Protein, protein, protein… It’s an essential component of a healthy diet and something that kids need for optimal health and development. But… And this is a big but… As every busy parent knows, optimal meal prepping can be a challenge.
However, there are some simple ways to add high protein snacks to your kid’s lunchbox. From beef jerky to pitta and hummus, check out these simple choices that aren’t just easy to manage, children will also love their finger-licking taste and ease of eating.
1. Roasted edamame beans: This low-carb and high-protein snack is super-child friendly. Dry roasted with a bit of flavour (either make your own or buy pre-packaged) it’s a super-simple addition to your child’s school bag.
2. Greek yogurt and apple dip: Mix the yogurt with a drizzle of honey and some peanut butter. Chop up some apple slices and voila! Protein-packed, fast, tasty and healthy…
3. Tuna salad and crackers: Mix some tuna with beans, onion, peas (use your imagination and include what your child likes). Pop it in a pot and pair with some crackers.
4. Cheese strings: Bega Stringers are a parent’s best friend – and children love them – after all, who doesn’t adore playing with food?
5. Peanut butter sandwiches: This humble butter packs a true protein punch – and they’re simple to make. Use whole grain bread for the highest nutritional value.
6. Hard boiled eggs: A go-to staple when preparing tomorrow’s school lunch.
7. Chicken strips: The far healthier alternative to nuggets, chicken strips can be served hot for tea and then refrigerated and wrapped for lunch. Or, if your child’s at home, mix them up into a rice and bean salad for a protein-packed snack.
8. Chicken and cheese tortilla: Remember that chicken? Combine it with some grated cheese in a wholegrain tortilla and let your little one chow down on some tasty high-protein finger food.
9. Banana and sunflower seed butter: Sunflower seeds are a wonderful source of protein – and children love Sun Butter. Slice up a banana and slather on the goodness for a sweet treat with zero guilt…
10. Pitta and hummus: A tried and tested favourite – and with all the different flavour hummus options available, this never gets boring.
11. Grab-n-go jerky: Quite simply one of the easiest options for high-protein snacking. Keep plenty in the cupboard for when speed is of the essence…
12. Ham and cheese wheels: Grab a tortilla and layer with cream cheese and ham. Fold and cut into wheels (or squares – it’s quicker) for another popular hand-holding snack.
13. Toast and seed/nut butter: Wholemeal bread topped with a butter packed with seed or nut goodness is always a great go-to, protein-filled snack. Pumpkin seed, sunflower seeds, almond butter, walnut, hazelnut, mixed nuts… The choice is endless.
14. Macaroni chicken salad: Use lean chicken, some tender pasta, add a little mayo and mustard – and mix in some other high-protein items, such as peas and beans. Make up a batch, refrigerate and serve as a tasty snack when hunger strikes.
15. Cottage cheese and pears: While not all kids go for cottage cheese, when you twin it with some sweet pear slices, you’ll be amazed at how palatable it becomes.
16. Pumpkin seed granola: Mix rolled oats, pumpkin and flax seeds, walnuts, honey and maple syrup, some coconut oil and some cinnamon spice, bake for 30 minutes and enjoy warm or cold as a bar or crumbled up into cereal. Yum!
17. Bean and cheese burrito: A great source of protein, refried beans mixed with your kid’s fav cheese and microwaved in a tortilla warp is both simple and quick. Add some chicken and veggies to upgrade to a complete meal…
18. Chickpea trail mix: Who doesn’t love digging into a bag of trail mix? Mix roasted chickpeas with coconut flakes, almonds, pumpkin seeds and anything else your child loves for an uber-easy, protein-packed snack.
19. Stuffed apple: ¾ core an apple and scoop out some of the flesh. Replace with a mix of peanut butter, or a Greek yogurt, honey and oats mix, and let your little one munch into its oozy interior for a boost of naturally sweet, protein-filled heaven…
As you can see, protein-packed, healthy snacks don’t have to either cost the earth or require hours of your time to prep. A little pre-planning is all it takes.
Of course, we always advocate having plenty of the king of protein snacks on hand – D.Jays Gourmet jerky and biltong. And, naturally, a pack or two of our awesome fresh burgers and boerewors in the fridge.
Order yours today and remember – it’s not just for the kids…