Do you remember the anticipation of opening up your lunchbox at school, wondering what yummy treat might be inside? I do - vividly! Lunch was my favorite subject - a chance to chat with my girlfriends and relax for awhile before heading back to class. And I was so excited to find a homemade cookie or maybe an Oreo for dessert!
Well, I'm not big on Oreos but I am willing to give my boys a little sweet treat in their lunch, along with all the healthy stuff. Something not too junky but still great tasting! Here are some ideas that work for me:
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Homemade cookies - Our favorite PBOC cookies are always the number one choice!
- Organic & natural cookies - For store-bought cookies, Matt's are the best substitute I've found for homemade. My boys also like Barbara's Snackimals (love the 2 new flavors - double chocolate and peanut butter) or Annies Bunny Grahams. And for a healthier version of Oreos - try Newman O's (the ginger creme and peanut butter are our 2 favs)
- Granola or cereal bars - There's a recipe in my book for Go Bars - an easy homemade, no-bake granola bar. My boys also like Z-Bars but I don't tend to buy them very often.
- Fruit & nut bars - We recently discovered Orchard Bars - all natural energy bars made from fruit, nuts & seeds - that come in 5 flavor combos. They are SO good - and different from anything else I've seen on the market.* We also love Matt's Dutch Apple or Raspberry Fruit Bars - yum!
- Trail mix - Buy it in bulk or mix up your own combo of nuts and dried fruit with Sundrops, carob chips or chocolate chips mixed in for fun.
- Fresh fruit - Give them something special like mango, fresh pineapple or raspberries and they'll forget all about dessert!
- For more healthy treat ideas, check out the Healthy Snacks To Go eBook from Katie at Kitchen Stewardship. It's chock full of yummy ideas!
*If you are interested in trying Orchard Bars, here's a great deal: 2 bars + free shipping for only $2.50.
Do you include dessert in your child's lunch box? What do your kids like best?
(Full Disclosure: I received free samples of Orchard Bars and Barbara's Snackimals - in exchange for my honest opinion. I am also an affiliate of the Healthy Snacks To Go eBook.)
Would you believe that in my son's kindergarten, the teacher unpacks each child's lunch and sets it out on plates? Treats are not allowed- even homemade. Any treats in the lunchbox just get left in there until pick-up. We refer to it as the lunch police. But at least I never hear complaints that so-and-so has Oreos/candy.
Posted by: Julia's Child | September 22, 2011 at 11:13 AM