Snacking on the go.

One of the biggest challenges for these days is to come up with snacks that I can take with me. It seems like we are always on the go and of course someone is always hungry. So, what do you do to tackle those munching needs?

It’s often difficult to find good, portable snacks that are not only affordable but also gluten-free and tasty as well. Thankfully, there are a few tasty options available to either buy or make in your own kitchen that won’t break the bank and that your kids will love.

Life keeps moving, appointments are made, meetings and baseball practice are juggled with the demands of work and home. Just getting three square meals on the table for your family is challenge enough, but there are always those in between meal hungries that need to be addressed as well. If you have kids, you know exactly what I mean. There is always that need for something to snack on between the end of the school day and baseball practice, or that soccer game or the track meet.

The next question is are you craving crunchy or juicy? Sweet or salty? Something you can just grab and munch or something you have to eat with a spoon? So many choices, I know. That is often what holds me up, trying to figure out what will satisfy. Anyone else have that problem?

Crunchy snacks are always top of the list in my house. My family loves corn chips, crackers and pretzels. Adding a slice of cheese or a spoonful of peanut butter makes for a more filling snack. Those little reusable plastic snack cups make a great place to pack a spoon full of peanut butter or any other dip or spread.

Bagels are a great versatile snack. They can be topped with anything from cream cheese to peanut butter or your favorite nut or seed butter. Tasty and good for you, perfect snack food in my mind. Add a handful of raisins, dried cranberries or sliced bananas and you have a well balanced snack that will stick with you for a long time.

In my house, a favorite snack item is popcorn. Not only is it inexpensive, but it’s also (depending of course what you top it with) a very healthy snack. Our favorite way to enjoy popcorn is with just a bit of butter and some salt, but occasionally the kids talk me into what they call “dirty popcorn”. Sounds tasty doesn’t it? Well, it is better than it sounds. They simply take the normal buttered popcorn and add a good dash of cinnamon and sugar. While it’s not my favorite, the kids enjoy it.

A bit lower on my kids favorites list is granola. Not something that all of my kids love, but it’s always on my pantry shelf for those of us that do enjoy it. I love to take my homemade (though store bought is also tasty) granola and add it to a cup of yogurt. Quite good as a snack or a light meal.

Now, I can’t forget to mention one of my personal favorites. Muffins make the perfect snack or light meal. Any flavor, any ingredients and you have a tasty treat just about any time and in no time at all. Making muffins is quick and easy. So many flavor options, you could have a different kind just about every day of the week or longer. Sweet or savory, they make the perfect on the go treat.

When life is busy and kids are hungry, there are many great options for snacking. Even if you don’t want to bake or buy a pre-made something, your local produce department has many naturally gluten-free choices as well. Anything from carrots or celery to an apple or a banana. Add a bit of nut butter or cream cheese and you have a great snack!

Simple is often best and also offers fewer chances for an accidental gluten exposure. Find what works for you and make sure you always have your kids favorites on hand for those busy, on the go snacking opportunities!