As any parent knows, keeping your house stocked with snacks for kids is a constant challenge. It seems like they’re always hungry, and if you’re not careful, you could find yourself with a bunch of hangry kids on your hands. Fortunately, there are plenty of easy ways to ensure that your house is never without snacks for kids. In this post, we’ll explore some of the best strategies to keep your pantry full and your kids happy.
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Keep a Running Grocery List
One of the most effective ways to ensure that your house is always stocked with snacks for kids is to keep a running grocery list. This is a simple but powerful strategy that can help you stay organized and avoid forgetting anything.
There are a few different ways you can keep a grocery list. You can use a notepad on the fridge like I do, a whiteboard in the kitchen, or an app on your phone to keep track of what you need to buy. The important thing is to keep the list visible and accessible so that you remember to update it regularly. (It’s also important to remind anyone in the house old enough to write that THEY need to update the list if they finish a box of crackers or eat the last cheese string!)
To make the most of your grocery list, try to keep it organized by section. This means grouping items by categories, such as produce, dairy, and snacks. This can help you avoid backtracking and save time in the store. You can also try using a grocery delivery service, which can save you time and effort while ensuring that you always have a supply of snacks on hand.
Buy in Bulk
Another effective way to keep your pantry full is to buy snacks in bulk. Buying in bulk is often more cost-effective than buying smaller packages, so you’ll save money in the long run. Some examples of snacks that you might want to buy in bulk include granola bars, trail mix, dried fruit, and popcorn. Just make sure you have enough storage space to store the larger quantities. This way, you’ll always have a ready supply of snacks whenever your kids are hungry.
When buying in bulk, it’s important to pay attention to expiration dates. Some snacks, like granola bars and trail mix, can have a long shelf life, while others, like fresh fruit, need to be consumed quickly. You can also try buying in bulk with other families, which can help you save even more money and reduce waste.
Order Snacks Online
One fun and exciting way to ensure that your kids always have snacks to choose from is to order snack boxes online. Subscription services that offer monthly boxes of snacks and treats have become increasingly popular in recent years. Different companies offer curated boxes of international snacks, candies, and treats.
You can order original Japanese snacks from ZenPop and the best thing is they even offer surprise boxes! This is a great way to introduce your kids to new flavors and cultures, while also ensuring that they always have a variety of snacks to choose from. My kids have often surprised me with what snacks they like when introduced to different foods by friends from other cultures.
One of the great things about snack boxes is that they are delivered right to your door, so you don’t have to go out and shop for snacks. They also offer a fun and exciting way for your kids to try new snacks that they might not have otherwise tried. You can make the most of it by involving your kids in the unboxing process and encouraging them to share their thoughts and opinions on the snacks.
Make Snacks Ahead of Time
If you have some extra time on the weekends, consider making snacks ahead of time. This is a great way to ensure that your kids have healthy and tasty snacks on hand, and it can also be a fun activity to do together as a family. Some ideas for homemade snacks include energy bites, fruit kabobs, and homemade chips. I use my Insant Pot to make large batches of applesauce, which I then keep in jars in the fridge.
Making snacks at home allows you to control the ingredients and ensure that your kids are eating nutritious foods. It also lets you get your kids involved in the process—they can suggest their favourite snacks or spices for those snacks. This can help them develop healthy eating habits and a love for cooking.
You can also make the most of your homemade snacks by storing them in airtight containers and labeling them with the date they were made. This can help you avoid wasting food and ensure that your snacks are always fresh and tasty.
Create a Snack Station
Instead of keeping all of your snacks in the pantry or fridge, consider creating a designated snack station in your kitchen. This is a simple and effective way to make snacks easily accessible to your kids and encourage healthy snacking habits. You can use a small table or cart to set up your snack station and stock it with a variety of snacks that your kids enjoy.
To make the most of your snack station, try to keep it organized and visually appealing. Use baskets or jars to store snacks, and label them with the name of the snack and its nutritional information. You can also include healthy snack options like fresh fruit, veggies, and hummus, alongside more indulgent treats like cookies and chips.
Having a snack station in your kitchen can also help your kids learn about portion control and self-regulation. Encourage them to choose one or two snacks at a time and avoid grazing throughout the day.
In conclusion, keeping your house stocked with snacks for kids can be an enjoyable experience. By implementing these strategies, you can ensure that your kids always have a variety of tasty and nutritious snacks to choose from, while also encouraging healthy snacking habits and teaching them about portion control and self-regulation. Whether you prefer to buy in bulk, order surprise boxes online, or make snacks ahead of time, there are plenty of ways to keep your kids well-fed and happy. So, go ahead and get creative in the kitchen and have fun exploring new snack options with your kids!
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