8 Healthy Snacks From Trader Joe's Your Kids Will Actually Want To Eat

As a parent of two, I know that choosing between feeding your kids healthy snacks or treats that they are actually willing to eat can sometimes be a challenge. That's why Trader Joe's is my go-to store for finding snack foods that go beyond just chips or cookies. I always manage to score interesting snacks there that not only will my kids eat, but also help me feel that my kids aren't just eating junk.

The following snacks are items I've personally bought on repeat for my own kids because they like them so much. These options offer something nutritionally worthwhile, whether that is protein, fiber, fruit, or whole grains. The choices include everything from crunchy snacks that are a more nutritious pick than most chips, to snacks that satisfy a sweet tooth while still offering nutrients. When offering any snacks to your kids, however, keep in mind allergies; for these particular options, I knew my kids didn't have allergies to any of the ingredients.

Trader Joe's Bamba Peanut Snacks are a crunchy, portable, pop-in-your-mouth snack that is addictive for kids and adults alike. My son and I have been known to polish off a bag together in one sitting. These puffy nuggets are made with just four pronounceable ingredients: peanuts, corn grits, sunflower oil, and salt. One serving size has 5 grams of protein and less than 1 gram of sugar. "My kids go crazy for those! We can go through three whole bags in a week easily," shares a parent on Reddit.

Trail mix isn't just for hiking; it's a perfect on-the-go snack for kids who want something sweet and parents who want those kids to eat something with substance. A tasty trail mix option that's popular in my house is the Rainbow's End Trail Mix, a combo of raisins, peanuts, almonds, and candy-coated chocolate pieces that offers up 2 grams of fiber and 5 grams of protein per serving. The pre-portioned baggies are ideal for tossing in backpacks or tucking into your purse.

Inner Peas are a tasty way to sneak some veggies into your kids' day. Sub this crunchy snack made of dried green peas for chips. Each serving has 4 grams of fiber and 5 grams of protein. They're portable for on-the-go eating, and my family particularly enjoys them dipped into hummus. They're worth trying with a range of dips, as parents know how much kids love dipping foods.

The freeze-dried strawberries are a staple in this household. My 8-year-old daughter brings them for school snack multiple times a week because they don't get mushy or warm like fresh strawberries might by the time they're able to be eaten. The strawberries are also super sweet without any sugar added; the ingredient list is simply strawberries and nothing else. We also often add them as a topper on cereal. Additionally, Trader Joe's has a huge selection of other freeze-dried fruit, and other favorites in our house include the mango and raspberries.

Not only are edamame fun for kids to eat (it's a whole process getting those beans out!), but they're packed with protein, with one serving giving approximately 8 grams. That's especially a plus for some kids who may be averse to animal sources of protein, aka my daughter. We nuke them up fast in the microwave for a quick, filling after-school snack.

My kids are always asking me to buy them acai bowls when they see a smoothie shop. The cost can add up, so I'm happy that Trader Joe's Organic Acai Bowl is an option I can grab out of the freezer and quickly heat up when hunger strikes. The bowls are packed with organic strawberries, blueberries, and bananas, as well as organic acai puree and unsweetened coconut chips. A separate packet contains ancient grains granola made of chia seeds, quinoa flakes, and amaranth flakes for the topper. My kids eat the bowl as a sweet breakfast or even as a fruit-packed dessert.

Peanut butter and jelly is the quintessential lunchbox sandwich, but Trader Joe's PB & J Snack Duo gives it a fun twist for snack time. Instead of a boring old spread on bread, crispy, rolled wafer sticks are packed with peanut butter filling, and then paired with raspberry fruit dip. Each package contains 8 grams of protein, and my son reaches for these duos most days after school before practice.

The Trader Joe's Organic Lowfat Yogurt Smoothies are the perfect size for lunchboxes or snack bags, and I often pop them in a cooler bag for my daughter to bring along with her to school. The drinks come in two flavors, strawberry and wild berry, and are packed with calcium and live and active cultures. They make it easy to enjoy yogurt when your family is on the go. Each bottle contains 6 grams of protein and is a good source of calcium and vitamin D.