After the Fourth of July, it seems as though summer flies by. Before you know it, school supply lists are demanding to be checked off and you're implementing back-to-school routines again.
Between school, soccer practice, musicals and more, you're going to need packable, nutritious snacks to fuel the entire family for moments in between meals.
Thankfully, EatingWell has got you covered — Jessica Ball, their Senior Nutrition Editor, stopped by the 3rd hour of TODAY to share winners from their 2025 Snack Awards.
"Our readers are always looking for healthier snack options, especially during back-to-school season, when hunger and busy schedules collide," says Ball. "We created the Snack Awards to help families snack smarter with options that are nutritious, delicious and kid-approved (but ones the whole family will love)."
From snacks that will trick young ones into hitting their daily fruit and veggie goals, to bites that are allergen-free and airplane-friendly, there's something for every occasion on this list, below.
Award-winning snacks seen on the 3rd hour of TODAY
This isn't your typical yogurt pouch, it's a cool yogurt pouch. Packed with protein (hence why it won Best High Protein Snack), Ball says this is "perfect for a post-workout refuel or a grab-and-go snack that actually keeps you full until your next meal."
Plus, it's made with sykr, which Ball explains is an extra thick and creamy Icelandic-style yogurt.
"Almonds are naturally high in vitamin E, protein, fiber and healthy fats for something that's super satisfying," says Ball. The addition of rosemary helps these almonds pack an "anti-inflammatory punch," she adds.
Elevate any charcuterie board or snack plate with the addition of these almonds, according to Ball, which won for Best Anti-Inflammatory Snack.
"Each piece is filled with creamy cashew butter and a hint of real vanilla bean, wrapped in dark chocolate, making it more than just a sweet bite," says Ball. "It’s packed with antioxidants (like flavonoids and polyphenols), and can support heart and brain health when enjoyed in moderation."
It's a sweet treat that'll make you feel complete, without the crash afterwards, according to Ball.
With one whole mango in each stick, Ball says this snack is a "convenient way to enjoy more naturally-delicious fruit while adding some fiber to your day too."
They're easy to take on the go, stashing in a lunch box, glove compartment or fanny pack.
These bites are "a good source of fiber, and have just four grams of added sugar per serving, which can help energize you for whatever the day holds," says Ball. "Not to mention, they include whole grains and vegetable extracts, but all you taste is the berry and vanilla."
More EatingWell Snack Award winners
EatingWell says that while these bars' main demographic is children, members of the whole family will enjoy them.
Ingredients like pears, dates, sweet potatoes and apples work to provide the "natural sweetness" flavoring of these bars, rather than added sugars.
One of EatingWell's staff members went so far as to call these the "highlight'' of her work day — providing the perfect "sweet and satisfying" treat to satiate any office slump.
Ball calls this the perfect snack for when you're craving something "crunchy and satisfying." Three simple ingredients make up the ingredient list: non-GMO popcorn, Himalayan salt and extra virgin coconut oil.
With a "mild heat" that's leveled out by "cooling notes of herbaceous ranch," these pretzel twists earned EatingWell's stamp of approval for a salty snack that's sure to satisfy.
The name "cactus crunch" comes from the ingredients used within the chip, paired with the inevitable crunch you receive from the first bite.
Nopal flour is an ingredient derived from cactus, and mixes with corn, flaxseed and spinach for an all-natural, recognizable ingredient list.
Shop TODAY editor-loved snacks to shop
"I snack on them when I need a little sweet treat and they always hit the spot," says production coordinator, Camryn Privette. "They’re crunchy like the classic cookie and pack some major flavor."
Commerce editor and producer, Julie Ricevuto, says these crackers are her new go-to. "My favorite snack is crackers with hummus, and these crackers are now all I use when I pull out any form of dip," she says. "They're perfectly seasoned and the crunch is so satisfying."
Senior SEO editor Jess Bender calls these "the perfect cracker," saying they pair well with a charcuterie board or a labneh.
"I have the biggest sweet tooth, and when I’ve needed an afternoon treat this summer, CVT soft serve hits every time," says production associate, Audrey Ekman. "The single serving pouches are super convenient for taking to picnics, beach days or just snacking at home (without dirtying any dishes!)"
"I usually have one as a snack before working out, but it’s also a great treat to have in-between meals if you want to fill your belly a little without getting too full," says editorial assistant, Madison San Miguel.
Senior partnerships editor Francesca Cocchi Zabloudil keeps these mini versions of RX bars in her work bag or carry-on for on-the-go goodness.
Associate editor Lauren Witonsky and I [Hoeger] have been known to swap beef sticks when hunger strikes, hoping to quiet growling stomachs.
We love Chomps for their no-fuss ingredient list, nutritional benefits and flavor variety.
When she's not making her own popcorn, Bender reaches for BjornQorn, a company who uses solar power to pop their kernels.
"It's the perfect level of heat and 'cheesiness,'" Bender says of the spicy jalapeño flavor.
"Sometimes after dinner or in the afternoon, if I need something that’s going to keep me full until my next meal I just mix some protein powder with water or almond milk," says writer Emma Stessman. "I’ve been loving the Ballerina Farm powders, because the flavors taste like real chocolate and vanilla, instead of artificial versions. And it’s by far the easiest one to mix into water that I’ve found! You don’t even need a blender bottle, I just do it right in a mug and it’s super smooth."
Meet the expert
- Jessica Ball, M.S., RD, is the Senior Nutrition Editor for EatingWell. She is a registered dietitian with a master’s in food, nutrition and sustainability.
How we chose
The Shop TODAY editors and writers searched Amazon to find the best products. We comb through customer reviews and even use our own personal experiences to make shopping easier for our readers. The products featured in this article were chosen by Jessica Ball, members of the EatingWell team and members of the Shop TODAY editorial team.
As an editorial team, we independently create content and determine coverage based on research, reporting and what we think TODAY.com readers would like to read about. The goal of our content is to provide a service and inform readers who are on the hunt for the latest products to help make their life better. Items are sold by retailer, not TODAY. Pricing and availability are accurate as of publish time.
