Having a few prepped healthy grab-and-go snacks on hand is a must for busy people and families! Here is a collection of our favorite homemade portable snack ideas that are tasty, nutrient dense, and travel-friendly!

A collage of healthy on-the-go snack ideas with text saying "Healthy Grab-and-Go Snacks".

I’m a big believer in keeping healthy snacks on hand. For busy, active folks and families (like mine!), preparing a variety of on-the-go snacks is a game-changer.

Whether you’re headed out for a hike, road trip, or fueling up after a kiddo’s soccer game, this list of healthy snacks for the family (or anyone!) pack a nutrient punch by incorporating some common and not so common veggies. Think sweet potato chickpea blondies, strawberry beet fruit leather, and breakfast cookies loaded with zucchini, carrots, oats, and blueberries.

We all know what it’s like when everyone’s having a blast out and about…and the hangries strike! To avoid a hunger meltdown, it is a MUST for me to have an arsenal of portable snacks ready to go at all times!

But—finding healthy snacks for the family that are easy to pack and throw in your bag is not always an easy task. On-the-go snacks are not exactly known for their optimal nutrient profile. While prepackaged snacks definitley have their place (hey, we’ve all been there!), I also make sure to have some homemade portable snacks on hand. Why? They’re usually cheaper, easier to pack full of nutrient-dense ingredients, and easier to make than most people think!

Why make your own on-the-go snacks?

  • Homemade snacks are usually CHEAPER than store-bought
  • You know what ingredients are in them (and you can bump up their nutrition!)
  • They are surprisingly quick and easy to make
  • They can be easy and taste wonderful.
Homemade strawberry beet fruit leather served in a big glass tray with plenty of strawberries around it on a marble table

Homemade Strawberry Beet Fruit Leather

Homemade Strawberry Beet Fruit Leather is perfect for a healthy snack. Easy to make in the oven and with no added sugar, this healthy recipes is the perfect snack or lunch idea for kids!
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Apple Sweet Potato Muffins

These sweet potato muffins are not only delicious and packed with good-for-you ingredients, but they have the sweetness of apple! Naturally gluten free, veggie-loaded and super easy to make.
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Creamy Coconut Milk Chia Seed Pudding (Vegan)

Make this ahead, portion it out into mason jars and this chia pudding is the perfect fueling snack to grab as you walk out the door (don't forget your spoon!)
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Strawberry Beet Instant Pot Applesauce

Make this easy Strawberry Beet Instant Pot Applesauce and portion it out into mason jars or squeeze pouches for a quick and simple snack to take on the go! This veggie-filled applesauce is delicious, has no added sugar, and gets its amazing color from beets! Kid-friendly and the perfect way to get veggies in at breakfast, lunch, snack, or whenever!
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Healthy After School Snacks: Sweet Spinach Mini Muffins

After a busy day or learning and playing, kids are hungry! These healthy after school snacks are easy to stock up on or prep ahead of time and are sure to delight your kids awhile, keeping them full until dinner!
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Sweet Cinnamon Chickpea Poppers

Sweet Cinnamon Chickpea Poppers are totally delicious to eat on their own or to sprinkle over a salad that could use a touch of sweetness!
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How To Keep Cut Carrots Fresh

Classic snack, especially when paired with homemade dip! These cut carrots are prepped, stored in mason jars and are perfect for grabbing quickly when trying to get out the door with a healthy snack in your bag!
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Pineapple Carrot Muffins

Healthy Pineapple Carrot Muffins are easy to make and perfectly moist! Loaded with shredded carrots, naturally sweetened with honey + fruit, and made with whole grains. The perfect healthy breakfast muffin recipe.
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Carrot Energy Bites

Perfect for a quick snack or good-for-you-sweet-treat, these Carrot Energy Bites are simple to make in your food processor. Naturally sweetened with dates and bursting with warm spices, this veggie-loaded treat will be a new favorite.
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Sweet Potato Chickpea Blondies on a rack

Sweet Potato Chickpea Blondies

These Sweet Potato Chickpea Blondies are easy to make and are delicious. Perfect for a protein packed snack or healthy dessert. And you can't even taste the chickpeas!
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Veggie-Loaded Breakfast Cookies

This Veggie-Loaded Breakfast Cookie Recipe is made with grated carrots, zucchini, oats and studded with sweet blueberries. These cookies are easy, naturally sweetened, and perfect for dunking in coffee or for a breakfast on-the-go!
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5 from 1 vote

Healthy Grab-and-Go Snacks: Sweet Cinnamon Chickpea Poppers

Yield: 3 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Cuisine: American
Course: Appetizer
Sweet Cinnamon Chickpea Poppers are totally delicious to eat on their own or to sprinkle over a salad that could use a touch of sweetness!

Ingredients
 

  • 1 1/2 cups chickpeas , (you can use either canned or ones that you have cooked yourself)
  • 1/2 tablespoon coconut oil
  • 2-3 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • dash of salt

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees F and line a baking sheet with either parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
  • Rinse and dry your chickpeas. This is an important step, as the chickpeas will roast better the drier they are. I recommended laying the rinsed chickpeas out on a clean dish towel and using either another clean dish towel or paper towels to blot the extra water off of them as much as possible.
  • In a medium bowl, mix together coconut oil, maple syrup, salt, and cinnamon. Add the chickpeas to the bowl and gently stir to ensure that all the chickpeas are evenly coated with the coconut oil/sweetener mixture.
  • Spread the chickpeas out on the baking sheet in a thin layer and place them in the preheated oven to roast for 15-20 minutes (using a spatula or wooden spoon to flip at the half way point) or until the chickpeas start to turn golden brown.
  • Remove from from oven and cool on baking sheet. Store in air tight container in the fridge for up to a week. 

Notes

  • For chickpeas, you can use either canned or ones that you have cooked yourself.
  • These sweet poppers are totally delicious to eat on their own (such as out of the bowl like popcorn, as I do) or to sprinkle over a salad that could use a touch of sweetness.
Serving: 0.5cup, Calories: 192kcal, Carbohydrates: 32g, Protein: 7g, Fat: 4g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Sodium: 7mg, Potassium: 271mg, Fiber: 7g, Sugar: 12g, Vitamin A: 24IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 61mg, Iron: 2mg