7 Store-Bought Breakfast Foods That Are Actually Healthy
All of these products are available at your local supermarket and get you out the door in a flash on school days.
It is time for the insanity of school day mornings. While you have every intention of giving your kiddos a healthy breakfast, sometimes you run out of time before it’s time to run out the door. Nutrition experts are sharing their favorite grab-and-go packaged options that you can actually feel good about giving your kids.
BUY IT: Chobani Greek Yogurt Drink, Strawberry Banana; Walmart, $1.38
Yogurt is usually neutral territory for kids and parents. Kids love the creamy goodness and parents appreciate the protein, probiotics and bone building minerals like calcium and vitamin D. Mom of 2, dietitian and owner of RealMomNutrition, Sally Kuzemchak recommends the slurpable convenience of drinkable Greek yogurt. "My teenage son is a big fan of Chobani Greek Yogurt Drinks. They have real fruit purees, 10 grams of protein, and natural colors. Great paired with a piece of whole grain toast."
BUY IT: Brainiac Kids Yogurt; Good Eggs, $4.99
Childhood nutrition expert and nutrition advisor for Brainiac Kids, Jill Castle, MS RDN is also pro-yo! "I like to see kids get some protein and as many nutrients as possible at breakfast and before they put their thinking caps on. Yogurt is a good option. It has a nice source of protein and plenty of bone building nutrients. I especially like Brainiac Kids yogurt, which has an added brain pack of nutrients: DHA, EPA and choline. Kids can eat it on the go as a smoothie or stick, or have it as part of the breakfast meal in a traditional cup."
BUY IT: MadeGood Granola Bars Variety Pack; Amazon, $26.94
Granola can be a high fiber addition to breakfast but it’s not so easy to eat on the go. That’s where granola bites may come in handy (pun intended!). Several brands including MadeGood and are making snack bags of granola clusters perfect for scarfing while rushing to carpool.
BUY IT: Mush Overnight Oats; Amazon, $49.99
Overnight oats are still trending and Melissa Halas, MA, RDN, CDE, of SuperKidsNutrition.com is speaking a language all busy parents can understand. "Foodie blogs are replete with creative overnight oat recipes. And, I love ‘em! But, let’s face it, sometimes even 5 minutes of prep is 5 minutes too long when you just want to get to sleep! Luckily, a few food makers are on it. Overnight oats without the preplanning or the prep!" Halas recommends brands like EatMush and the variety pack from Quaker Oats that’s even available on amazon.
BUY IT: Kashi 7 Grain Frozen Breakfast Waffles; Walmart, $3.42
Frozen waffles aren’t just fodder for Saturday morning cartoons, "leggo" of the thought that all frozen waffles are empty calories. "Yeah, they’re great drizzled with 100% pure maple syrup, but they can be equally delicious and totally portable with a handful of nuts or dab of nut butter paired with a banana" says Halas, "I love the Kashi 7 Grain Waffle for their mega boost of whole grains (24 grams!) and added omega-3 fats from flaxseed." Trader Joes also makes a super kid-friendly frozen waffles in both regular and gluten free varieties.
BUY IT: Pete and Gerry's Hard Boiled Eggs; see website for where to buy info
Hard cooked eggs make for the simplest of breakfasts, that is – if you remember to make them! "I admittedly thought that hard boiled eggs were an easy option," admits Chris Mohr, PhD, RD "until you forget to make them ahead of time and you don't have them when you want it. Because of this, we love Pete and Gerry's Organic Eggs which are conveniently pre-peeled, nutrient dense and ready-to-eat." You can also opt to tuck this stellar protein source into the kids’ lunchboxes and snack bags. Mohr suggests serving them with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt.
Related Links:
