Justin Chapple, the test kitchen pro behind Food & Wine's Mad Genius Tips, shares five back-to-school food hacks for lunchtime and after-school snacks.
1. Banana sushi
Get more fruit in your child's diet with this customizable sweet snack.
Here's how: Coat bananas with jam or nut butter, then slice and roll them into tasty toppings like sprinkles, cereal, mini marshmallows, shredded coconut and shaved chocolate.
2. Frozen smoothie packs
Keep your kid's lunch pack cold while also offering a fresh smoothie in an eco-safe reusable pouch.
Here's how: Just make a week's worth of smoothies, pour them into the reusable pouches and freeze. Pop one in the lunch pack in the morning to keep the other items cold. By lunch time the smoothie will be drinkable and perfectly chilled.
3. Nutella-banana pudding cups
They're going to love this fresh and healthy banana "pudding" with a chocolaty surprise on the bottom.
Here's how: Spoon Nutella into the bottom of small reusable plastic cups. Top with pureed banana, close the lid and freeze. The next day, pop one into a lunch box with a little wooden spoon. The snack will stay cold all day.
4. DIY sliced apple snacks
Purchasing the little packs of apple slices can be expensive and bulky in your fridge. Save money by making your own.
Here's how: In a bowl, mix fresh lemon juice with ice water. Cut an apple into slices and soak in the ice bath for 10 minutes. Drain the apple slices and transfer to snack-size resealable baggies.
5. Pretzel and apple dippers
The little to-go dipping snacks are very popular these days but you can make your own.
Here's how: Spoon peanut or almond butter into the bottom of a sippy cup. Stick long pretzel sticks and apple slices into the nut butter and close the top. Then, your little one can dip and snack after school.