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These back-to-school lunchbox hacks could save your mornings
Nutrition expert Stefani Sassos shares kid-approved, award-winning snacks and smart lunch-packing tips to make school mornings easier and more budget-friendly.
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Back-to-school mornings can be stressful, but planning ahead and choosing kid-approved snacks can make packing lunches easier and more enjoyable for everyone.
“You want to find something with fiber, protein, healthy fats,” said Stefani Sassos, the Director of Nutrition and Fitness at Good Housekeeping. “Keep your kids satisfied and fueled during the school day and feeling their best.”
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Sassos said one of the best ways to save on groceries is to talk with kids about what they actually like, which can help cut down on food waste. On average, a household of four loses around $2,912 per year in food waste, according to a 2025 report by the Environmental Protection Agency.
Sassos and her team recently tested hundreds of snacks for Good Housekeeping’s annual Snack Awards, focusing on taste, nutrition, convenience and value.
She shared some of the top-rated snacks for kids’ school lunches, along with a few simple lunch-packing hacks.
LesserEvil Crunch Cheezmos, Cowboy Cheddar
LesserEvil Cheezmos Cowboy Cheddar Chips – 7oz
LesserEvil
walmart.com
$5.54
$4.44
Prepare for liftoff with a snack that’s truly out of this world! Crafted from 100% organic, wholesome ingredients, our cosmic Cheezmos are here to deliver a bold, cheesy crunch that’s lightyears ahead of ordinary snacks. Powered by real flavors and clean ingredients, they’re the ultimate fuel for all your snacking adventures. No artificial nonsense, no shortcuts—just pure, interstellar deliciousness in every bite. Whether you’re exploring galaxies far away or just the depths of your couch, these puffs are your ticket to a snacking experience that’s as stellar as the stars.
These crunchy corn snacks from LesserEvil are made with real Cheddar and avocado oil.
“So a better-for-you cheesepuff,” Sassos said. One tester told Good Housekeeping the snack was a hit in their household, adding that they’re not a crispy chip, but they’re not entirely a puff.
Uno Bites Nano Cucumbers
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pure-flavor.com
Looking to add a fresh vegetable option to your kids’ lunchboxes? Sassos said the Uno Bites Nano Cucumbers were a favorite among kid taste-testers, noting that these mini cucumbers were “less tough and less bitter” than traditional cucumbers.
Once Upon a Farm Strawberry Shortcake Power Wheels
Strawberry Shortcake Power Wheels, 8 boxes
onceuponafarmorganics.com
A powerful snack to fuel all your kids’ adventures. Our organic Power Wheels pack 4g of protein, whole grain oats, and real fruits and veggies into a fun-shaped, soft-baked bar that’s ready to go when they are. Lunchbox hero. After-school MVP. Road trip essential.
Parent testers said they loved the soft, chewy texture and the wheel shape was easy for toddlers to hold independently. They also said they loved how the individual packs made it easy to travel.
Sassos said these bars have four grams of protein and are made with real vegetables.
“This is like a go-to in our house,” Sassos said.
Horizon Organic No Added Sugar Chocolate Milk Boxes
NEW Horizon Organic Shelf Stable No Added Sugar Lactose Free 1% Lowfat Chocolate Milk Boxes, Pack of 18-8g Protein per Serving
Horizon Organic
amazon.com
These chocolate milk boxes from Horizon are “not your average chocolate milk,” according to Sassos, as she says each carton contains 8 grams of protein and no added sugar. They are also lactose-free and shelf-stable.
“Kids love this and parents thought it was just a great way to avoid the sugar crash but still give into their kids cravings.”
Lunchbox hacks
The biggest lunch packing tip is to build a routine of planning lunches the night before, Sassos said.
“After dinner, with the kids, get them involved,” Sassos said. “It’s going to get them so much more excited to eat the food and much more involved.”
Looking to stretch your grocery budget? Sassos said to go back to basics by buying fresh whole foods.
“Also talking to your child. What did they like? What didn’t they like,” Sassos said. “Because if they’re not eating it, it’s a food waste problem, right, as well as a waste of money.”
To find more top-rated snacks, check out the winners for Good Housekeeping’s 2026 Snack Awards.
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