Even though we’re a mostly organic household, my kids are not immune to the marketing and advertising ploys of the big pre-packaged food companies out there. Not a grocery trip goes by where I don’t hear, “Mom, can we pleeeeeaaaase get this!” I’m working on teaching them how to find the healthy alternative to the chemical and dye filled kids’ snacks on the shelves today. So I’m coaching them through label reading and the difference between “natural” and “organic.”
I want all of the Bombshell Mommies out there to be enjoy saying “yes” to the fun snacks our kids are asking for, just with a better alternative, so I’ve given you the low down on the most popular kids’ snacks out there and how to choose a healthier version.
“Oh, these fruit snacks are my favorite!”
Presented as a healthier alternative to candy, these mainstream gummy snacks are filled with red and yellow food dye as well as high fructose corn syrup. Instead of having to say no, introduce your kids to Annie’s Homegrown Organic Fruit Snacks. They don’t have any artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives and come in their favorite flavors like strawberry, pink lemonade, and tropical fruit. Perfect for your little one’s lunch box or to take on a day trip to the zoo, these will satisfy your kids’ treat-quotient and ease your healthy-mommy mind.
“Mom, I just have to have these chewy granola bars in my lunch!”
I vividly remember the advent of pre-packaged chewy granola bars when I was in elementary school. Oh how we rejoiced! Yet, your mainstream bars are filled with letter-abbreviated preservatives even they can’t pronounce, as well as trans fats (read the ingredients, it’s partially hydrogenated self is there) and several forms of modified sugar. Thank goodness for Nature’s Path Envirokidz Organic Crispy Rice Bars. They are free of preservatives and pesticides, are non-GMO and gluten free. Basically, they’re a dream come true for granola bar lovers. My son’s personal favorite are the chocolate ones with the koala on the box. They’re also great to have on hand for when our gluten-free friend’s come over for a play date.
“Mom, I just love these crackers!”
Those smiley little fish crackers are a popular with the under 10 set, but are they really a healthy snack? Though the original form of these snack crackers aren’t too bad, their rainbow colored counterparts are heavy on petroleum-based food dyes. For a safer alternative, Annie’s Homegrown makes a variety of flavored “bunny” crackers, from cinnamon graham to chocolate to, my personal favorite, Organic Cheddar Bunnies. Still cute animal shapes. Still a yummy burst of cheese-flavored goodness. But better, more wholesome ingredients.