35 Healthy-ish Snacks for Toddlers on a Plane (or a Road Trip) That Will Make Traveling a Breeze

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If you took a look in my purse, you’d immediately know that I have a toddler.  At any given time I have cheddar bunnies, a Lara Bar, and a bag of Bambas in my purse (along with a pair of undies and pants).  Toddler snacks serve multiple purposes, and thus I always have some on hand.  Specifically, they can stave off hunger, thwart a meltdown, serve as a distraction, and they can provide an activity (here kiddo, try and get this Bamba bag open).  You need snacks for toddlers on a plane too; however, they may be slightly different to your usual, and you may have to pack them differently.

In putting together this list of snacks for toddlers on a plane, I had ~3 criteria.  First, I only picked snacks that do not have to be refrigerated or can be out of the fridge for a while without going bad. Second, I tried to pick semi-healthy snacks (most fit this bill), and third, you won’t find any meat on this list simply because I am a vegetarian. Similarly, this list will work for a day out with your toddler or for a road trip; although for a road trip, you may have the luxury of a cooler.

List of Snacks for Toddlers on a Plane:

Here are 35 ideas for snacks to bring on a plane for toddlers. Many of these items you can get in individual bags, or you can make snack bags at home.  Afterwards, I’ll give you a few other tips for putting together snacks for toddlers on a plane.

1. Annie’s Cheddar Bunnies (these are like Goldfish but are made with wheat flour and are organic)
2. Pouches
3. Applesauce Cups or Pouches
4. Cut Up or Whole Fruit: I would recommend using sturdy fruit that can stand the test of time.  Additionally, I’d suggest putting fruit into a snack container so that it doesn’t get smooshy. We use this one; it allows the juice to drain into the bottom of the container and helps prevent the fruit from getting soggy.  Alternatively, you can buy fruit cups if you are short on time. Some fruit ideas are:  Apples, Grapes, Blueberries, Clementines, Kiwi, or Banana
5. Dried Fruit: Apricots, Mangoes, Cranberries, Raisins, Craisins
6. Fruit Leather
7. Lara Bars Fruit & Greens or Pressed Bars by Kind
8. Chewy Granola Bars
9. Breakfast Bars (like Nutrigrain)
10. Muffins or Mini Muffins (you can get muffins at the airport)
11. Cheerios (original or multi-grain)
12. Whole Wheat Crackers
13. Rice Cakes
14. Popcorn Cakes (Skinny Pop makes a yummy one)
15. Veggie Straws or Chips
16. Hummus & Pretzels: You can make your own at home with a small Tupperware and a baggie of pretzels, or you can purchase premade tubs (Sabra hummus and pretzel tubs are pretty widely available)
17. Pretzels
18. Harvest Snaps
19. Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwich
20. Peanut Butter Sandwich
21. Apples and Peanut Butter
22. Peanut Butter Crackers
23. Bamba Puffs (peanut butter puffs)
24. Any Other Kind of Puff
25. Graham Crackers
26. Yogurt Covered Pretzels or Raisins
27. Pretzels
28. Trail Mix
29. Plain Nuts or Mixed Nuts
30. Freeze Dried Snacks: Yogurt, Fruit, Vegetables
31. Soy Yogurt Individual Cups (they will hold for a few hours)
32. Cubed or Sliced Cheese (alternatively, you can purchase something like Babybell Cheese)
33. Cheese Sandwich
34. Oatmeal Cups (you’d have to find hot water)
35. Pure Chocolate Nibs

Packing Snacks for the Plane

Containers

In packing snacks for toddlers on a plane, you can pack them in snack containers, Tupperware, Bento boxes, or plain old baggies. Snack containers, Tupperware, and baggies are obvious. However, Bento boxes are like compartmentalized Tupperware. My dear friend Kate suggests these ‘bento’ boxes and says they work great for snacks!

Snack Packs

Anectodally, Kate suggests putting together snack packs.  For her three-year-old, she’ll put together a baggy with some grapes, pretzels, and cubed cheese.  Think about creating snack packs with 2-4 different snacks, in a baggie or small Tupperware, and then just pull one out at various times during your drive or flight.

A Note on Security

Always pack your snacks in one bag, for the plane. You’ll have to take your bag of snacks out to get through security and you don’t want to have to fish around for each snack. 

A Note on Liquids

Formula, Breastmilk, Juice, and other liquids for your baby or toddler are permitted through security and may be brought through in amounts greater than 3.4 ounces, so long as they are in reasonable quantities. Inform the officer upon your arrival if you have any liquids over 3.4 ounces as they will go through an additional screening.

Forgot Snacks?

Lastly, if you don’t have enough snacks or forgot your snack bag do not panic!  The airport will likely have a Starbucks, Hudson News, or a general shop in which you can stock up on snacks before your flight. Also, you’ll be able to purchase snacks on most flights; however, your selection will be limited, and they’re usually pretty expensive.

I hope that I’ve provided you with some good ideas for snacks for toddlers on a plane! This list is not exhaustive, but I hope that it has inspired some ideas for you.  My last piece of advice is not to worry about three square meals the day of flying. Bring lots of snacks, pack as many as you can with some nutritional value, and everyone will survive!  Snacks are your secret weapon so have fun with it; this is one of the easier (and fun) parts of packing so don’t stress!

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