34 Quick and Healthy Snack Ideas for Busy Moms

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Hey Momma, do you need help with healthy snack ideas for busy moms like you? Do you feel like your kids eat plenty of snacks all day long but you’re lucky if you get in a few bites of cold mac and cheese? Pre-kids did you eat (warm, of course) balanced meals and ample servings of fruits and vegetables, but now your diet consists of Goldfish and Teddy Grahams? As moms, we are so busy making sure that everyone is well-fed that we often neglect our own health. And while it’s important to make sure your kids are nourished, it’s equally important to ensure you are as well. I’m here to share with you all my favorite snack ideas for busy moms.

I believe snacks are a vital part of your day. As moms, we are so busy chasing toddlers and carpooling kids all over the place that we work up an appetite too. But when you neglect to honor that internal cue, then you show up to the table overly hungry. And we all know what happens when we are hungry – we eat quickly paying no attention to our feelings of hunger and fullness. We walk away feeling guilty for consuming too much food and then restricting ourselves at our next meal. And I know from personal experience, that when I am hungry, I’m irritable and not the best mom version for my kids.

Now I get it, you may be thinking, “A snack sounds nice, but I don’t have time to whip up a fancy snack for myself.” Most of us don’t, but the good news is there are tons of options for healthy snack ideas for busy moms that take little or no time to create. Plus, snacks are a great way to add nutritious foods that you may miss out on during meals.

Plan snacks like you do meal planning

Do you feel like you are constantly hearing the phrase, “Mom! We need more snacks!” I don’t know about you, but I find it’s so easy when grocery shopping to think about what snacks my kids would like, but I forget to pick out snacks for myself. Of course, you can always choose the same snacks as your kids, but most moms are looking for something less Goldfish-ish. This is why I came up with a helpful list of quick and healthy snack ideas for busy moms.

Meal planning is a phrase you may love to hate. It’s not the most fun task, but it truly sets your family up for success. When you plan your meals you are more likely to prepare balanced meals. When we are left to scramble and come up with a meal on the fly, we generally pick convenience foods. And while I don’t have a problem with that (let’s be real – we need a break from home-cooked meals every once in a while), it’s when it becomes a regular occurrence that it’s a problem. The same holds true for snacks. Take time each week to write down what snack items you would like to have on hand so you remember when you go to the store.

What makes a healthy snack

Protein, healthy fats, and fiber are all components of a nutritious snack that will help hold you over until your next meal. An added bonus is if they contain fruits and vegetables which provide additional sources of vitamins and nutrients.

Snack ideas for busy moms

Grab and Go options

Fruits and nuts – This is a great option because it hits all 3 of the components that make up a healthy snack. Fruits are a great source of fiber (bonus when they have the skin on them) and nuts provide protein and healthy fats. This combination also helps stabilize blood sugars. Power Up is a trail mix my family loves.

Popcorn – did you know that popcorn actually counts as a whole grain? It provides added fiber, iron, and B vitamins to help round out this snack. The best part is that you can modify it to your liking. You can make it a sweet or savory snack, but be cautious to avoid adding excess butter or toppings loaded with salt. It’s also a great filler for snack mixes. Plus, it’s likely your kids will want to enjoy it with you too.

Love Corn is a fun snack option to take on the go. This product contains simple ingredients and is a great option if you’re looking for an added crunch.

Granola bars make a great portable snack, but many of them contain lots of added sugar. Look for energy bars with less than 5 grams of added sugar. Aim for bars that have whole grains for additional sources of fiber. Make your own granola bars and adjust it to your preference for a nutritious snack.

Healthy bar options

Made Good granola bars are tasty and come in a variety of options. They are also safe to throw in your kid’s lunch box as they are free from many top allergens.

RX bars are made from wholesome ingredients and are nice to have on hand for a quick snack.

Nature’s Bakery is made with whole wheat flour and is a good source of fiber, protein, and iron.

That’s It bars are an easy way to squeeze in added nutrients from fruits and vegetables. And the best part is they’re made just from fruit! That’s it!

Additional snack ideas for busy moms

Freeze-dried fruit is a favorite snack item in our household. I love it because the only ingredient is fruit! It’s easy to throw in your diaper bag. And I love that they melt in your mouth, making it an easy snack option for both you and your toddler.

These apple chips by Barre are a delicious freeze-dried fruit to grab on the go that provide a nice touch of sweetness.

That’s It brand also makes these fun Crunchables snacks made with only apples. My kids are crazy about these too. They also taste delicious mixed in with oatmeal.

Babybel cheese is portable and tasty. Pair it with some wholegrain crackers to round it out.

Hippeas Organic Chickpea Puffs are a great alternative to your traditional cheddar puffs. They contain 4g of protein and 3g of fiber per serving with a crunch!

An obvious nutritious snack is raw veggies and fruit for your best sources of antioxidants. Take a little time after you go to the grocery store to prep your produce for easy-to-grab options. Just like meal prep, snack prepping is also beneficial in helping you snack successfully. I like to toss grapes and red peppers in ziplock bags to take on the go. Plus, you may find your kids like to snack on them too.

Chickpeas are an excellent plant-based protein snack that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. I love these to-go snack packs by Biena and their simple ingredients. Also, check out that they have 5 grams of protein and 6 grams of fiber in one pack! Toss them on a salad for added crunch and health benefits.

Rich in omega-3 fatty acids and protein makes Pistachios a nutritious snack.

Lara Bars are another one of those snacks with simple ingredients that leave you feeling satisfied. They also make mini Lara bars that are perfect as a snack for your child.

Off the Eaten Path snack are the perfect amount of crunch but come with a great nutrition profile. They use real vegetables and come in a variety of flavors.

These vegetable chips by Terra are one of my favorites. They are nice and crunchy with a touch of a sweet and salty flavor. They are made up of sweet potatoes, batata, yuca, parsnips, and beet juice.

Harvest Snaps Snapea Crisps are lightly salted and a nutritious crunchy snack that is easy to take on the go. Plus, I love this option for picky eaters as it introduces them to the flavor of peas but in a different texture.

Homemade snack ideas for busy moms

If you are feeling a little more ambitious, here are some great snack options that are easy to make and delicious!

Overnight oats is often thought of as a breakfast item but it can also serve as a snack. This one by The Real Food Dietitians is sure to hold you over till your next meal as it’s filled with the perfect combination of protein, fiber, and healthy fats. This is a super simple recipe that can be made the night before and prepared in numerous ways. My favorite variation of this recipe includes peanut butter and bananas.

Did you know the average American only eats 1 serving of a fruit or vegetable per day?! That’s crazy! Needless to say, we can all benefit from increasing the fruits and vegetables in our diets. Smoothies are a great way to increase your intake and can be made in numerous ways.

Hard-boiled eggs are a great snack option that provides a good amount of protein. These are perfect for throwing in kid’s lunch boxes, enjoying on your salads, or just as a snack.

This recipe from Gimme Some Oven is my go-to recipe for energy bites. They are packed with protein and fiber by using flaxseed, chia seeds, and peanut butter. These are perfect for throwing in the freezer to grab on the go when you need a quick snack.

Make your own Chex mix for a savory snack. Add your favorite Chex cereal, pretzels, nuts, and other ingredients you may enjoy. Instead of purchasing Chex Mix seasoning packets, you can make your own at home to better manage sodium content.

Wholegrain bread topped with sliced avocado, egg, and feta cheese makes a hearty snack.

Plain Greek yogurt is a great source of protein and calcium. Add fresh fruit to yours to increase fiber content. Greek yogurt can also be prepared into dips by blending in your favorite spices and fresh herbs.

Snacks for the sweet tooth

Make your own ice cream! This sounds more tedious than it really is. I just throw whatever fresh or frozen fruit that I need to use up in a blender with a few scoops of vanilla yogurt. Blend until it has reached a nice creamy consistency (adding more yogurt as needed). Spread this into a pan and freeze. Scoop when frozen to enjoy a healthy sweet treat.

Take banana slices and spread a teaspoon of your favorite nut butter on. Dip into melted chocolate and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Put the pan in the freezer for a sweet treat during your afternoon slump.

Chocolate avocado pudding is a fun spin on traditional chocolate pudding. But it adds in those healthy fats from avocados. This recipe is super simple and quick – I’m speaking your language momma!

Cottage cheese is a protein-packed snack- 14 grams per 1/2 cup – and is an excellent source of calcium. Mix in peaches for some added sweetness.

These chocolate-covered almonds are perfect for a sweet snack but provide you with protein, fiber, and healthy fats.

BEAR fruit snacks are the healthier alternatives to your kid’s favorite fruit snacks but can be enjoyed by adults. Their ingredients contain just fruit and no added sugar. These are shelf-stable and easy to throw in a bag on your way out the door. I also recommend these for picky eaters to introduce fruit flavors but in different forms. If your child refuses to touch a strawberry then give this a try next time. It’s helping your child to try new flavors while keeping it in a more safe food form for them – fruit snack style.

Who doesn’t love chocolate chip cookie dough? I love this spin on it using Greek yogurt. This makes for an easy-to-prepare-on-a-whim sweet treat. The best part is there are no raw eggs so you and your little ones can enjoy together. It pairs well with apple slices or vanilla wafers. Check out the recipe here.

In Summary

Give these healthy snack ideas for busy moms a try and let me know your favorites! Or, if you have other options you enjoy I would love to hear them. And just remember, there is no shame if your snacks only include Goldfish. There’s nothing wrong with this option, and if it means you are able to eat something when hungry then that’s better than nothing. If you need help with healthy snacking boundaries for kids, check out this blog post.