Hunger 911: Emergency Snack Kits

 

When your blood sugar is dipping dangerously low, reach for mini cookies with a side of chocolate-dipped raisins. Calendar booked through lunch? Cashews + LÄRABAR + cheese crackers will save you.

 

Snack kits are worth their contents in gold and we’ve got the secret to creating the perfect combination every time (yes, there really is a right and a wrong way to craft a snack kit.)

 

While you can use whatever containers you have on hand to create your custom kit, we’re big fans of craft organizers and bento-style lunchboxes known for their many compartments. Ideally, you’ll want five or more sections for the right balance of snacks.

 

Obviously the next step is the best step: filling up your kit with snacks. But before you go adding everything in your kitchen cupboard all willy-nilly, let’s talk about balance. While it’s tempting to load up on nothing but M&Ms, gummy bears and jelly beans, that combination will do nothing to help you when you’ve skipped breakfast.

 

The perfect snack box comes down to five categories and the best, most balanced boxes hit on each one. With these basic rules in place, your options are limitless!

 

SWEET

Having a small treat on hand is the key to keeping those 3:00pm candy-machine cravings in check and your appetite for dinner in place.

• M&Ms
• Muddy Buddies
• Mini Oreos
• Starbursts
• Cinnamon Toast Crunch/Trix

 

CHEWY

Boredom leads to its fair share of snacking, when time seems to stand still these snacks will keep your mouth moving and your taste buds happy.

• Craisins
• Fruit Snacks/Gushers
• Chocolate-Covered Raisins
• Fiber One Dessert Bars
• Dried Banana Chips

PROTEIN-PACKED

Snacks high in protein will fill you up, not out. Choose any of these to keep hunger down and satisfaction levels up.

• LÄRABARS
• Almonds
• Nature Valley Protein Bars
• Epic Protein Bars

  

SALTY

If you don’t have something salty in the mix, you’re doing it wrong. Is there a more quintessential snacking category? We didn’t think so.

• Chex Mix
• Bugles
• Peanuts
• Annie’s Cheddar Squares
• Pretzels

 

CRUNCHY

When stress strikes, believe it or not, crunching down with your jaw can be cathartic.

• Nature Valley Granola Bars
• Cashews
• Gardettos
• Animal Crackers