleepover. And outdoor movie nights can get cold. While the weather in LA is perfect all year round, the desert climate means that temps drop sharply at night, and we’re often not prepared. This kid-friendly sleeping bag is insulated for all weather conditions and lets you adjust the bag’s length as your child grows. It’s a great staple to have for summer camp, sleepovers and for that day when they do finally go to sleepaway camp all summer long… (please, not too soon!).
Tip: The Kindercone has a pillow pocket sewn into the lining for more room to stuff extra clothing or a comfortable pillow.
Available at REI. REI has stores in Santa Monica, Manhattan Beach and Arcadia. Check the website for locations and hours.
Online: rei.com
Where in LA do you shop for essential camp supplies? Got any tips on surprise extras to tuck in their camp backpacks?
The next sunny morning or evening you find yourselves hungry, thirsty and somewhere in the vicinity of St. Johns, get yourselves down to the food cart pod on N. Lombard. This foodie haven is not only driven by breakfast sandwiches, cheesesteaks, pies, burgers, Mexican and Thai food, but it’s also a a hive of family activity with ample indoor and outdoor seating, a fire pit and freshly brewed beer served in Mason jars. Read on to discover why you should check it out.
photo: N Lombard Food Cart Pod by Suzie Ridgway
The Layout
An array of long, red picnic tables with umbrellas invites large parties and smaller groups alike to sit together while they enjoy their consumables. A large, tented porch, named St. Johns Beer Porch sits in the center of it all. Tunes from the tent can be heard all over the pod. The beer porch houses a bar that doles out brews by Captured by Porches. People walk around with their jars of beer and their dogs on leashes while the kids run around.
photo: N Lombard Food Cart Pod by Suzie Ridgway
The Food Trucks
The Grind Coffee: If you get in between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m., you can grab a hot cup of coffee or a fresh juice smoothie, like Fennel Kale Apple Ginger or, a kid pleasing Strawberry Banana Orange. Prices range from $3.50 to $6.
Farmfood: Breakfast sandwiches on croissoints, hard rolls or gluten-free bread are served all day long, from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Pickier kids may gravitate to The Bare Minimum, with fried organic eggs, Tillamook cheese and bacon. They have plenty of dinner options, as well, like Amazeballs, a dish with meatloaf, bacon and organic greens, and their Farm Food Mac, for lunch or dinner. It comes rounded out nicely with a side salad and bread. $4.50-$9.50.
Paiku: This mobile cart serves breakfast all day, too. Biscuits and gravy, anyone? Their menu features an omelette du jour as well as a a Mini Brunch with 2 eggs, a biscuit and a salad. For lunch or dinner, grab one of their chicken, vegan or Easter pot pies an Italian pie with chopped salami, ham, provolone, parmesan and a hard boiled egg. They also have sweet pies and soft baked cookies for that after dinner treat. $2-$7.
photo: Che Cafe by Suzie Ridgway
Ché Cafe: You want French toast, bacon and eggs for dinner? It’s all yours. This cart has breakfast all day, as well, and they do up a hearty dinner, with food items including a half-pound Bubby Burger, pulled pork sandwiches, a barbecue chicken sandwich, sake mac ‘n’ cheese and creamy tomato basil soup with grilled cheese. $4-$9.
Chowdah: If you’ve been looking for an incredible Philly cheesesteak, this is your spot. In fact, Chowdah’s cheesesteak was recently rated #7 on Thrillist’s top Portland sandwiches, and for good reason. The artisan roll is piled high with house-shaved Angus beef and your choice of red peppers, onions, mushrooms, salami and housemade cheddar cheese. For vegetarians, there’s also the Build Your Own Grilled Cheese with five cheeses and four breads to choose from, as well as extras, like bacon, avocado and ham. They also have thick, creamy New England clam chowder made with 2 types of Atlantic clams, and other tasty soups, too, by the cup, bowl or quart. $3-$7.
Thai Food: This simple food cart is very clear in communicating what it offers with food photos on the side of the truck to make ordering easy. Here, you’ll find crispy rolls, Thai fried rice, yellow curry and Teriyaki chicken with rice for the masses. $5.95-$6.95
El Burrito Mojado: At the back of the food cart pod sits a white Mexican truck that does a brisk business with its reasonably priced plates, huge burritos and tacos made from soft, corn tortillas, filled with marinated pork, chicken or shredded beef for$1.50.
photo: St. Johns Beer Porch by Suzie Ridgway
Captured By Porches: This bar lives inside the St. Johns Beer Porch heated tent (depending on the weather) and the music Music is pumping from the enclosed St. Johns Beer Porch. . Families are welcome to sit in this space. Familes can sit outside at the picnic tables, around the fire pit or inside the tent, where a unmatched tables and booths create a comfy environment. The rust-colored Captured By Porches bus creates one full wall of the tented area with several beer taps affixed to its side.
Bruce’s Sausage Meats: Also inside the beer porch, to the right of the bar, and part of the bus, is a step up window for ordering savory dishes, like roasted pork belly on a ciabiatta roll with grilled onions, greens and pepperocini, Daphne’s sweet pepper and coconut soup or a pulled pork sandwich. $9.
Insider’s Tip: Kids running around and dogs on leashes are welcome and, although most of the food cart pod is surrounded by low-walls, there are a couple of spots that open to the sidewalk on busy N. Lombard Street. So, be sure to keep an eye on those lightning-quick, smaller children. Also, don’t forget to pop next door to the Kruger’s Farm Market to buy your farm-fresh produce before heading home.
It’s okay to just say “no” to chicken nuggets. In fact, some restaurants encourage it! With more and more chefs paying attention to their youngest clientele, you can find kids’ menus that go way beyond the basics. For a place the whole family will love, try one of these local restaurants, where choices for little ones are thoughtfully designed to be approachable and delicious. Who says four-year-olds can’t appreciate burrata?
Pop a Pot Sticker … at Urbanbelly
Instead of a burger, try the burger dumplings for kids at Chef Bill Kim’s Asian fusion spot. The beef and cheddar pot stickers are familiar flavors to ease kids into eating with chopsticks. The chicken noodle soup with thick udon noodles, crispy chicken and mild broth is another dish both adults and kids will appreciate. Maple-glazed mini donuts and PB&J soft serve are sure hits for dessert. Head there early (right when it opens at 11 a.m. for lunch, and around 5 p.m. for dinner) for the best chance at a table and a relaxed family dinner before things really get bustling.
Frog Legs for First-Timers … at Moe Joe’s
It’s Mardi Gras every day at this festive Cajun and Caribbean restaurant that pushes kids to explore new meat options — of the amphibian variety. Frog legs and cheesy mashed potatoes or alligator nuggets expand the palate from plain chicken, although those are available too. A Krabby Patty sandwich is made from a secret recipe straight from the Bayou. Reward members of the clean plate club with Mardi Gras beads. Maybe a family trip to New Orleans is in the cards?
24033 W. Lockport St.
Plainfield
815-230-2790
Online: eatmoejoes.com x
An Intro to Charcuterie … at Bread & Wine
This neighborhood gem welcomes kids with a “nibbles for little ones” menu — and a coloring book and crayons, to boot. Two of the options are named for the owner’s daughters’ favorite foods: Stella’s penne with house-made red sauce and Parmesan, and salad à la Lily with a selection of seasonal veggies and vinaigrette. Kiddies can try charcuterie too, with the pork, garlic and coriander house-made kielbasa, adapted from the adult menu.
Ooh, La, Crêpes for Junior … at Crêperie Saint Germain
Kids can build their own organic whole wheat crepes here — both savory and sweet. Pick three ingredients of your choice from a list that includes Nutella, Chantilly cream, bananas, ham, mixed vegetables, shredded cheese, tomato fondue and more. You might want to institute a eat-what-you-order rule if anybody gets the bright idea of mixing ham and whipped cream. This authentic French joint has live music on Saturdays and encourages patrons to show up wearing berets (cute photo opp alert!).
Brunch That’s Way Beyond … at Allium
The Four Seasons has always been known for catering to its youngest clientele, and that extends to the food and beverage options. Kids get their own menus along with crayons and a colorful activity book and parents will be thrilled with the nutritious options. There’s steamed edamame and fruit kebabs with yogurt dip along with an epicurean mac and cheese with Wisconsin white cheddar and house-made macaroni. For brunch, kids eat a three-course meal just like grownups, starting with root beer or a kiddie cocktail, crudité and yogurt push-pops, and a selection of entrees including brioche French toast bites and breakfast sliders.
120 E. Delaware Pl.
Gold Coast
312-799-4900
Online: alliumchicago.com x
Salads They’ll Dare to Eat … at Freshii
A kids’ menu just debuted the fast-casual chain with six options for $4.99, including a kung fu brown rice or rice noodle teriyaki bowl with chicken, broccoli, edamame, carrots and crisp wontons. There are also cheesy chicken quesadillas, a strawberry banana smoothie with low-fat frozen yogurt and a super kids salad with broccoli, romaine, spinach, aged cheddar and ranch dressing. With more than 16 locations in the city and suburbs (including Oakbrook and Rosemont), this is a great alternative to fast food when you’re on the go.
Downtown location:
835 N. Michigan Ave.
Gold Coast
312-202-9009
For additional locations, go to freshii.com
photo: Frontera Grill
Not Your Everyday Tacos … at Frontera Grill
Kids can have chips here, but they will be house-made tortilla chips served with guacamole or salsa for dipping. A lighter appetizer might be a little gem lettuce salad with fresh cheese or jicama, pineapple and cucumber with fresh lime. Just like adults, this menu for guests eight years and under encourages children to try multiple courses. Young foodies might not be satisfied with frozen quesadillas and taquitos after tasting the Mexico City-style quesadillas oozing with Chihuahua cheese and crispy taquitos filled with smoked chicken and topped with sour cream and Mexican cheese.
445 N. Clark St.
River North
312-661-1434
Online: rickbayless.com x
Graham Cracker Pancakes? Yep … at Max’s Wine Dive
A place with “wine” in the name doesn’t sound like a kid-friendly spot for brunch. But don’t be fooled. Saturdays mean cartoon-themed brunch with items like a s’mores-inspired Scooby stack of graham cracker pancakes and pepperoni pizza bagels. Kids can dress up their orange juice with colorful candy instead of champagne and the whole family can play games like Hungry Hungry Hippos, Connect Four and Rock’em Sock’em Robots.
1482 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Wicker Park
773-661-6581
Online: maxswinedive.com x
Walleye Pike for Wee Ones … at Inovasi
Head to downtown Lake Bluff for gourmet cuisine at an affordable price. The kids’ menu here is divided into little kids and big kids, for smaller and larger appetites. Toddlers can eat wok-fried rice with chicken and soy sauce or walleye pike with whipped potatoes. Older kids can try steak and slow-cooked BBQ pork. To reward good behavior and clean plates, everyone can have warm chocolate chip cookies for dessert. To discourage electronics at the table, the restaurant gives kids plastic Link ‘n’ Locks assembly kits to make cars, planes and other scenes while they wait patiently for their food.
28 E. Center Ave.
Lake Bluff
847-295-1000
Online: inovasi.us
What’s the most adventurous thing your kiddo has ever eaten? Let us know in the Comments!
By the end of summer, all your hot weather go-tos are feeling a little stale. If you’re looking for a fun alternative to the same-old blended and iced beverages you treat your kiddo to during those quick runs to the coffee shop, you may want to consider something different: boba. Kids love it because the straws are super-size and it’s chewy and slurpy and icy. Bubble up to the boba bar at the best spots in town for a tapioca treat.
photo credit: Meghan Rose
I Love Sweet Tea
Referring to themselves as “Miracle Miles Premium Boba Bar Café,” indecisive kids and parents alike will be able to appreciate the friendly staff at I love Sweet Tea. Not only are they happy to elaborate on the various menu selections but they’ll even let you sample flavors.
Sip this: The Taro Milk Tea and if you want to sneak in the greens, try their “Mighty Avocado.”
Make a note of this: Consider coming for an after dinner treat. During the week between 6 and 8 p.m. if you purchase one beverage you get a second for 50% off.
318 S. La Brea Ave., Mid-City LA
Phone: 213-290-4832
Online: ilovesweetea.com
Boba Studio
Boba Studio is a hip “studio” located in close proximity to the Beverly Center. They boast a menu that features flavored milk and ice teas, smoothies and slush. What better way to end a day of shopping than with a special treat to enjoy on the way home (especially if you’re taking the 405!).
Sip this: Melon lovers will love the honeydew smoothie. Or stick with a classic blend and get strawberry banana and add fresh strawberries on top.
Make a note of this: This place is cash only; however, they do have an ATM.
8474 W 3rd St., Mid-City LA
Phone: 323-951-0847
Boba my Tea
Known for their generous portions by way of “super sized” boba cups, Boba my Tea offers more than just boba tea. They also specialize in frost drinks and frappes. Customer favorites include their variations of Milk Frost with Wild Honey boba and the Cookie and Cream Frap. (They also have a Red Velvet one that is delicious – and a pretty color.) And don’t worry – boba can be added to any of their drinks.
Sip this: Milk Frost with Carmel, House Pudding and Wild Honey boba – all sweet ways to get kids to dig a new treat.
Make a note of this: Boba my Tea is located near the Cal State Northridge Campus which means sometimes it can get pretty crowded. Fortunately there is seating inside and on the patio outside.
Cafe Home
Patrons love this place for their Dole Whip but long before that, they made their mark serving boba. Located in Koreatown, Cafe Home is a great place to stop at and grab a drink before heading to a local museum or to sip while you wait to eat at a neighboring restaurant.
Sip this: There’s tons to try, but you can’t go wrong starting with their Chai and Milk teas.
Make a note of this: This place can get crowded, as they allow people who order from The Boiling Crab to dine there with a drink purchase. But if you’re looking to order a drink to-go on the double, you can order from the counter located in the back.
Fruttino
This place offers a variety of frozen treats, among them Bubble Tea Slush. In addition to regular boba they also offer “boba poppers” which is a juice filled boba ball. And if savoring a tasty boba filled drink isn’t enough they also have games and puzzles on hand to keep littles occupied.
Sip this: Thai Bubble Tea slush or the Watermelon slush – a tasty summer treat.
Make a note of this: There’s limited seating here but if you can snag a seat, order your drinks and stay and play a quick game. “Guess Who” anyone?
CoCo Fresh Tea & Juice
This Boba (aka “pearl”) franchise has locations across the globe. Known for a more customizable experience by making it possible for customers to indicate how much sugar (allowing you to curb the sweet factor for kids) and ice they want, CoCo Fresh Tea & Juice offers a nice selection of milk teas, lattes, slushes, smoothies and traditional teas.
Sip this: It only seems right that a place called Coco Fresh would have a chocolate drink. The Chocolate Coco is a must try for a kid who prefers their milk with chocolate. Just don’t forget the boba!
Make a note of this: There is often a line but regulars report that it tends to move fast. There’s also a $10 minimum if you want to use your credit card.
11301 W Olympic Blvd., West LA
Phone: 310-312-8937
Online: coco-tea.com
Boba Truck Café
The Boba Truck Cafe reigns supreme when it comes to boba. While they don’t offer the smoothies and fraps that many other places do, they have perfected their milk and regular teas to have just the right amount of sweetness. Even so, if it’s not to your liking they will happily adjust it for you. The regular size is perfect for newbies and kids.
Sip this: The Original Milk Tea is a classic flavor with just the right amount of sweetness. Or, opt for the Candy Apple Green Tea, great for kids who love to sneak sips of your Green Tea at the sushi bar; this one is kid-kosher and delicious.
Make a note of this: If trekking to Winnetka feels a little out of the way, then check out their website to find out where the Boba Truck will be. It’s their café on wheels.
Half and Half Tea Express
Another place with wide sized cups (car cup holders beware), Half & Half Tea Express is known for their Honey boba and great tasting teas and iced milks.
Sip this: Strawberry lovers will enjoy the Iced Milk with Strawberry and Honey boba
Make a note of this: Grab a reward stamp card (after 10 your drink is free) and remember to bring cash as this place is cash only.
