4 Crave-Worthy Snacks

These on-the-go snacks hit the sweet spot of being crave-worthy and kid approved!

Heading on an outdoor adventure? Don’t forget to pack a snack (or two!). These on-the-go snacks hit the sweet spot of being crave-worthy. Plus, they’re all kid-approved! So whip these up, pack them in your favorite (reusable) to-go containers and serve em' up al fresco.

No-Bake Cashew Cookie Dough Balls

These cookie balls are delicious and take minutes to make. Bonus? They’re packed with protein to help you stay full when you’re on the go!

1/2 cup almond flour

1/3 cup cashew butter

1 tsp. vanillaPinch of salt

3 tsp. mini chocolate chips 

  1. Mix ingredients together.
  2. Roll into small balls with your hands.

Enjoy right away or refrigerate. I like to eat them when they are slightly chilled.

Better-For-You Chex Mix

Chex mix is classic snacking as far as I’m concerned! This mix is full of the savory flavor you’d expect and also allergen friendly (gluten free, lactose free). Of course, you can feel free to use regular bagels/pretzels or butter instead of ghee if you’d prefer!

2 gluten free bagels

5 cups rice or corn chex

2 cups gluten free mini pretzels

1 cup unsalted dry roasted peanuts

1/3 cup ghee, melted

3 tbsp. coconut aminos

1 tsp. Frank’s RedHot sauce

1 tsp. onion powder

1 tsp. sea salt

1 tsp. paprika

  1. Preheat oven to 350.
  2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  3. Slice bagels into thin rounds.
  4. Place bagel rounds onto parchment paper and bake for 10 minutes until toasted and crispy.
  5. Remove baking sheet from oven.
  6. Reduce oven temperature to 300.
  7. Pour toasted bagel rounds, chex cereal, pretzels, and peanuts into a large bowl.
  8. Combine melted ghee, coconut aminos, Frank's and seasonings in a separate smaller bowl, and whisk to combine.
  9. Pour liquid mixture over dry mixture, and toss gently until dry mixture is well-coated.
  10. Spread mixture on parchment lined-baking sheet.
  11. Bake for approximately 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes until cereal is golden brown and crispy. Watch closely during the last 5-10 minutes to make sure nothing burns.

Ranch Mixed Nuts

I love packing nuts as an on-the-go snack! These ranch mixed nuts kick things up a notch with a bold ranch flavor. Yum!

3 cups mixed nuts, raw and unsalted (I used a cup each of cashews, pecan  pieces, and almonds, but feel free to  pick and choose here.)

1 tbsp. ghee, melted

1 tsp. sea salt

1 tsp. onion powder

1 tsp. dried chives

1/2 tsp. mustard powder

1 tsp. dried parsley

1 tsp. dried dill

  1. Preheat oven to 325.
  2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  3. Mix all ingredients together well.
  4. Spread nut mixture over baking sheet.
  5. Bake for 15 minutes, stirring at the halfway point.

Mike’s Famous Chocolate Smoothies

My husband, Mike, has been making these chocolate smoothies for our family for years. They’re so delicious and can easily be taken on the go in mason jars. Just shake em’ up and enjoy. (And please don’t tell my kids that they have spinach and fruit hidden in them!)

2 cups spinach

1 ripe banana

2 tbsp. honey

1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce 

3 heaping tablespoons cocoa powder 

1 3/4 cup almond milk

  1. Add ingredients to a high-speed blender.
  2. Blend well until spinach pieces disappear and mixture is completely smooth.
  3. Enjoy!

Susan Bowser is a former NBC TODAY show producer. She is a freelance writer and food blogger at SusanBCooking.com. She's passionate about real food, showing that healthy eating can be delicious, and sharing recipes that her whole family enjoys. Find more inspiration by following her on Instagram @SusanBCooking