Parents should always be honest with their kids, except when tricking them is easier. I’m the master of trickery, especially when it comes to serving my kiddos veggies. That’s why these fresh fruit and veggie snack pack ideas are my prized creation for healthy snacking on the go.
With summer fast approaching, it can be easy to grab packaged snacks when toting everyone to every activity under the sun (literally). While convenience is king in busy mom life, that doesn’t always have to mean fresh isn’t easy too.
Anyone else have kids that are ALWAYS asking for snacks? My toddler calls them ‘swacks’. Swacking is a major thing for us – we are that family that packs double the amount of snacks as we do diapers. Because my boys don’t really care if they have a wet or dirty diaper, but they get very irritated if we don’t have food available at every beck and call. I mean, I’m the same way (except I’m potty trained)…
I try to get creative with my snack game, but sometimes the struggle is real – and my brain has been through a serious case of the mommies aka ‘mom brain’. Which causes the complete inability to think straight. Lost keys, Clearasil on my toothbrush, burned dinners, wearing pants inside out…it all happens. Frequently.
Sometimes I’ll open the pantry and just stare blankly. “Why am I here? What did I need again? What’s my name?” Then my hangry children and my own stomach alert me…
“FEED. FOOD. EAT. HURRY. SNACK. NOW. MOOOOOOOM!!!”
And it’s almost always 5 minutes before we have to be anywhere. Another fun thing that happens when you’re a mom, you’re always late. I’ll save that for another post…
That’s why these fresh fruit and veggie snack pack ideas are absolutely, positively clutch. CLUTCH you guys. Not only do I feel good about snacking when I have fresh fruit and veggies on hand to grab in a bind, I feel totally supermom-worthy when I can hand the kiddos nutrient dense finger foods on our way to the park/doctor/grocery store/beach/play date/oil change/STARBUCKS.
And the best part, (I mean, aside that they are healthy and all) = fun for my little ones to eat. My sneaky little trick? Combining little-hand sized matchstick fruit slices (because what kid doesn’t like fruit) with veggies.
Want more about the trickery I play? See below to find out!
Fresh Fruit and Veggie Snack Pack Ideas
Red Pepper & Watermelon Sticks
Combined crunchy textures, juicy flavors, and similar colors mean a perfect snacking combo that’s a little sweet, a little crisp, and alotta healthy. Slice a red pepper into strips, then add finger-food strips of watermelon. Add the peppers and watermelon into a mason jar or glass-free container for the perfect mix of vitamin A, vitamin C, and antioxidants!
Jicama & Banana Spears
Creamy and crunchy are the name of the game; combined is the best of both worlds. The matching neutral colors never cease to trick my toddler into thinking he’s eating all fruit. Jicama also pairs well with a crunchy fruit like watermelon or apple. If you haven’t tried it yet, you must! This snacking combo is packed with vitamin B6, potassium, and fiber.
Celery & Apple Wedges
Stacking a slice of apple on top of a celery stick is so refreshingly delicious during the hot summer months, it’s naturally a perfect combination for adult and kid snacking! Great for daily fiber, vitamin C, and vitamin K. And these are pretty much mess-free (WINNING!)
So whether you’re the sneakiest mom on the block, or just desperate for some real-food inspiration, these fresh fruit and veggie snack pack ideas are just what you need to bring a little life back in to healthy eating.
What’s your favorite fruit and veggie combo?
Looking for more healthy snacking ideas this summer? Try healthy portable banana boats, paleo key lime pie energy balls, or flourless red velvet beet mini muffins!
Love the color matching and very unique combos! Watermelon and bell pepper sounds like the best!
Gotta love the crunch of both of those!!!
Ok, so I love this. You are a genius thinking up the ways of mixing up veggies and fruits. I almost couldn’t tell the difference between the red pepper until I saw that you said, ‘watermelon.’ O_O Wow! You’re a good mama at sneaking in those veggies.
Thanks girlfriend! Sometimes we just gotta get a little creative in this house!
This is such a creative and delicious idea for including more healthy snacks into the diet! Well done, Chrissa!
Thank you so much Agness!
I just want these for ME! haha What size mason jars are those and wear did you find them? Must order asap! Thanks for the brilliant idea.