Snacks are not only delicious but can assist in keeping you energised and productive throughout your day. It can, however, be challenging to come up with portable and easy snack ideas; but luckily, we have some snack ideas that are perfect for both children and adults.
1. Nuts and dried fruit
Nuts and dried fruit are some of the healthiest and non-perishable snacks that you can make. This combination contains three macronutrients that have healthy fats and fibre that help keep you fuller for longer. There are also carbs found in dried fruit, and the nuts have protein.
2. Roasted chickpeas
Roasted chickpeas are the best non-perishable snacks that contain high levels of fibre, protein, and other vitamins and minerals. Half a cup of chickpeas contains five grams of fibre and ten grams of protein. Chickpeas also have the majority of amino acids that your body requires, plus they include a higher quality of protein than you would find in other legumes.
To roast chickpeas, you would need to drain a can of the chickpeas and pat them until they are dry. Use olive oil and toss them, including sea salt and any other seasoning that you prefer. Use a baking sheet to line them and put them in the oven for 40 minutes at 180 degrees Celsius.
3. Hard Pretzels
Pretzels are a popular snack loved for their salty flavour and unique crunch. Pretzels come in many sizes and various shapes, but they all have the form of a twisted knot. Like so many other foods containing wheat, pretzels contain a small amount of fibre and provide extra nutrients such as B vitamins, niacin and riboflavin, which convert food into sugars used for energy.
4. Popcorn
Popcorn is one of the most satisfying and nutritious snacks as it is high in fibre while also being low on calories. Firstly, popcorn contains a lot of whole grain, and it also provides many vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Antioxidants polyphenols are compounds that protect you against chronic conditions such as heart disease. Popcorn is also a versatile snack as you can add so many ingredients such as sprinkles, Oreos, caramel and even parmesan to suit your preferences.
5. Baked veggie chips
Dehydrated or veggie chips are the best way to ensure that your children eat more veggies in a fun way as they come in a wide ranger of delicious flavours. The store-bought versions of veggie chips contain vegetable oils and unnecessary additives, which might not be the healthiest. You can always make your own veggie chips, allowing you to control the ingredients you use. You can thinly slice baby marrow, sweet potatoes, beetroot or carrots and brush them using a small amount of olive oil. Use whichever seasoning you prefer and bake them on a lined baking sheet at 150 degrees Celsius for 15 minutes, then after 15 minutes, rotate the chips and bake for another 15 minutes.
6. Veggie Egg Muffins
Veggie egg muffins are simply omelettes that are in the shape of a muffin. They, however, have more filling than sweet muffins. Eggs have a high protein content that keeps you fuller for longer and many vitamins and minerals. These muffins are one of the best ways to ensure that you and your children eat more vegetables during the day.
To make the egg muffins, combine chopped vegetables, beaten raw eggs and shredded cheese. Grease your muffin tins, pour the mixture, and bake at 190 degrees Celsius for 15-20 minutes.
7. Spiced cashews
Cashews are a highly nutritious snack as they contain vitamins, minerals and heart-healthy fats. You can roast these nuts with some spices to elevate their taste. To make spiced cashews, you can toss raw cashews in chilli powder, ginger, cumin and olive oil. Lay out the cashews on a lined baking sheet and bake them in the oven at 165 degrees Celsius for 12-15 minutes.
8. Homemade protein bars
Though store-bought protein bars are delicious, they also contain added sugars, and offer limited ingredients. To ensure that they have more healthy ingredients and less sugar, you can make your own. You can use healthy ingredients such as fruits, seeds, different kinds of butter, nuts and dried fruit.
9. Roasted pumpkin seeds
Pumpkin seeds are full of fat, protein and fibre as just a quarter cup of pumpkin seeds contain 14 grams of unsaturated fats, which are good for heart health and 3 grams of fibre. These seeds also contain high levels of mineral zinc that boosts your immune system. To roast the pumpkin seeds, you should toss them in sea salt, spread them out on a baking sheet, and bake the seeds at 150 degrees for 45 minutes.
Conclusion
Snacks can be the easiest way to ensure that both you and your children remain energised and productive throughout the day. The snack ideas mentioned above ensure that you save time and eliminate without compromising on taste. After you’ve explored with a few ideas, you can then use our Supa Mama Snack Bags to seal the deal; ensuring that your snacks stay fresh and tasty!
Take a look at our Guide to Food Packaging Using Reusable Snack & Sandwich Bags!