Post updated March 1, 2021 Originally published February 4, 2019

Choosing healthy snacks is not always easy when you are on the go. That typically means that when you’re hit with the mid-day munchies, you head to the nearest vending machine for a quick snack that’s overloaded with fat, sugar, and salt. This was a way of life for my family at one time.

But it doesn’t have to be that way for you. With careful planning and a little bit of meal prepping, you can help ensure that you and your loved ones have healthy snacks on hand at all times.

When you’re a busy mom, you want healthy snacks that are portable and easy to package. I like to package my family’s snacks in these reusuable food storage bags so that they can be easily grabbed and tossed into a lunch or tote bag for the day. These handy Prep and Go snack containers are another great portable option for storing your family’s snacks.

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On days when you’re really busy it helps to have snacks readily available to help save you time as you’re trying to get out of the door. I keep healthy snacks in the fridge and pantry so that my family always has healthy options that are easily accessible especially on those days when we’re away for extended periods of time.

Here is a list of some of my family’s favorite snacks that are healthy and also easy to grab when on the go. Some of these items can be stored in your desk drawer, in your purse or diaper bag, and in your car.

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Healthy Snack Options

1. Grapes

Full of phytonutrients and antioxidants, grapes are a good choice when it comes to healthy snacks.

2. Bananas

Bananas are full of potassium and B vitamins. This is my favorite when it comes to morning snacks. This is one of those snacks that kids will love. My son LOVES bananas!

3. Mixed Nuts

According to the Mayo Clinic, nuts contain unsaturated fats and omega 3 fatty acids which are good for your heart. They also contain fiber which can help lower cholesterol. They are high in calories, so be sure to watch your serving size.

4. Peanut Butter

My all-time favorite snack! Peanut butter snack packs are great on the go. They are excellent for dipping. You can even keep them in your desk drawer at work for a quick snack or in your car for emergency snacks for the kiddos.

5. Apples

An apple a day keeps the doctor away is an old proverb that I’m sure we’ve all heard. Well, according to research, apples are extremely rich in important antioxidants, flavonoids, and dietary fiber. The phytonutrients and antioxidants in apples may help reduce the risk of developing cancer, hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease.

Spread a little peanut butter on your apple slices and sprinkle with chia seeds and you have an amazing mid-day snack.

6. Dark Chocolate

Packed with antioxidants and flavanols, DARK chocolate can be beneficial to you. If you love chocolate like I do, it’s probably easy to overindulge on this sweet treat. Keep it at two ounces max per day.

If you’re looking for a chocolatey treat for your kids, they will love these No Bake Energy Bites. They’re made with delicious ingredients including peanut butter and chocolate, and are super easy to make.

These energy bites are a healthy replacement for cookies because they contain no added sugar. Or you could opt for a Kind Dark Chocolate and Peanut Butter Granola Bar. They contain a good balance of protein, healthy fats, and fiber, and are available in different flavors.

7. Greek Yogurt

I’m not going to lie, I’m not a huge fan of yogurt. But it is packed with nutrients like calcium, potassium, zinc and B vitamins. It’s also full of probiotics which is my main reason for eating it.

When you add fresh fruit, like raspberries or strawberries, it’s actually pretty delicious.

8. Sunflower Seeds

Sunflower seeds are rich in healthy fats, beneficial plant compounds, and several vitamins and minerals. They are especially rich in vitamin E and selenium.

9. Hard Boiled Egg

Eggs are good for snacks and even breakfast on the go. Eggs are packed with protein and potassium. I like mine sprinkled with just a tad bit of salt and pepper, please.

10. Veggies and Hummus

Hummus, which is created with chickpeas, is great for dipping your vegetables. I like mine with carrots or celery sticks. Just pack your veggies in a Ziploc bag and toss your hummus pack in and you’ve got a delicious snack that’s a healthy alternative to chips and dip.

11. String Cheese

Who doesn’t love cheese? String cheese is great with crackers or it can be eaten by itself. Just pop some in the kids lunchboxes or toss them into your bag as you’re headed out the door.

12. Popcorn

Mmmmm, popcorn. It’s one of my favorite night time snacks. FYI, popcorn is actually a great source of fiber and really low in calories. If you have an affinity for crunchy snacks try popcorn.

Another thing you’ll want to remember is to grab a few bottles of water or fresh fruit juices before heading out. I like to keep a couple of extra bottles of water in my trunk just in case we ever need them.