Healthy nut-free snacks for back to school part 2

It’s back to school time and you might be looking for some new nut-free snacks in addition to the ones in my previous post: Healthy nut-free snacks for back to school.

Here’s my new top 5 nut-free snacks for back to school:

1. Chia seed pudding: This is so simple to make and you can portion out 5 cups for the week. Have your kids participate in picking their fruits and toppings. Add pumpkin seeds, hemp hearts or sesame seeds for an added protein boost. A little cinnamon, honey or maple syrup adds a touch of sweetness to this delicious pudding.
2. Power balls: Power balls are traditionally made with peanut or almond butter but you can easily substitute this for pumpkin seed butter, Sun butter or Wow butter. Make on the weekend and portion into freezer baggies for a quick snack or lunch addition.
3. Hummus: Home made hummus is packed full of protein and calcium, great for growing kids and healthy bones. Make hummus fun by blending it with some spinach and edemame to make ‘Green dip’ or with roasted beets to make ‘Pink dip’. This adds extra flavour as well as vitamins and minerals to otherwise boring old hummus.
4. Quinoa salad: Add some veggies and voila! You have yourself a quick and nutritious snack. Flavour with olive oil, lemon, salt, pepper, ginger, garlic, chili flakes, balsamic vinegar, basil, dill, thyme, cumin, etc. Quinoa salad is easy to make in bulk on a Sunday and to scoop into individual portions for the week. Bonus, the longer the flavours soak the more tasty this salad becomes!
5. Steel cut oats: Make ahead and divide into individual portions and add honey, cinnamon, berries, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, chia seeds or hemp hearts for added flavour and protein.

Involve your children in the snack decision making and preparation to figure out what flavours and textures they like!

Image from: https://minimalistbaker.com/overnight-chocolate-chia-seed-pudding/