From fruity bars to crunchy edamame, these picks have snack time covered.
Reviewed by Dietitian Emily Lachtrupp, M.S., RD
Key Points
- Costco has convenient sweet and savory snacks for busy school days.
- Protein- and fiber-rich snacks can help kids stay satisfied between meals.
- Simple packaging makes lunchbox snacks easier to grab, pack and eat.
With summer winding down and back-to-school season in full swing, there are plenty of things that parents (and teachers!) have to check off their lists before the first day. Among other priorities like shopping for new clothes and school supplies, figuring out what snacks to pack in lunchboxes and backpacks can be harder than it seems.
Finding healthy, budget-friendly options that your kids will actually like is a feat on its own, and finding everything on your list in one stop can be a challenge. Luckily for you and your to-do list, we’ve compiled some of our favorite finds that are perfect for back to school—all of which you can pick up in just one trip to Costco.
Costco is a great choice for back-to-school shopping for a number of reasons. It’s hard to deny the convenience and value of buying in bulk, and there are plenty of nutritious options to help you or your kids stay energized all day and into their after-school activities.
That’s it Mini Fruit Bars
Fruit can quickly turn snack time into clean-up time, but these packable mini fruit bars can help you avoid sticky fingers. Slightly sweet and delightfully chewy, they make the perfect post-meal pick me up for kids and parents alike. Plus, with only two ingredients per bar and no added sugar, they’re the perfect simple alternative to the real thing.
Lesser Evil Organic Popcorn Variety Pack
Salty and buttery, this popcorn is deliciously reminiscent of your favorite movie theater snack. Instead of using butter, Lesser Evil uses coconut oil, a switch that helps cut down on saturated fat. Toss a bag or two into a backpack or lunchbox for the perfect savory snack that kids will love.
Kirkland Signature Organic Applesauce
Apple sauce is a classic kid-friendly snack and for good reason. Simple, slightly tart and packed with Vitamin C, this portable pouch is perfect for on the go. Whether your kids enjoy it at lunch, before sports practice or on a field trip, this puree from Kirkland is a delicious and budget-friendly rendition of a fan favorite.
The Only Bean Crunchy Roasted Edamame
With 14 grams of protein and 6 grams of fiber per serving, these salty and satisfying roasted edamame bring some serious nutritional benefits—like improved satiety and digestion—to the table. Plus, their poppable, crunchy texture makes them the perfect accompaniment to school lunches.
UNREAL Dark Chocolate Coconut Minis
A light and fluffy coconut filling is enrobed in rich dark chocolate and packaged in a convenient single-serve bite, making these Minis the perfect sweet morsel after lunch. Plus, with only 3 grams of added sugar, this is a snack that kids, teachers and parents alike will love.
Tips for Buying Healthy Snacks
Here are a few things you can do to ensure you’re stocking up on healthy snacks for the back-to-school season.
Check the ingredient list: A long ingredient list isn’t always a bad thing, but it’s usually a good idea to skim the label on your snacks to make sure there aren’t any allergens or additives you want to avoid. In most cases, foods with shorter ingredient lists—especially those made up of mostly whole foods—are the healthier choice.
Limit added sugar: We all love something sweet, but that can also mean plenty of added sugar. While not super harmful in moderation, increased added sugar consumption is linked to heart disease, chronic illness and poor gut health. Common sources of added sugar include dextrose, honey, maple syrup and cane sugar—and they’re often found in sweet snacks. You don’t have to skip the afternoon pick-me-up all together, but it’s a good idea to be mindful of how much added sugar is in your snacks.
Prioritize packaging: Buying snacks with convenient or mess-free packaging can make life easier, no matter how old your kids are. Look for individually packaged snacks that you can easily throw into a lunchbox or backpack, as well as options that don’t require utensils. These simple swaps can help you cut down on prep time in the morning and even save you some dishes to wash when your kids get home.
The Bottom Line
As summer comes to a close, we’ve got your back-to-school snack shopping handled. Stop by Costco before the first day and pick up all of these healthy, kid-friendly snacks that are easy to pack in a lunchbox or a backpack. So, wherever the day takes you or your kids—from morning drop off to after-school sports—you can rest assured these snacks will be there to keep the whole family full and energized all day.