Handy Low-Sugar and Low-Mess Snacks

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These low-sugar and low-mess snacks are kid friendly. They are perfect for when you need a snack on the go. They are also quick snack options for when you are snack mom.

I’m normally a ‘make everything from scratch’ kind of mom.  I enjoy cooking and geek out on nutrition and healthy lifestyle stuff.

Every once in a while though, I run out of time and energy and turn to prepared snacks.

Somehow I ended up as the snack mom for my son’s recorder concert.  I signed up for it a few months in advance, back when I had plenty of energy.  As the school year dwindled down, so did my energy level.  By the time the night of the recorder concert arrived, I had no energy to bake for 30+ kids.

Instead, I ran to my nearest Costco and grabbed a few snack options.  Even though I was short on energy and time, I didn’t want to fill my cart with complete junk. Kids are growing and need good nutrition.  I also like our music teacher too much to get all the kids hyped up on sugar right before their musical performance.

I came up with a list of low-sugar and low-mess snacks that are still reasonably healthy.  When I am short on time these are my go to kid friendly snacks.  I call these snacks low-mess instead of mess-free because kids can make a mess with just about anything.

My children do not have any food allergies, but I try to keep group snacks nut-free because there are so many kids that do struggle with allergies.

These snacks are great for traveling too.  They won’t promote a sugar high/crash cycle and they will keep your car or plane reasonably clean.

These low-sugar and low-mess snacks are kid friendly. They are perfect for when you need a snack on the go. They are also quick snack options for when you are snack mom.

Low-Sugar and Low-Mess Snacks

Popcorn  – This popcorn is crunchy and lightly salted.  It is delicious.  I have seen it at the grocery store in family-size bags, but I like the individual bags.  Smaller individual bags provide a natural portion limit.  My kids like to eat this when they are watching a movie on planes or long car rides.

LesserEvil Himalayan Pink Salt Organic Popcorn, Premium Quality, Minimally Processed, No Vegetable Oil, 0.46 Oz, Pack of 24
  • 24 PACK: Contains 24 snack-size (0.46 oz) bags of our organic popcorn; At just 50 calories per bag it’s a satisfying snack that makes the perfect…
  • A handful of popcorn, a handful of ingredients; Just organic popcorn, organic extra virgin coconut oil, and Himalayan pink salt; No random vegetable oil…
  • We air pop the most tender butterfly popcorn making it lighter and fluffier than other pre-popped popcorn; Tumbled in coconut oil and sprinkled in…

Last update on 2024-03-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Cheese Sticks – Cheese sticks are a great way to get your kids to eat a little protein and fat.  They come in many different varieties. I have one child that prefers the colby cheese sticks and another that prefers mozzarella.  Once you know the type your family likes, you can buy them in bulk at Costco.  Just make sure you bring a cooler bag and ice pack for the cheese sticks if you are going to be out and about.

Apple Slices – My kids seem to love apples more if they are sliced.  It is definitely more cost effective to slice apples at home, but when I am really sort on time I buy them pre-sliced.

Chia Pouches – These chia pouches are loved by my entire family.  I like that they are full of vitamins, minerals, and fiber.  My kids like that they are tasty.

Mamma Chia Squeeze (4 variety pack), 3.5 Ounce (Pack of 12)
  • Each Squeeze contains 1200 mg of Omega-3s, protein, antioxidants and more blend of fruits
  • Only 70 calories; no added sugar – Perfect on-the-go anytime chia seed beverage
  • USDA Organic, Non-GMO Verified, Gluten-Free & Vegan

Last update on 2024-03-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Natural Applesauce Pouches – Applesauce is sweet enough on it’s own, so I recommend always buying the ‘natural’ or ‘no sugar added’ variety.  The pouches are a great choice when you don’t want to deal with the hassle and mess of a dish and spoon.

Mott’s No Sugar Added Applesauce Variety Pack, 3.2 Oz Clear Pouches, 20 pack
  • WHATS INSIDE: 5 No Sugar Added Mixed Berry, 10 Original No Sugar Added and 5 No Sugar Added Strawberry applesauce pouches
  • 100% REAL FRUIT: Made from real, high-quality apples with no sugar added
  • GREAT TASTE: Packed with ripe apple flavor, Mott’s No Sugar Added Applesauce is a delicious and healthy snack to enjoy at home or on-the-go

Last update on 2024-03-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Nut-Free Trail Mix – It can be tough to find nut-free trail mix unless you make your own.  We have found one brand that uses only seeds and dried fruit.  This is great for taking on planes.  Even though we do not have a nut allergy, we try to be considerate of those that do.  A plane seems like the worst possible place to have an allergic reaction.

Enjoy Life Seed & Fruit Mix, Peanut Free Trail Mix, Soy Free, Nut Free, Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Non GMO, Vegan Snack Mix, Beach Bash, 6 – 6 oz Packs
  • Contains (6) 6 oz packs each of Enjoy Life Beach Bash Seed & Fruit Mix
  • Tree nut and peanut-free seed mix contains dried fruit and seeds for a delicious blend of flavors and textures
  • Allergy-friendly tart and tangy snack mix is free from 14 common allergens including peanuts, tree nuts, dairy, and soy

Last update on 2024-03-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Veggie Straws – Veggie straws are really not a super healthy snack.  I think of them as a potato chip alternative.  They are a fun treat every once in a while though.  Costco has the giant party size bags, but these individual size bags limit portion size.  We would not open a second bag, but wouldn’t think twice about grabbing another handful from a big bag.

Sensible Portions Garden Veggie Straws, Sea Salt, Snack Size, 1 Oz (Pack of 24)
  • No trans fats, no artificial flavors and no preservatives
  • Made with Non-GMO ingredients
  • Gluten Free

Last update on 2024-03-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

What are your favorite low-sugar and low-mess snacks?  Help other parents by sharing in the comments!

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