On-the-Go Summer Snacking with Picky Eaters
This summer has blown by! It feels like school ended only a week ago and here I am, collecting supply lists for the next school year already! Our summer has been extremely busy and action-packed, but it’s been a whirlwind of fun. It’s no wonder that it feels like it’s flown by so quickly…
But it’s not over yet.
Summer On-the-Go
As you already know, we took a beach trip, a long road trip, saw lots of friends and family, spent tons of time at the pool, and made our way around San Antonio. We’ve been on the move quite a bit and with only a few more weeks of summer left, we’re still hoping to make the most of it!! We have one last weekend getaway scheduled, a few outings (I can’t wait to post about those!), and a playdate or two in between. This summer has definitely been our busiest ever and it’s been so fun!
But always being on-the-go presents a few problems.
It means packing adequately for the day, rushing to meet time frames, and sometimes, having breakfast in the car. Since we’re trying to stay away from fast foods (for both health and wallet reasons), I always package stuff to take along. This helps to weed out temptation and bad last-minute decisions.
One snack that we often take along is yogurt. It’s the one snack the kids never seem to say no to (even the picky eater!), it seems to keep them satisfied for a while, it’s easy to tote around, and is practically mess-free. (SHHHHH!! Don’t tell them that it’s also a good source of calcium and vitamin D, which is great for bones and muscles, too! I want to keep this as an acceptable snack option.)
Danimals On-the-Go
I pick up Danimals yogurts because they’re also easy to take along because they’re small and all of my kids can eat them without a mess.
Isn’t it funny how you over-analyze the simplest things when you’re a Mom?
I’m able to keep everything (and everyone) mess-free by simply sticking a straw in it. No caps to fall under the seats of the car, no over-excited squeezing that leads to a mess, and they get every drop without my having to help. It’s a great breakfast-to-go for my kiddos. They also love it as a mid-morning snack, afternoon snack, and- well, who am I kidding? They will eat them at any time, anywhere.
Since it’s yogurt, they definitely need to be kept refrigerated or chilled, so if I’m packing them for later, I throw them in a small insulated lunch bag with an ample-sized ice pack. I don’t worry about having to lug around a big bag because these are small. Quite a few will fit into any personal-sized lunch bag.
1 Snack, 3 Ways to Enjoy It
I was excited to write this post because these are a staple on my food-shopping list, so I knew I’d have a lot to say about them. As a parent, it’s one thing when you are trying to watch your child’s intake. Many of us have picky eaters who cringe at anything green. A friend of mine had mentioned once that she considered it a win if she could have her kids eat at least one healthy meal a day. As my little one has become pickier, I totally understand that now. Here are a few ways we use Danimals for snacking:
Smoothies
Danimals can be thrown into a blender with milk and fruit (and VEGETABLES!!). The sweetness of the yogurt masks any good nutrition they might be getting, because if they catch even a minuscule taste of anything green, they won’t drink it. It’s a great way to sneak in veggies.
Drizzle
Have you ever drizzled Danimals yogurt over a bowl of blueberries? My creative kids introduced me to this phenomena and I have to say- they are on to something. It’s definitely delicious and a great way to pack on the anti-oxidants! I encourage you to give it a try sometime (I’ve also sprinkled a little granola on there for crunch and… yummmmm).
Ice Pops
This year, we’ve taken it one step further and decided to make Danimals Ice Pops because… Well, have you checked the weather in San Antonio lately?! These 3-digit temps are killing me and these ice pops are a great way to beat the heat in the afternoon. It also keeps the kids busier with their snack a little longer (because the straw option makes it easy to devour pretty quickly). There’s no specific recipe to it, other than throw some fresh fruit and Danimals in an ice pop mold and freeze. We like to keep things simple around here.
Summer Snacking
With only a few weeks left of summer, we’re gearing up for our grand finales. Some of the things we have planned will put us back on the road for a few hours and some right across town. Either way, to keep the kids happy, Mom happy, and costs down Danimals is one of the snacks we will likely take along. It’s great to have a snack all the kids can agree upon. There’s also nothing like quick and easy when you’re on the go, and yogurt is almost always the healthier choice.
Ad: When you're snacking on the go- quick, easy, non-messy & good for you is key! #DanimalsDoesSummer @Danimals Share on XFor more great summer ideas, check out Surviving Road Trips with Kids and The Best Beach Vacation Packing List.
What type of snacks do you bring when you’re on the go?
My kids love Danimals. They are a great idea for breakfast, too. My little one doesn’t like to eat a big breakfast, so these are perfect.
Hey Robin! They’re definitely a breakfast option around here, too.
My son loves yogurt but he is a little older but I know he would still love the Danimals. I like your different ideas to switch it up and make it seem like a new food.
Thanks, Melissa!
My favorite would be the ice pops, yes, I am a kid at heart! I think these are awesome ways to get the kids to eat healthier snacks!
Thanks so much, Karen!
I’ve never heard of Danimals but looks like such an easy on the go snack for kids! Love the cute designs on the packets too
Hey Cassie! They’re yummy yogurt smoothies. The little monkey comes in a few different outfits and the kids like him, too.
I’m a big fan of throwing veggies into smoothies for kids. You really have no clue there is green stuff in there. Lol, I also do this with my husband. “Big kids” aren’t always good at eating their veggies either.
Hahaha Great odea, Erica!
I really want to try the smoothie idea, but that would require me getting my blender out and it just seems so troublesome!
Hey Beth! Another way around it is to buy a superfood supplement in powder form and throw a scoop in there. I actually do this for myself with coffee!! LOL
My daughter loves this so much and it would be nice to add a little twist to her fave drink! Adding this in a smoothie or turning it into a popsicle is an awesome idea!
Thanks AnnMarie! Our kids love them, too.
My daughter loves the Danimals shakes. They are so easy for traveling or quick little trips.
Hey Jessica- They are SO incredibly easy to just grab and go! Love it.
My daughter loves Danimals! The freezer pop idea is a great one! Adding the fruit is a smart little way to boost up the nutrition.
Thanks, Joannna! I have to sneak in the nutrition any which way I can! LOL
I love the many ways you have used this single product. Very creative and ones that busy moms will definitely appreciate!
Thanks, Terri!
Oh, what a great idea. I’m going to have to try this for my grand kids. They’re staying with me this week and I’m hunting down snacks for them.
Sounds great, Terri! I bet they’ll like them!
Yoghurt is always a great snack and my son has a lot of it…however my daughter hates it! I have tried everything – frozen, chocolate, fruit infused – nothing works. It’s a right pain as it’s such a handy healthy snack!
Thanks, Nicola! I’m sorry your daughter doesn’t like it. 🙁
My kids love dannimals. They can live on them if they can. Sometimes I make popsicles out of them too. its so yum.
Hey Aish! They are yummy! I really do like the popsicles myself. 🙂
Putting a straw in a danimal is such a good idea. It definitely will save on the mess.
Right, Rachel? Easy-Peasy and done.
I love eating yogurt and fruit in a bowl together. So delicious! I haven’t tried making frozen yogurt pops, that also sounds easy and delicious also. I will definitely try that!
Thanks, Breena! I think you’ll like it.
I have one picky eater in my house. I have been trying to get him to expand his horizons a bit, but it is a struggle!
Hey Amber! It’s definitely not easy! I know your pain!
We go through sooooooo many of these! My son loves those little smoothies. We like to try and come up with creative ways to upcycle the bottles, we use so many lol
Hey Misty! What a great idea!
What a great way to use yogurt! I do have these popsicle molds so I’ll have to try this out myself thanks for the idea.
Thanks, Ashleigh! I bet you’ll like them. 🙂
I don’t think we have danimals in the UK but it looks delicious and I like how you can make them into smoothie pops they look tasty. Perfect snack x
Thanks, Ana!
Love your ideas! You are so right, the temptation to eat unhealthily is so hard to resist on a road trip if you haven’t prepared things in advance. So much better to be prepared, so well done you!
Thank you!! 🙂
Both my daughters love yogurt and smoothies so these are great options on the go for our family.
Awesome, Heather!
My kids love these smoothies! I just noticed the non-GMO label though on the package, I had no idea!
Hey Reesa! I just noticed that myself. That’s good news!
I love this ice pops idea! I can’t believe I have never thought of trying something like it before.
Thanks, Cassie!
Kids are so picky these days but they do all seem to love D’animals or those yogurt pouches. Makes smoothies or popsicles with them is a great idea for changing up the usual snack routine.
Thanks, Cindy!
I bet this really would be great frozen. My friend babysits several kids. I will make sure to pass this idea along. 🙂
Thanks, Dawn!
When we’re on the go we always grab healthy, easy, and quick. Cut up fruit and veggies are our usual go-to, and we also love to grab yogurt as well. I’m interested in making those pops this weekend for a sweet treat for the Tiny Foodies though. 🙂
Awesome! They’re pretty yummy and I think the Tiny Foodies will like them. 🙂
This is such a great idea! I never thought of using Danimals or any type of those yogurt packages to make ice pops. That’s awesome!
Thanks, Rebecca!
My kids flip over these. They hold a lot of bribing power over them 🙂 they’re great on the go too!
Thanks, Brittany!
My kids absolutely love Danimals. I honestly can not think of a child that doesn’t. These are definitely great for those picky little ones.
Hey, Krystle! I agree- most kids do.
My younger son has always been a picky eater and he loved Danimals yogurt. I love that they have always been good for him.
Hey Maria! Yes! Even the picky ones like it!