Running out of choices for school snacks? We’ve got you covered

It’s pretty much the parenting dream to have kids who can make their own lunches, can we agree? You can be one step closer to lunchbox independence when you stock your pantry with high-quality snacks that come in individual servings. Order some of the best snacks on Amazon from our curated list that includes high-protein snacks, nut-free snacks, granola bars, and fruity options to set yourself up for a successful school year. Read on for our top choices.


Nature's Bakery Chocolate Oat Bars
Nature's Bakery

Nature's Bakery Baked-Ins

$6 for a box of 6 BUY NOW

You'll love these organic soft-baked bars made with wholesome whole grains, real fruits and veggies in every bite. They come in Chocolate Oat and Banana Chocolate Chip flavors and you'll definitely want to grab some for hiking and school snacks.


Whisps snacks
Whisps

Whisps

$19 for a pack of 12 BUY NOW

Getting kids to eat more protein is a never-ending parental quest. We love adding Whisps to kid lunches as they satisfy those crunchy cravings while providing some brain food that kids need. Whisps are gluten-free, keto-friendly cheese crisps that are a good source of protein and made with one ingredient: 100% cheese. Swap out the chips and go for Whisps instead. 


solely fruit leather
SOLELY

SOLELY Fruit Jerky

$19 for a pack of 12 BUY NOW

Jerky just got fruity with Solely Fruit Jerky! Made from whole organic fruit, picked at its peak and then crafted into deliciously portable strips this jerky has no sugars, no preservatives and no concentrates. Just the 1, 2 or 3 whole ingredients in delicious flavors like Mango, Pineapple and Banana. We love them for lunchboxes or to bring along when you need an extra burst of flavor, like on a family hike. 


Little Bites

Entenmann's Little Bites Mini Muffins

$15 for 2 packs of 5 BUY NOW

You'll definitely win the luchbox game when you send these tasty mini muffins to school. We love blueberry and chocolate chip, and there's even a rainbow sprinkle party cake flavor when you really want to celebrate them.


Stryve

Stryve Beef Sticks

$23 for a 4 pack BUY NOW

Get the kids through a busy day with the extra boost of protein from these meat sticks. They have not nitrates or preservatives so you can feel good about sending them to school with your kids.


Popchips

Popchips Variety Pack

$19 for 12-count BUY NOW

Kids love the barbecue, sea salt, and sour cream & onion flavors that come in this Popchips variety pack and parents will love this better-for-you chip option. They now come in Fiery Buffalo and Fully Loaded if your little one has a more expansive palate.


UNREAL

UNREAL Vegan Treats

$40 for six bags BUY NOW

Looking for a special after-school treat? Something to tell your kids, "great job!" for a hard week of school? UNREAL offers simple, organic, non-GMO treats with up to 51% less sugar than leading brands. Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups deliver that classic flavor combo kids will be begging to trade for at the lunch table. For something a little different, Dark Chocolate Coconut Bars and Dark Chocolate Crispy Quinoa Gems deliver big taste and texture with simple, sustainable ingredients.


KIND bars mini
KIND Snacks

KIND Minis

$27 for a pack of 32 BUY NOW

KIND Minis pack massive taste into 100 calories or less, with choices like Dark Chocolate Cherry Cashew and Peanut Butter. Kids will love adding them to their lunchbox rotation and you can feel good that they are getting some good nutrition in at snack time. 


Belgian Boys

Belgian Boys Stroopwaffel

$13 BUY NOW

Belgian Boys make delicious non-GMO European sweets and you're going to want to stock up on them for school lunches. Kids will especially love the chocolate chip mini cookies that come in the too-cute mustache shape and the stroopwafel duo packs, perfect for grab and go.


Baby Bellies snacks
Baby Bellies

Baby Bellies Softcorn Baby Snack

$8 for a a pack of 7 BUY NOW

For tiny snackers, these organic corn puffs are sprinkled with banana and easily melt in the mouth. The subtle flavor is perfect for developing palates but the puffs are tasty enough that toddlers will like them too.


Milton's Craft Bakers

Milton's Craft Bakers: Gluten Free Baked Crackers

$30 for a 3-pack BUY NOW

We love these crackers as an addition to a lunch with cheese and lunch meat for some DIY cracker sandwiches. The variety pack means that everyone will be pleased with the options available.


brave and good kind bars
BGK BRAVE GOOD KIND

BRAVE GOOD KIND Tender Chicken Bites

$22 for a 3 pack BUY NOW

Up your protein game this year with these in your backpack. Perfect for a day at the beach or a hiking adventure, these jerky bites are the savory treat your crew needs. Hot Honey is our favorite with its sweet kick. Tender Chicken Bars also come in Teriyaki and Original flavors. 


Utz

Utz Chips & Pretzels

$36 for 60 1 oz. bags BUY NOW

Whether your crew loves popcorn, cheese curls, or the controversial salt n' vinegar potato chips, this variety pack has you covered. The only hard part will be choosing what flavor is going in today's lunchbox.


Bobo's Oat Bars

Bobo's Oat Bites

$28 for a pack of 15 BUY NOW

Bobo's is the favorite in the world of whole grain snacks and you're going to want to order some this school year. With single-serve products that make lunch-making easy, you have tons of options to choose from like the brand new strawberry and apple stuff'd oat bites for a fruity snack that keeps you full.


SmartSweets

SmartSweets

$24 for a pack of 8 BUY NOW

These definitely fall into the "treat" category but since they are low-sugar, you can feel good about giving them to your kids. Free of artificial sweeteners, they come in at around 92% less sugar that traditional candies but you won't notice a difference in the flavor. The cola gummies are definitely a favorite.


SkinnyDipped Snack Packs
SkinnyDipped

SkinnyDipped Snack Packs

$28 for a pack of 25 BUY NOW

The perfect size to fit into any lunch box, SkinnyDipped snack packs will be your go-to treat! Available in a variety of flavors such as Cocoa Almond, Lemon Bliss, Peanut Butter Almond, Super Dark + Sea Salt, and more, all of SkinnyDipped's coated nuts are all made with way less sugar and real, non-GMO ingredients (including no artificial colors/flavors and no sugar alternatives). They are also made with ethically sourced chocolate and are gluten-free and Kosher.


Just the Cheese
Just the Cheese

Just the Cheese Crisps

$24 for a pack of 12 BUY NOW

These crunchy little snacks come in bar and bite-sized and are the perfect alternative to those mounds of cheese crackers full of ingredients you can't pronounce. Because these babies are very straightforward: they are literally just baked cheese! Super low carb and high protein, all you KETO moms might just be snagging these for yourself. 


Clif Z Bar
CLIF KID ZBAR

CLIF KID ZBars

$20 for a pack of 18 BUY NOW

Our tots adore Zbars (and we do, too), which is why we think you should order some up for school lunches. They aren't full of a ton of junk and they are the perfect mini size for mini appetites. 


Nature's Bakery

Nature's Bakery Fig Bars

$24 for 24 twin packs BUY NOW

These popular vegan snacks are made in a nut-free facility, with no GMOs or high frutcose corn syrup and come in yummy flavors like Apple Cinnamon, Strawberry, Blueberry and Raspberry.

All the products listed are independently & personally selected by our shopping editors.

If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.

All images courtesy of retailers.

Dishing on the best pizza spots in San Diego that the whole family will love

Best known for its fish tacos, craft brews and tasty juice bars, San Diego is quietly leveling up its pizza game too. And, since most families agree that the perfect pie is an instant mood booster, we’re thrilled to share the best pizza joints in the county. From artisan pizzas in Little Italy to authentic Chicago slices, keep reading for the 12 best pizza spots in San Diego that will have the whole family rejoicing, “That’s amore!”

Buona Forchetta: After biting into a slice of pizza at Buona Forchetta you’ll immediately understand why the business, that started as a small Italian restaurant nestled on a corner in South Park, has grown into a “family of restaurants throughout the county. The owners have mastered the Neapolitan style pie—think blistered crusts, San Marzano tomato sauce, and five-star olive oil. The pies are simple, allowing high-quality ingredients like fresh buffalo mozzarella, basil, and everyone’s favorite salami to shine. If you’re starving and want to treat the kids to an appetizer try the pizzelle, a deep-fried pizza dough (like a pizza before the pizza).

South Park, Liberty Station & Encinitas
Online: buonaforchettasd.com

URBN Pizza: For delicious coal-fired pizza, this is your pizza place. Their craft pies have a paper-thin crust and toppings that range from the simple pepperoni to the more complex and rich-tasting (B)URBN BBQ Chicken or fresh littleneck clams. Or if you really want something new, try the famed garlic mashed potato and bacon pie. Good to know, the pizza is oblong, so you will have both triangular and square pieces. If you’re looking to add some greens to your meal, the URBN Salad is an excellent choice!

Vista, Encinitas, Del Mar Heights, North Park & San Diego
Online: urbn.com

Blue Ribbon: Slip into a booth in this cozy Encinitas spot after a long day and the whole family will exhale. The restaurant is welcoming and the pies are “blue ribbon” worthy. Be sure to try their “Signature” pizza which has lemon EVOO, fresh mozzarella, ricotta, Parm-Reg, lemon zest, red onion, and basil. Don’t leave without trying the butterscotch pudding with sea-salt caramel and housemade whipped cream.

897 S. Coast Highway
Encinitas
Online:
blueribbonpizzeria.com

Monello: Order the Monello pizza special to satisfy your pizza craving! It comes with spinach, roasted bell peppers, sausage, and a bunch of cheese. Half-pints will happily dig into the Margherita pizza. Also, for dessert, the chocolate custard with berries or the gelato made daily make the meal complete!

750 W Fir St., Ste. 102 B
San Diego
Online: lovemonello.com

7-Mile Kitchen: Where to eat pizza after a visit to LEGOLAND? Try 7-Mile Kitchen, named for Carlsbad’s seven miles of coastline. The pizzas are crafted with house-made dough and baked in a wood-fired pizza oven. Their gluten-free pizza is one of the best tasting around. You’ll also find rotating taps of San Diego’s favorite local, craft beers. And finally, top off dinner with a scoop from their gelato bar.

5420 Grand Pacific Dr
Carlsbad
Online: 7milekitchen.com

Sisters Pizza: Voted runner-up for Best Pizza in San Diego Magazines in San Diego Magazines’ latest poll, Sisters Pizza is making a name for itself throughout the city. Established in loving memory of Kate Green, the older Sisters’ sister,  the community-focused pizza restaurant delivers on its passion for pizza and how sharing a slice brings together family and friends. They offer east coast-style pizza you can order by the pie or by the slice, as well as a full Italian-inspired menu with plenty of kid-friendly options. Most pizzas are available gluten-free and come 16″, 18″ or 20″.

3603 Fourth Ave. (corner of 4th & Brookes)
San Diego
Online: sisterspizzasd.com

Leftys Pizza: Only true Chicago expats can deliver the deep-dish beasts that land on your table at Lefty’s Pizza. The husband-wife duo moved to San Diego from the Windy City and strive to bring the best Chicago-style pizza along with a few of their home-town city’s other infamous street treats like Chicago Hot Dogs and Chicago Polish Sausage Dogs to San Diegans. Bite into the “Meaty Pie” or the “Monster of the Midway” and you’ll know they’ve succeeded.

North Park & Mission Hills
Online: leftyspizza.com 

Pizzo’s Pizzeria & Wine Bar: This Eastlake spot is the perfect place for families to sit down for an authentic Italian pizza in the South Bay. Pizzo’s is beautiful inside with huge windows that provide a great view of the city. Outside you’ll find patio seating with a grassy area for the kids to play. Besides tempting slices heaping with cheese, your fam will enjoy fresh huge salads with shaved parmesan too. Try their Salsiccia or fennel sausage pizza with roasted peppers, basil, roasted onions, and fresh mozzarella with organic tomato sauce.

2322 Proctor Valley Rd.
Chula Vista
Online: pizzospizzeria.com

Bronx Pizza: Craving a genuine New York slice? Bronx Pizza has been serving New York-style thin-crust pizza to San Diego since 1997.  Sit down at this family-friendly, casual spot and take in a little slice of the East Coast while you gaze up at the New York memorabilia that adorns the walls. Not sure which pizza to try? The Whitestone and the Bronx Deluxe are both local favorites. 

111 Washington St.
San Diego
Online: bronxpizza.com

Pauly’s Pizza Joint: This friendly, laid-back pizza place known for its thin, crispy New York crust draws in families from all over the county. With outdoor seating, your family can enjoy a fun slice of Christmas Pizza (spinach, bacon, pepperoni, garlic and feta cheese) in the sunshine any time of year. Kiddos also like their Hawaiian-style slices.

6780 Miramar Rd. Ste.105
San Diego
Online: paulyspizzajoint.com

Napizza: Being square is part of the fun at Napizza, where you order by the slice and can try all the varieties. The square slices of pie contain natural, organic ingredients that are sourced locally. A healthy option the Veggy Festa, with fresh veggies or The Bolognese pizza, a savory combo of ground beef, homemade tomato sauce and mozzarella are favorites. Try their delicious combos with fresh soup or salad too.

Little Italy & Encinitas
Online: na-pizza.com

Forchettabouddit: For an easy night out and a mouthwatering pie, stop by Forchettabouddit in Encinitas. The north county restaurant is part of the Bueno Forchetta family and serves NY-style pizza and classic Italian cuisine like 10″ subs, fresh hand-made pasta and more. It’s a no-frills, family-friendly spot that also happens to have one of the best gluten-free pizza options in all of San Diego.

250 N Coast Hwy.
Encinitas
Online: buonaforchettasd.com/forchettabouddit

Whether you love it or despise it, cooking can be seen as a form of self-expression and creativity–no matter if you whipped up dinner in 30 minutes or over an hour or spent hours in the kitchen preparing a feast. For some, cooking can even create feel-good emotions about one’s self, like pride for making something new or fulfillment for doing the best that one can.

That’s what Gillian McDunn, the critically acclaimed author of Caterpillar Summer, The Queen Bee & Me, and These Unlucky Stars, sets out to reveal in her latest heartwarming middle-grade novel: Honestly Elliott.

A contemporary fiction book, Honestly Elliott follows a sixth-grader named Elliott who is trying hard to be his best self, from finding methods to better cope with Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) to handling all the changes that are occurring in his life. Children eight to 12 will be able to sympathize with, and relate to, all the life transitions and daily challenges Elliott faces at home and at school.

Add this special ingredient to your child’s growing pantry of books!

The Story

Middle school has been tough for Elliott. He can’t keep his grades up, he keeps forgetting things and he feels out of place–at least with his dad who has completely opposite interests from him. On top of that, he is also struggling to accept everything that has changed in his life: his parents’ divorce, his father recently remarrying, his stepmother’s pregnancy, his best friend moving away and dividing his time between two different households.

Fortunately for Elliott, he can find comfort in cooking. He can control the outcome of the dishes he makes, can experiment with new recipes and escape the real world with his favorite cooking shows. So when he’s paired with his intelligent and popular classmate Maribel for a class business project, Elliott turns to cooking once again. Only this time around, his passion must be replaced with baking, which requires testing out gluten-free pie recipes for Maribel, who suffers from celiac disease. See what Elliott bakes up in this charming book!

See what Elliott bakes up in this charming book!

What Makes Honestly Elliott So Special

Through humor, heart, relatable characters and real-life experiences, Honestly Elliott touches on many transitions that come from adolescence–both in school and at home. The captivating plot keeps children engaged in the outcome of Elliott’s large school project but also brings to life the stereotypes of toxic masculinity, the effects of having ADHD and the journey of making mistakes and trying again.

Children may be able to see a little bit of themselves in Elliott and his new friend Maribel who are doing their best to become a better version of themselves.

The Reviews Say it All

“Starring a sweet and messy kid tackling problems that will bring laughter and tears, Honestly Elliott has all the ingredients for a memorable story.” ―Lynne Kelly, author of Song for a Whale

“McDunn is a master at creating characters that are fun, flawed, and above all, real. Full of humor and heart, Honestly Elliott is honestly and truly middle-grade at its best.” ―Jess Redman, author of The Miraculous and The Adventure is Now

“McDunn (These Unlucky Stars) offers an affirming and nuanced depiction of empathetic and creative Elliott's experience of ADHD. . .Elliott's relationship with his father, from whom he craves acceptance despite his dad's failure to acknowledge Elliott's specific challenges, is particularly inspiring as the two work toward openness and understanding.” ―Publishers Weekly, starred review

Get a copy of Honestly Elliott today to discover what Elliott bakes up!

If 2020 taught us anything, it was to have a stockpile of healthy snacks for kids ready at home when the hangries strike. Fuel up with these low- or no-sugar store-bought snacks for kids that will boost their brain power and give them the energy they need to play and learn. From brand-new snacks just released in 2021 to healthy snacks we always have in our pantry, read on for the best new store-bought snacks to stock up on now.

Spudsy Sweet Potato Fries

Those misshapen sweet potatoes aren't going to waste! Spudsy take them and upcycles them into a plant-based snack the whole family will love! The brand's Sweet Potato Fries are grain and gluten-free, non-GMO, plant-based and come in three flavors including Hot Fry, Vegan Ranch Fry and Cheese Fry. While you're shopping, be sure to pick up a few of our other faves, cinnamon churro and Bangin' Bar-B-Q sweet potato puffs!

Available at spudsy.com, Amazon and select Kroger stores.

Love, Corn

These are not your Corn Nuts of the 90's! Love, Corn products are gluten-free, non-GMO, vegan, kosher and come in so many delicious flavors. New this year, Vegan Cheezy makes the perfect, guilt-free snacks for moms and a great addition to school lunches.

Find Love, Corn at Kroger retailers, lovecorn.com and Amazon.

Yumi Fruit Leathers

Perfect for toddlers, big kids and even busy moms, Yumi's fruit leathers come in mixed berry, mango and strawberry flavors. Kids will get a full serving of fruit and vegetables with no added sugar in each strip!

Get them here.

Brainiac Foods

Don't just eat, feed your brain! Brainiac's new products include Brain SqueezersBrain Butters and Smart Tubes & Smoothies that pack a proprietary blend of brain nutrients including Omega‑3s and Choline and are Gluten Free, Non-GMO, Kosher, have no added sugars or artificial flavors and are approved by pediatricians. Did we mention they taste great, too?

Get them here.

RW Garcia Organic Everything Crackers

Get all the things you love about an Everything bagel in a thin, tasty cracker! RW Garcia's delicious snack is organic, verified non-GMO, gluten free, kosher and is made with corn, seeds, garlic and onion.

Find them at local grocers nationwide.

KIND Bar Minis

KIND Minis pack massive taste into 100 calories or less, with choices like Dark Chocolate Cherry Cashew and Peanut Butter. Kids will love adding them to their lunchbox rotation and you can feel good that they are getting some good nutrition in at snack time. 

Get them here

Good Crisp Cheese Balls

Yes, you can still have your tasty cheese balls and eat them too! The Good Crisp just turned your guilty pleasure into a healthy snack with no fillers, artificial flavors, gluten or GMO's. On top of that, they've added Wellmune, which helps support your kiddos immune system.

You can purchase at thegoodcrispcompany.com, Sprouts and more retailers soon.

GoGo squeeZ AlmondBlend Pudding

Make packing that sweet snack a breeze with GoGos squeeZ brand new AlmondBlend Pudding! The plant-based pouch offers 5 grams of protein and 30% less sugar as compared to traditional dairy pudding so no guilt required.

You can buy the new pouches at gogosqueez.com and Target.

Famous Amos Wonders from the World

The Famous Amos brand is being reimagined for today’s world with three new cookies. While sticking with its bite-sized shape that people know and love, Famous Amos is shaking things up by introducing three new recipes with premium ingredients from around the world including:

  • Belgian Chocolate Chip: An elevated classic chocolate chip cookie with authentic Belgian chocolate
  • Philippine Coconut and White Chocolate Chip: A bite-size variety with coconut from the Philippines
  • Mediterranean Hazelnut and Chocolate Chip: A bite-size variety with hazelnuts from the Mediterranean

Get them here or in a store near you. 

Hungry Buddha Lemon Blueberry Bars

These Lemon Blueberry Bars from Hungry Buddha are the perfect combo of zesty lemon with the sweetness of juicy berries all in one delicious, vegan, plant-powered and allergy-friendly snack bar. These gluten free, Non-GMO bars are packed with 10g of protein and only 2g of sugar, and are made without the use of palm oil, sugar alcohols, dairy or soy. Pick these up at your local Sprouts Market for $2.49.

Catalina Crunch

Catalina Crunch, the makers of delicious keto-friendly cereals and cookies, just released a brand new Crunch Mix that features protein, fiber and specially curated natural ingredients in four delectable flavors: Traditional, Cheddar, Creamy Ranch and Spicy Kick. Each variety is made with the same delicious taste and crunch of your favorite party mixes and features a delicious mix of Catalina Crunch cereal, vibrant seasonings, nuts, chickpea pretzels and (depending on the flavor) cheese crisps. We love to keep these in the car for impromptu park days and hiking trips. 

Purchase here

Perfect Bar Snack Size

Perfect Bar to the rescue! The new snack size is perfect for kiddos and now comes in Peanut Butter and Dark Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter. Made with organic peanut butter and organic honey, 20+ organic superfoods and six grams of whole food protein, these petite bars make the ideal lunch or after-school snack.

Get them in the refrigerated sections of Target, Kroger, Albertsons, Safeway and retailers nationwide for $6.99 for an eight count box.

Undercover Snacks

Healthy ingredients… in disguise! Developed by a mom whose two daughters were diagnosed with celiac disease, all Undercover Snacks are made with carefully sourced all-natural, gluten-free, non-GMO, simple ingredients and Rain Forest Alliance Certified chocolate.

Undercover Snacks are made with crispy quinoa, which is naturally gluten-free, packed with protein, fiber and nutrients, and has an incredible crunchy texture. They are made in a dedicated facility that is free of the top ten food allergens. For lunchboxes, tuck one of their single-serve packs in as a treat! 

Get them here

Without a Trace Foods

Looking for healthy, allergy-friendly snacks to pack in your kid's backpack or lunchbox that are free from the top 8 allergens? Look no further! Developed by a mom whose children have severe food allergies, Without a Trace offers a mouthwatering variety of plant-based, gluten-free Chewy Granola Bars, Power Bites and Cookies. They are perfect for tucking in lunchboxes or as a grab-n-go snack for everyone in the family. 

Get them here

Thinful Guiltless Snack Mix

peanut butter popcorn mix

A sweet, popcorn-based treat without all the extra added sugar? Yes please! Just a 1/2 cup clocks in at 60 calories and 2 grams of sugar thanks to their all-natural sweeteners. Now you can feel good about treating the kids without any of the guilt. 

Get them here.

Dick and Jane Educational Snacks

Make snack time fun and educational! Dick and Jane's educational snacks are all-natural, non-GMO and 100% nut-free. Each pack is made with crackers imprinted with learning opportunities like spelling, abbreviations and more. Varieties currently include States & Capitals, Presidents, English & Spanish, Food & Nutrition, Fun & Fitness and Farmers Market.

Get them here, $25 for 30 variety pack

KRAVE Zero Sugar Jerky

KRAVE recently introduced a new Zero Sugar Jerky line that marries grass-fed beef with all the flavor and none of the sugar. Your kids will love the two new flavors: Sonoma Style BBQ and Southwest Hatch Chile. KRAVE Zero Sugar Jerky perfects bold flavor and tender texture for a snack that delivers on taste and nutrition—both 100% grass-fed beef jerky flavors have 12g of protein, 0g of sugar and only 1.5g of fat per serving.

KRAVE Zero Sugar Jerky is available now in select CVS stores nationwide and online at kravejerky.com, with availability in Meijer, Kroger and on Amazon coming soon.

Belgian Boys

Belgian Boys make delicious non-GMO European sweets and you're going to want to stock up on them for your next road trip. Kids will especially love the speculoos cookies that come in the too-cute mustache shape and the Belgian chocolate cookie bars (hide these, you'll want them for yourself). Try their frozen breakfast items like waffles and bite-sized pancakes for on-the-go munching.

Find them here or at a store near you

Brave Good Kind Tender Chicken Bars

Up your protein game this year with these in your backpack. Perfect for a day at the beach or a hiking adventure, these jerky bars are the savory treat your crew needs. Hot Honey is our favorite with its sweet kick. Tender Chicken Bars also come in teriyaki and original flavors. 

Get them here

Pure Batch

Plant-based eaters, listen up! Pure Batch has grab-and-go cookie batches that include four types of truffles, a protein brownie and  refrigerated-to-eat cookies. You'll love knowing that you are feeding your body with something nutritious while also enjoying a sweet treat. 

Get them here

2Betties

2Betties creates dairy-free, nutrient-dense mini donuts with no refined sugars. We love them for a hiking treat to motivate the kids to keep going! They are currently offered in six delicious flavors: Chocolate Chunk, Maple Cinnamon, Sweet Almond, Mocha Chip, Vanilla Bean, and Pumpkin Spice. Hide the wrapper and your guests will think you’re an expert donut maker.

Get them here or find them in a store near you, $2.99. 

DINO BARS

Developed by parents, DINO BARS are the healthy, travel-friendly bar that your kids will love eating. They are wrapped in edible paper and available in three fun flavors: strawberry, blueberry, and mango. Parents will love that they are non-GMO, USDA certified organic and free from nuts, gluten, soy, and dairy. 

Get them here.

Horizon Organic's Yogurt Pouches and Cultured Dairy Smoothies

Horizon Organic's newest offerings from their Growing Years line include a yummy dairy smoothie and yogurt pouches. The dairy smoothie comes in a small container that's perfect for school lunches or a quick snack. We also love that these new snacks were developed with the help of a pediatrician, so you'll know your kids are getting great nutrition. 

Available at Target, $4.99 for a 4-pack & up. 

RIND Skin-On Dried Fruit

Sink your teeth into RIND’s new Skin-In Dried Fruit snacks! The chewy, tasty snacks have no added sugar and 4-6g of fiber per serving. Because the skin is still on, kiddos will get more vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber than other dried fruit brands. Not only that, they are non-GMO project verified, Kosher certified, allergen-friendly and gluten-free. We love all the flavors that include Tropical Blend, Straw-Peary, Orchard, Tangy Kiwi, Coco-Melon and Coconut Crisps.

Get them here.

Seapoint Farms Mighty Lil’ Lentils

Enjoying lentils never tasted so good! Perfect to enjoy by the handful or tossed on a salad, these salty snacks pack plant-based protein, are gluten-free and have vegan options. Choose from Pink Himalayan Salt, Barbeque, Falafel and Cinnamon Sugar.

Get them here.

Quinn

Quinn is known for making crazy delicious and totally craveable pretzels and microwave popcorn using only 100% REAL, simple ingredients and kicking artificial ingredients and unpronounceables to the curb. We love the maple almond butter filled pretzels for family hikes and the whole grain sea salt pretzel sticks for school lunches. 

Get them here

Supernola

For on-the-go snacking that you can count on to be free of junk, look to Supernola. These superfood clusters come in Triple Berry Vanilla, Dragon Fruit Lemon Zest, Honey Sweet Goji, Banana Nut Crunch, and Dark Chocolate Nut Crunch. Supernola fits many specialty diets including Paleo, Keto (4 flavors), Vegan (4 flavors), and is naturally dairy, gluten, grain, peanut and refined sugar-free.

Get them here.

Tia Lupita Tortilla Chips

Chips made out of cactus? Just say YES to Tia Lupita! These grain-free chips come in flavors like sea salt (our favorite), salsa verde, hot sauce, and chipotle, you'll definitely find one that you love. 

Get them here

Clio Less Sugar Yogurt Bars

The world's first Greek yogurt bar wrapped in chocolate has two new flavors! Delicious enough to pass for dessert, the Coconut and Berry Açaí treats are just 100 calories, contain one gram of sugar and pack eight grams of protein.

The two newest flavors are available exclusively at Whole Foods and you can find the others by visiting cliosnacks.com.

Raisels Pick-Your-Mix

Raisels, the creators of the fun-flavored Golden Raisins, has just launched the perfect way to get the flavors you want sent right to your door. The new Pick-Your-Mix option will allow you to mix-and-match delicious Raisel packs to create a perfect, custom Raisels box. Choose from among 7 options to bring the sweet, sour and slightly-spicy Raisel flavors to you. We love these as an alternative for kids who love sour candies—they won't know they're really eating fruit! 

Bobo's Almond Brownie Oat Bars and Bites

Bobo's Oat Bites

Bobo's is back with new whole grain snacks! Get ready to let kiddos sink their teeth into gluten-free whole grain oats, cocoa, chocolate chips and chocolate almond butter in the new almond brownie oat bars and bites. Not only that, choose from brand new strawberry and apple stuff'd oat bites for a fruity snack that keeps you full.

Available here

Solely Organic Whole Fruit Gummies

Solely's new Organic Whole Fruit Gummies contain only two or three ingredients, real whole fruit and a little Vitamin C. Every pouch offers 0.7 ounces of fruit, is only 60-70 calories and has no added sugar, preservatives, gelatins, colors, or gums. They're also USDA organic, Kosher, and Non-GMO verified. Choose from Organic Mango and Organic Mango & Orange flavors!

Available exclusively at Whole Foods Market.

LesserEvil Lil' Puffs

We'll just come out and say it: these new snacks from LesserEvil are so delicious you'll want to buy one bag for them, and one bag for you. The brand-new line includes flavors like Veggie Blend, Sweet Potato Apple, Non-Dairy Cheddar and Strawberry Beet. The puffs, which are in fun star-like shapes, use organic coconut oil and offer zero grams of sugar. They're certified USDA organic, vegan, non-GMO project verified, grain-free and gluten-free. The tasty snacks are best for toddlers 12 months and older. 

Available at Whole Foods and LesserEvil.com

 

JUSTIN'S® Refrigerated Almond Butter Protein Bars

We love these refrigerated bars for on-the-go snacking as they come in kid-friendly flavors like Almond Butter, Dark Chocolate Chip Almond Butter and Honey Almond Butter. Pop them in your purse for a protein-rich, plant-based snack that you can feel good about serving. With 10g of protein per bar, you can definitely keep the hangries away. 

Available online or at a grocery store near you.

Brave Good Kind Chicken Bites

We love this delicious line of tender chicken snacks made from real, wholesome ingredients like antibiotic-free chicken and various spices and we think you will too. They’re available in three flavors: Original, Teriyaki, and Hot Honey and they're the perfect option for hikes or to keep in your purse for when the hangries hit. High in protein, they can definitely get you through a playdate at the park that ran through lunchtime. 

Buy them here

Butterfly Nut Butter

Give their lunches a colorful boost with Butterfly's brand-new nut butter that comes in two unique colors and flavors: Blue Dream and Pink Panther. Each is a unique mix of walnut, cashews, macadamia and MCT oil. The color comes from pitaya (dragon fruit) and blue spirulina. Both new flavors are organic, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free and sugar-free.

Available at butterflysuperfoods.com

 

Serenity Kids Grain-Free Puffs

If your babe is a puff fanatic turn to the brand-new grain-free puffs from Serenity Kids. With zero grams of sugar and no fillers like rice and grains, Serenity Kids leads with cassava root and real veggies. Choose from flavors like Carrot & Beet with Olive Oil, Broccoli & Spinach with Bone Broth, Tomato & Mushroom with Bone Broth and Sweet Pepper & Basil with Olive Oil. The entire line is non-GMO and USDA Organic certified. 

Available at myserenitykids.com

Urban Remedy Plant-Based Protein Bars

This uber-fresh plant-based food company gets a 10,000/1000 rating from our editors, which basically means these protein bars are beyond tasty! Handcraft and plant-based, Urban Remedy's bars are low in sugar, high in protein and rich in healthy fats. Currently, they are available in Cacao, Matcha and Superfood Chaga flavors. 

Available at urbanremedy.com and amazon.com

Catalina Crunch Keto Sandwich Cookies

Ditch your traditional sandwich cookies that are loaded with sugar for these low-carb treats that taste delicious! Packed with 4g plant protein, 2g sugar and only 5g net carbs. 100% plant-based, nothing artificial, great macros and now available in four flavors: Chocolate Vanilla, Chocolate Mint, Vanilla Crème and Peanut Butter.

Available here

Bubbies Mochi Ice Cream

These delicious mochi ice cream bites are available in individually-wrapped packaging and are gluten free and non-GMO. Made with all-natural ingredients, they are a tasty, no-mess, perfectly portioned treat everyone will enjoy. The new single serve mochi are available in varieties including Vegan Chocolate, Vegan Strawberry, and (non-vegan) Green Tea, Triple Chocolate, Cookie Dough Bites and more at the self-serve freezers in Whole Foods and other grocery stores nationwide! 

CLIF Kid Zbars: Cinnamon Roll

Clif Z Bar

Our tots adore Zbars (and we do, too), which is why we're eager to let you know about CLIF Kid's brand new flavor: cinnamon roll. It's packed with whole grain oats and swirls of cinnamon, and it tastes just like your fave doughy cinnamon rolls (but without the gooey, sticky mess). 

Available at shop.clifbar.com

Nature's Bakery Baked-Ins

Our kids can't get enough of Nature's Bakery fig bars, which means this brand has set the bar high for kids (and adult) snacks. Good news: Nature Bakery's brand-new soft-baked bars are just as delicious as their beloved fig bars. The new snack comes in two flavors: Chocolate Oat and Banana Chocolate Chip. Both flavors feature organic whole grains, fruits and veggies with 9 grams of whole grains, fruits, veggies and chocolate chips. They're free of high fructose corn syrup and are nut-, dairy- and soy-free. Our toddler loved the bar and we thought that it was soft enough to give to our 11 month old who devoured it as well.

Available at target.com

Mavericks Snacks Cookiez and Crackerz

Launched in early 2020, Mavericks Snacks is new to the snacking game. But that doesn't mean they're going unnoticed. Mavericks Snacks was recently voted "Best New Healthy School Snack" and are winning kids (and parents) over with their delicious Cookiez and Crackerz. Their Cookiez have 40% less sugar than the leading kids cookie and their Crackerz boast 8 grams of whole grains. All snacks are non-GMO and peanut-free.

Available at mavericksnacks.com

HighKey Snacks

This keto-friendly snack brand strives to make OG-tasting products in a healthier way. Each product is gluten-free, grain-free, made with clean ingredients and has no added sugar. Shop seven delicious products for 2021 that include Caramel Clusters, Salted Caramel Mini Cookies and Vanilla Shortbread Mini Cookies.

Available on Amazon and HighKey.

GOOD GOOD Krunchy Keto Bars

A great on-the-go snack, GOOD GOOD's Krunchy Keto Bars taste like a dessert. Packed with nutrients, each bar is loaded with eight to 13 grams of protein, 6 grams of fiber and has no added sugar. Choose from Raspberry Cheesecake and Caramel Friendly flavors in this snack that is great for parents and kiddos! 

Available at Amazon.

ICONIC Kids Protein Shakes

We all know how hard it is to get kids to eat healthy—the constant battle over sugar and veggies never ends. That's why ICONIC® Kids was created. It's a delicious kid’s drink with 0g of added sugar, a full serving of daily organic vegetables, Vitamin D3, and a taste that will trick kids into thinking it’s dessert. Try the sample pack and you'll get two of each of these flavors: Fruity Fiesta (tastes like the milk leftover from a bowl of Fruit Loops), Chocolate Carnival (as decadent as a sliver of rich dark chocolate cake) and Vanilla Vacay (tastes JUST like a vanilla milkshake). 

Buy them here

 

Without a Trace Power Bites

Gluten-free and plant based, Without a Trace's Power Bites are tasty as can be. The allergen-friendly bites are made with real ingredients and are free from chemicals, fillers, are non-GMO and the Big 8, plus sesame. Enjoy these fork-free morsels in Red Raspberry and Cinna-Monster.

Available at withoutracefoods.com.

Snacking Avocado from Earnest Eats

Snacking Avocado is a uniquely light and crispy clean-ingredient snack made with slices of real Hass avocados that are freeze-dried and simply seasoned with sea salt and spices. Available in three savory flavors, including Sea Salt, Sea Salt Lime and Roasted Chipotle, the nutritious new line is vegan, keto, gluten-free, Non-GMO, high-fiber and sugar free. 

Available on Amazon

Dark Chocolate Mint from Kate's Real Food

Addicted to Thin Mints but looking for a better-for-you option? Check this out! Kate's Real Food just launched their newest all-natural energy bar flavor, Dark Chocolate Mint, and you're going to love it. Like all Kate’s Real Food products, the Mint Bar is loaded with tasty USDA-certified organic ingredients, including cool peppermint extract, smooth dark chocolate, natural cacao powder, creamy peanut butter and certified gluten-free oats. It also includes organic, dried bits of cacao beans, adding texture to the bar with chocolate in a pure, unaltered form.

Available on Amazon

The Soulfull Project Granola

For a breakfast or on-the-go snack you can feel good about, we love The Soulfull Project's new granola. Made with steel-cut oats, brown rice crisps and puffed quinoa, your kids will love the "no junk" flavors of maple pecan, toasted coconut and dark chocolate cherry. You'll feel good knowing that for every serving of a Soulfull Project item that is purchased, one is donated to a food bank in that same region.

Bubba's Fine Foods Sweet & Savory Nut Mixes

These brand-new nut mixes from Bubba’s Fine foods come in six different flavors, three savory, and three sweet. Each one is filled with real food ingredients, and pack a whopping seven grams of protein. The 1.2oz serving size makes this an easy snack for busy parents and kids alike. And, if you’re trying to eat a more keto-focused diet, these nut mixes also only have three grams of net carbs per serving, too! 

Available at Amazon.

Clio Less Sugar Yogurt Bar

Clio has launched a new less-sugar Greek yogurt bar in two flavors, peach and mixed berry. With only one gram of sugar and eight grams of protein, this is a sweet treat you can feel good about sharing with the kids.

Available at Clio and Walmart stores nationwide.

KIND EQUALITY Bar

You know and love KIND bars for their low-sugar combo of nuts, dark chocolate, salt and much more. Now, they've just launched their second-edition EQUALITY bar. While the bar itself is the favorite Salted Caramel Dark Chocolate Nut, but the new wrapper is custom designed by a Black female artist, and it represents a world that’s beautifully diverse, inclusive and equitable. 

Available at KIND Snacks

Greater Than Performance Drinks

Ditch the sugary sports drink and hydrate with Greater Than instead. With new flavors that include Strawberry Lemonade and Peach Clementine, this electrolyte drink is non-GMO, gluten and dairy free, 100 percent vegan, organic and paleo friendly. It's perfect for busy kids and parents on the go!

Available at drinkgt.com

—Editorial Team

All images courtesy of retailers.

Editor’s Note: At the time of publication, all items were available for purchase. 

 

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Whether you manage Celiac disease or are looking to eat gluten free, the following bloggers got you covered from focaccia to cake and everything in between!

1. Meaningful Eats
Favorite Recipe: Best Ever Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies

2. Healthy GF Family
Favorite Recipe: Gluten-Free Cinnamon Rolls

3. Good For You Gluten Free
Favorite Recipe: 5-Ingredient Gluten-Free Bagels

4. Bakerita
Favorite Recipe: Paleo Chocolate Chip Cookies

5. What the Fork Food Blog
Favorite Recipe: Fudgy Gluten Free Brownies

6. Allergylicious
Favorite Recipe: The Most Amazing Homemade Twix Bar

7. Shannon’s Clean Sweets
Favorite Recipe: Chocolate Chip Date Nut Bread

8. Eat With Clarity
Favorite Recipe: Gluten Free Lemon Cake

9. Vegetarian Mamma
Favorite Recipe: Tofu Noodle Soup

10. Em’s NutFree Eats
Favorite Recipe: Gluten Free Cinnamon Coffee Cake Muffins

11. The Gluten Free Austrian
Favorite Recipe: Gluten Free Fudge Brownies

12. The Gluten Free Gathering
Favorite Recipe: Gluten Free Lemon Blueberry Loaf Cake (Dairy Free)

13. Moon and Spoon and Yum
Favorite Recipe: Gluten Free Focaccia

14. A Dash of Megnut
Favorite Recipe: Giant Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tart

15. Salted Plains
Favorite Recipe: Olive Oil Chocolate Chip Cookies

16. Sarah and Spices
Favorite Recipe: S’mores Cookies

17. Feed Me Phoebe
Favorite Recipe: Red Curry Sheet Pan Chicken with Sweet Potatoes and Crispy Kale

18. Blue Sky Eating
Favorite Recipe: Gluten Free Apple and Cinnamon Cake

19. This Mess is Ours
Favorite Recipe: Black & Blueberry Cobbler

20. Pass Me Some Tasty
Favorite Recipe: Amazing Gluten-Free Classic Lasagna

Want even more gluten free food inpso? Click here for 73 more celiac and gluten free bloggers

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Spokin is a modern platform and app connecting people managing food allergies to resources including food, restaurants, hotels and more. Users have personalized experiences based on allergies & location. With 55,000+ reviews across 79 countries, Spokin helps the allergy community share and connect. The Spokin iOS app is free on iTunes.

Gluten-free food products dot the grocery aisle shelves and for many, adhering to a gluten-free diet is a necessity. Why? Celiac Disease, an immune mediated disease, can affect as high as 1% of the population in North America, according to Dr. Nasha Khavari, is a clinical associate professor and the director of the Stanford Children’s Health Celiac Disease Center. We recently asked Dr. Khavari about Celiac Disease in children and what parents can do to better identify and manage the disease (beyond only going gluten free). If you have a hunch someone in your family may be affected by Celiac Disease or want to learn more regarding proper diagnosis and treatment, read on to hear from Dr. Khavari.

Can you tell us what exactly Celiac Disease is and its instance in children? At what age are kids usually diagnosed?

Dr. Khavari: Celiac Disease is an immune mediated disease in genetically predisposed individuals. It can be triggered by eating/ingestion of gluten-containing foods, including wheat, rye, barley, and oats. The incidence of Celiac Disease may be as high as 1% of the population in North America.

What are the proper steps and procedures for determining a Celiac Disease diagnosis in a young child?

Dr. Khavari: If a child has either symptoms concerning for Celiac Disease or is at risk for Celiac Disease (a family history of a first-degree relative or other related disease), we ask that they are screened for Celiac Disease. The disease can present and range from no symptoms at all to significant malabsorption, failure to thrive and weight loss. Our Stanford Children’s Health Celiac Disease care team would begin with an initial visit, followed by the diagnostic work up with laboratory testing. If this testing results are concerning, diagnosis is usually confirmed with a procedure called an upper endoscopy.

My five-year-old complains about tummy aches. Is this a sign of Celiac Disease? Is there anything I can look out for to know if this is normal or if there’s a reason to be concerned?

Dr. Khavari: Abdominal pain can be a sign of Celiac Disease. It can also be very common symptom in children without Celiac Disease. However, some of the more traditional ways Celiac Disease presents include symptoms of abdominal pain, diarrhea, bloating, and problems with gaining weight or height.

With that said, some children with Celiac Disease have no symptoms at all making it very important to be tested if your child is in a higher risk category.

With the New Year, I want my family to eat healthier and am considering cutting out gluten our diet. Is this a good idea for my family’s overall health? What are the negative factors to consider before we eliminate gluten from our child’s diet?

Dr. Khavari: As pediatricians, we really like to encourage healthy, diverse diet, with minimally processed foods and significant fruits and vegetables. Many of the naturally gluten free foods, for example, fruits and vegetables, are important to incorporate into a child’s daily diet.

Unnecessary exclusion of foods from a child’s diet can be stressful and detract from their overall quality of life. Negative factors to consider before eliminating gluten from your child’s diet include the possibility of missing a diagnosis of Celiac Disease as laboratory testing may not be accurate once you have eliminated gluten from your child’s diet, quality of life effects on the child, and the higher cost of purchasing some of the processed gluten-free foods. It is also important to keep in mind that many of the more highly processed gluten-free foods are higher in sugar content which can have adverse effects on children.

If we find out our child does have Celiac Disease, what are our options and what sort of care will she need to receive?

Dr. Khavari: We recommend that your child see a pediatric gastroenterologist, as well as nutritionist with expertise in navigating the gluten free diet.

Are there medications they can take?

Dr. Khavari: There are no current medications for the treatment of Celiac Disease.

Is this something they’ll live with her whole life?

Dr. Khavari: Celiac Disease is thought to be a lifelong autoimmune disease in most diagnosed individuals.

How important is nutritional coaching/training for my child post-diagnosis?

Dr. Khavari: This is probably among the most important aspects of Celiac Disease after making the diagnosis. Providing your child with the proper nutritional support and education is key to their success in managing this disease. Our Celiac Disease team supports patient care specific to Celiac Disease, from the newly diagnosed through ongoing lifestyle maintenance, offering families the resources and valuable steps to ensure your child’s overall health and well-being.

My five-year-old son has Celiac Disease. What are some useful tips to help us navigate school snacks and lunches once he enters Kindergarten?

Dr. Khavari: We usually recommend sending a letter to the teacher and school staff explaining what Celiac Disease is, and why a student needs to eliminate gluten from their diet. We also recommend a stash of gluten-free foods for the classroom for those days when other children in the class may bring a gluten containing treats to share with the class.

What is the best way to manage this when he is away from our home, and for example, on playdates or at birthday parties?

Dr. Khavari: If you are close with the families of playdates and others having a conversation with the family about what foods they are able to eat is really helpful. Sometimes packing a gluten-free snack for your child, or for them to share with friends, can also be really helpful. While the gluten free diet is the most important aspect of treatment of Celiac Disease, balancing this with a good quality of life for children and allowing them to socialize, interact and eat (in a safe, gluten-free manner with others) is also a very important aspect of treatment.

 

Dr. Nasha Khavari is a clinical associate professor and the director of the Stanford Children’s Health Celiac Disease Center. She received her medical degree from University of Minnesota Medical School in 2003 and has been in practice for 16 years. Dr. Khavari completed her pediatrics residency at Stanford Children’s Health followed by a fellowship in pediatric gastroenterology at Harvard’s Boston Children’s Hospital. Dr. Khavari specializes in treating conditions in children like chronic stomach pain, ulcers, diarrhea, reflux, cancer, Crohn’s disease and Celiac Disease.

Find a Stanford pediatrician in your neighborhood.

Do you have questions about picky eating in kids? Read here for more information from Stanford Children’s Health.

 

The holidays are here and your kids are going gaga for candy, cookies and sweets. After all, who can blame them? Before they reach a regrettable sugar rush, read on to hear from Pediatric Dietitian Crystal Tsai. As an Outpatient Pediatric Dietitian at Stanford Children’s Health, Crystal has some pragmatic advice about eating healthy around the holidays. She recently dished to us about holiday health and wellness, healthy snack ideas, what to look out for on food labels and even some surprising foods your picky eater may actually love. Check out the full interview below for words of wisdom every parent should hear.

Red Tricycle: Do you have any go-to rules for eating healthy around the holidays?

Crystal Tsai, MS, RD: I always encourage families to have balance and moderation all the time, including the holidays. It’s okay to indulge in the treats and food traditions that are coming up around the holidays, and at the same time we should continue to include healthy choices to nourish our bodies. Treat the entire day like a normal day—eat a healthy breakfast and lunch and try not to graze while preparing for the big meal. I recommend against fasting the entire day in preparation for the big holiday meal as this can often lead to unhealthier choices due to extreme hunger, such as eating more simple carbohydrates or starches and over-eating. During the holiday meal, plate the vegetables first, then add the other foods. Enjoy your meal and avoid feeling guilty about it. Enjoy other aspects of the holidays that are unrelated to food! The holidays are not all about food, so remember why everyone is gathered together for this.

RT: How can parents create a holiday dinner that feels special but is also healthy?

CT: Include vegetables in as many colors as possible. There are many dishes that could easily include more vegetables if you just get creative with which ones would pair well with the dish. Otherwise, having vegetables on the side works well too, and always put them on your plate.

RT: How many cookies and candies are reasonable for a kid to eat at a holiday event? What about a parent?

CT: This is probably the most difficult question to answer. I can’t put a number on it since it depends on the situation and the treats, but I think the big things to remember are that cookies and candies are treats and should be treated as such. If you’re eating healthfully and filling yourself up with healthier foods first, you might not have much room for more than one or two treats. Depriving yourself or your kids of the treats will only make them seem more desirable and unobtainable, which opens the door to over-eating them at some point. Eating too much can foster feelings of guilt and general physical discomfort. Both ends of the spectrum are unhealthy. I encourage parents and kids to decide together how much of the cookies/candies they want to eat that everyone can feel good about and enjoy, and no one feels either guilty or deprived.

RT: Do you have any tips for adding vegetables into holiday dishes?

CT: A lot of casseroles or side dishes can use vegetables. Add more vegetables than what the recipe calls for. Make a vegetable soup as a side. Make colorful salads. Throw vegetables into pastas.

RT: My toddler likes all the typical kid food—mac ‘n’ cheese, pizza, goldfish. How do I integrate more vegetables into his diet while still ensuring he’s eating enough every day?

CT: Every child is different when it comes to vegetables. Some hate the foods touching and mixing and others prefer it that way. I encourage parents to offer what you are eating (and what you are eating should include vegetables; you are not exempt to your own vegetable-eating wishes for your child!). And, allow your child to decide for themselves if they want to eat it or not. It might take a while before they decide to try it, but if you are modeling eating yummy and healthy vegetables, and you don’t force your child to eat them, many kids eventually decide that they want to try it too.

Aside from that, pasta is probably one of the easiest ways to integrate vegetables. The sauce masks the flavors and most people don’t mind a chunkier sauce filled with vegetables. Another favorite is finger food type of vegetables for toddlers, where they can pick up an entire (softened) carrot stick or zucchini stick or cucumber stick and have fun with them.

RT: Evenings are always a mad rush to get dinner on the table, and it’s even worse during the holidays. Do you have any go-to dishes or advice for busy parents that will help them get a healthy meal on the dinner before bedtime?

CT: A slow cooker! And chopping vegetables/other things ahead of time (or buying them pre-chopped) to save yourself time when you’re really in a bind to throw things together.

RT: What are your recommendations for on-the-go snacks during holiday travel (both homemade and the store-bought variety)?

CT: Healthy snacks should include something high in fiber (such as a fruit, vegetable, or whole grains) with a protein (cheese stick, nuts). The snacks easiest to travel with are probably dried fruit (no sugar added, limit to a handful) and nuts (also limit to a handful). If you can, keep fresh fruits with you or pack mini sandwiches with whole grain bread or pitas stuffed with some veggies and cheese or hummus. Otherwise, I recommend buying things that are higher in fiber (aim for 3 g or more per serving), low in sugar (as low as you can get, ideally 5 g or less per serving) and low in saturated fat (1 g or less per serving). Another good general rule of thumb when reading labels is whether you know what the ingredients are and where they came from. Ingredients with long complicated names are usually more highly processed.

RT: Besides my pediatrician, whom can I talk to or what resources are out there if I have questions about my family’s diet and nutrition?

CT: Registered dietitians (RDs) are credentialed professionals who stay updated on the most evidence-based practices. I highly encourage you to ask for a referral to see a dietitian if you have specific questions. If you are reading things online, the more credible sources are hospitals or articles written by RDs.

RT: My son loves chickpeas. Are there any surprising foods that parents tell you that their kids love that maybe they’ve never considered trying?

CT: My six-year-old niece loves plain, soft tofu with nothing added to it which has always surprised me. I have also heard of kids loving edamame.

Stanford Children’s Health is the only health care system in San Francisco exclusively dedicated to pediatric and obstetric care. With 25 primary care locations throughout the Bay Area, chances are there’s a Stanford pediatrician right in your neighborhood who can fulfill your child’s everyday healthcare needs.

Find a Stanford pediatrician in your neighborhood.

 

Do you have questions about Celiac Disease in kids? Read here for more information from Stanford Children’s Health.

Editor’s note: Any medical advice presented here is expressly the views of the writer and Red Tricycle cannot verify any claims made. Please consult with your healthcare provider about what works best for you.

More than 1 in 10 adults suffer from a food allergy today and food allergies are even more common in children. With food allergies on the rise, it’s hard to find someone who isn’t directly or indirectly affected by food allergies. So what do you need to know about this trend?

Although more than 170 foods have been identified as triggers of food allergy, the FDA classifies 8 foods/food groups as the major food allergens in the US: milk, egg, peanut, tree nuts, shellfish, fish, wheat, and soy. Sesame is becoming an emerging concern and the FDA is considering including it as the 9th major food allergen in the US (Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the EU already list sesame as a major food allergen).

Not only do these represent the most common childhood food allergies, but studies indicate that with early introduction, there can be a significant reduction in the development of an allergy to these foods.

Milk

  • Milk allergy is the most common food allergy in infants and young children

  • Affects 2-3% of children younger than 3 years old

  • In school-age children, milk is the most common cause of reactions at school

  • Milk allergy usually presents in the 1st year of life

  • Most children “outgrow” (or become tolerant to) their milk allergy; however, outgrowing a childhood allergy may occur as late as the teenage years

Peanut

  • Affects up to 2% of children

  • Peanut allergy is more likely to be lifelong; only 20% outgrow a peanut allergy

  • Although peanut is the allergen most often associated with severe or fatal reactions, any food allergen has the potential to cause anaphylaxis.

Egg

  • Affects 2% of children

  • Egg allergy usually presents in the 1st year of life

  • Most children “outgrow” (or become tolerant to) their egg allergy

    • However, outgrowing a childhood allergy may occur as late as the teenage years

Tree Nuts

  • Affects 1% of the general population

  • Includes brazil nuts, cashews, pistachios, almonds, macadamia nuts, walnuts, pecans (as well as foods made with these nuts)

  • Many people with tree nut allergies are only allergic to 1 or 2 types of tree nuts. Therefore, it’s worth working with an allergist to determine if they can safely eat other types of tree nuts.

Shellfish

  • Affects 1-1.5% of children

  • Includes shrimp, prawns, lobster, squid, crab, scallops

  • Often caused by a protein called tropomyosin

  • Even the steam from cooking can trigger an allergy

Fish

  • Affects 0.5% of children

  • Up to 40% of fish allergies don’t develop until adulthood

  • May be allergic to finned fish and not shellfish or vice versa

Wheat

  • Affects 0.4% of children

  • Often outgrown by 10 years of age

  • Often confused with celiac disease, but an allergy to wheat is different because it causes an allergic immune response to a protein found in wheat (celiac disease is in response to gluten) — people with a wheat allergy can often have other grains that are not wheat

  • Wheat is sometimes found in cosmetic products, too, so people with wheat allergies should avoid using these products on their lips.

Soy

  • Affects 0.4% of kids, normally under the age of 3; Affects 0.3% of the general population

  • 70% outgrow it by age 10

  • Found in many food products, so it’s important to read the labels

The Economic Impact of Food Allergies: Parents of food allergic children can face costs of up to $4200 every year per child according to a 2013 study, accounting for direct medical care; out of pocket cost for special foods; lost labor productivity and opportunity costs (reduced labor productivity of caregivers).

The Impact on A Child’s Quality of Life

  • Social Exclusion & Activity Avoidance – Children with food allergies, particularly milk and egg, can find many social events (e.g. birthday parties) difficult and isolating.
  • Bullying – About 1 in 3 children with food allergies has been bullied at least once, according to a 2014 study. With roughly a third of those children reported being bullied at least twice a month.  

A Recent Breakthrough in Food Allergy Prevention

Thankfully, recent landmark studies (LEAP, EAT, PETIT) have proven that exposing babies to food allergens early and often can significantly reduce their risk. In addition, new medical guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics, the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (AAAAI) have been published supporting early and sustained allergen introduction.  

Along with a team of leading allergy experts and parents, I helped develop Ready, Set, Food!, a gentle, guided system based on these medical guidelines. After over a year of research and development, we’re proud to offer Ready, Set, Food! to families like yours, making it as easy and safe as possible to introduce babies to peanut, egg, and milk in the amounts used in the landmark clinical studies, which showed the potential to reduce babies’ risk of developing an allergy to these foods by up to 80%.  

 

Katie Marks-Cogan, M.D., is board certified in Allergy/Immunology and Internal Medicine, and treats both pediatric and adult patients. She is a member of the scientific advisory board for Ready, Set, Food! She currently resides in Los Angeles with her husband and kids.

Parenting kids with food allergies and food sensitivities is never easy. You count on labels to help you steer clear of dangers, but what happens when those labels are incorrect? New research reveals that some restaurant foods marked gluten-free contain gluten.

Despite many restaurants labeling items on their menus as gluten-free a new study published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology found that 32 percent of those items do actually contain gluten. The study was conducted using Nima, a portable gluten tester, at restaurants across the country. The researchers collected data over 18 months from over 5,000 tests performed by 804 private Nima users who were willing to share their results.

photo: Nerise Gokpinar via Unsplash

While no specific restaurants were named in the study, there were some statistics revealed that can help those with a gluten allergy or intolerance be more aware. The food most commonly found to contain gluten was pizza and pasta. Gluten was found in 53.2 percent of gluten-free pizza samples and 50.5 percent of gluten-free pasta. Food served at dinner tended to test positive more often than foods at breakfast.

Foods labeled gluten-free were less likely to test positive for gluten at restaurants located in the western United States. Fast-casual and casual restaurants were less likely to have gluten-free foods test positive for gluten than fast-food places.

It’s important to note that the results might not be reflective of all gluten-free restaurant food as the Nima users were more likely to only test foods they suspected might contain gluten. The study’s lead author Dr. Benjamin Lerner explained that a good majority of the gluten detected was likely due to cross contamination, like the same cookware being used to cook gluten-containing and gluten-free foods.

“We all want people to be vigilant, but not too worried,” said lead author Dr. Benjamin Lerner. “If you have celiac disease or it’s harmful for you to ingest gluten, you should feel comfortable asking the waiter how things are prepared.”

—Shahrzad Warkentin

 

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If your child has celiac disease or a gluten allergy or sensitivity, you should know about the recent Nature’s Path Foods cereal recall. The company voluntarily recalled several of its cereal products, including EnviroKidz Choco Chimps, Gorilla Munch and Jungle Munch, for an undeclared gluten ingredient. According to a representative from Nature’s Path Foods, the recall includes over 40,000 boxes of cereal in the Unites States and Canada.

The cereal, which was sold at retailers such as Trader Joe’s, can cause adverse health effects for anyone with a gluten allergy, intolerance or sensitivity. If your child (or anyone else in your household) can’t eat gluten, read on to find out what this recall means for your family.

photo: Courtesy of U.S. Food & Drug Administration

Recall Description: Nature’s Path Foods Cereals

The current recall includes 10-ounce sizes of EnviroKids Choco Chimp (best before date Aug. 27, 2019) , Gorilla Munch (best before date either Aug. 24, 2019 or Sep. 21, 2019) and Jungle Munch (best before date Aug. 1, 2019) cereals sold at retailers across the United States. Boxes of the cereal were also sold in Canada.

Why the Cereal Was Recalled

According to a representative from Nature’s Path Foods, “The gluten contact was airborne, due to a scheduling error. We have worked with team members to ensure gluten-free and gluten cereals are never run at the same timeframe or overlapping in our plant to provide a gluten-free environment.” As a production error, the gluten ingredients are not listed on the packaging. Anyone with a gluten allergy, intolerance or sensitivity could have an adverse reaction to the recalled products.

In response to the recent production error Nature’s Path Foods will increase testing for gluten every hour, versus twice per 12-hour period.

How to Tell If Your Cereal Is Part of the Recall

If you have one of the Nature’s Path Foods cereals listed, look for the best before date and UPC code. Visit the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s website for a full list of affected products and UPC codes here.

What Parents Can Do

Parents with children who have a gluten allergy, intolerance or sensitivity should immediately stop serving the affected cereals. Return the product to the place of purchase for a refund or contact Nature’s Path Consumer Services at 1-866-880-7284 between Monday and Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. PST or email the company at ConsumerServices@naturespath.com.

—Erica Loop

 

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