Sponsored by SDSU Extension

By Jessica Meuleners, SDSU Extension Nutrition Field Specialist; Lily Dahler SDSU Grad Student

Busy schedules, travel, sports, activities, and family outings make for busy seasons of life. When life is on the go, you need snacks that check all the boxes: healthy, portable, budget-friendly, quick, and easy. 

Introducing the Snackle Box! 

The Snackle Box is a snack container designed like a tackle box, featuring multiple compartments that hold a variety of foods in one convenient container. Popularized on social media, Snackle Boxes offer endless opportunities to create personalized snack combinations while helping families save money, reduce packaging waste, and make nutritious choices. 

Snackle Boxes Are Perfect For:

  • Day trips
  • Road trips
  • Plane rides
  • Day camps
  • Lake or pool days
  • Sporting events and practices
  • School activities
  • Family outings
  • Picnics
  • After-school snacks
  • Workdays

Why Snackle Boxes Work

Snackle Boxes take the guesswork out of helathy snacking. They offer a variety of options to ensure there is something everyone will enjoy. They work well because families can:

  • Save time on busy days
  • Reduce impulse snack purchases
  • Stay energized between meals
  • Encourage kids to explore new foods
  • Create a fun opportunity for children to participate in preparing their own snacks
  • Including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and protein foods, they can support young athletes before, during, or after sports and physical activities.

Basic Steps to Building a Snackle Box:

To create a Snackle Box that keeps you fueled and satisfied, it should consist of foods from various food groups. They don’t have to be expensive. Use foods you already have at home, buy frequently used items in bulk, and take advantage of frozen, canned, or seasonal produce when appropriate.

Protein

Protein helps keep you feeling full and supports muscle growth and repair. Activities like hiking, biking, swimming, sports, and more use your muscles which need to be refueled just like the gas tank in a car! During active days, protein will help keep your muscles strong.

Protein ideas:

  • Cheese cubes
  • String cheese
  • Nuts or trail mix
  • Peanut butter or other nut butters
  • Jerky or meat sticks
  • Greek yogurt
  • Deli meat like turkey or ham

Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables are packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber that help keep our bodies healthy. These foods are perfect for adding to a Snackle Box for not only the health benefits, but for the wide variety and convenience to be cut to fit perfectly into your box. They add color and natural sweetness. Choose fresh, canned, or dried versions!

Fruit ideas:

  • Berries like strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries
  • Watermelon
  • Cherries
  • Mango
  • Pineapple
  • Apples
  • Grapes 

Vegetable ideas:

  • Bell pepper strips
  • Baby carrots
  • Celery sticks
  • Cucumbers
  • Broccoli or cauliflower
  • Snap peas
  • Cherry tomatoes

Whole Grains

Whole grains provide our bodies with fiber and lasting energy. They make an excellent choice for active day snacks. When shopping, check the ingredient list and choose products that list a whole grain as one of the first ingredients.

Whole grain ideas:

  • Whole grain pretzels
  • Whole grain crackers
  • Corn chips
  • Whole grain cereal
  • Pita chips

A Fun Treat

Every Snackle Box can include a small treat. Adding a small amount of a special snack or treat can teach children about balance and make nutritious eating fun. It can also keep children excited about their Snackle Box creations. 

Treat Ideas:

  • Chocolate chips or bar
  • Popcorn
  • Granola bites
  • Mini cookies
  • Seasonal candy

Snackle Box Inspiration

The Original 

  • Peanut butter
  • Celery sticks
  • Cheese cubes
  • Whole grain crackers
  • Grapes
  • Almonds

DIY Lunchables

  • Sliced/cubed meat 
  • Sliced/cubed cheese
  • Whole grain crackers
  • Carrot sticks
  • Apple slices
  • Mini cookies

Lake or Pool Days 

  • Watermelon
  • Whole grain tortilla chips
  • Hummus, salsa, or cheese dip
  • Beef Jerky or meat sticks
  • Carrot, cucumber or bell pepper slices
  • Candy

Road Trip

  • Trail mix
  • Beef Jerky or meat sticks
  • Dried fruit
  • Pretzels
  • Chocolate candy

Breakfast box 

  • Greek yogurt
  • Whole grain granola or cereal
  • Berries 
  • Mini chocolate chips 

Colorful box

  • Assorted berries
  • Assorted vegetables
  • Pita chips/crackers
  • Hummus 

My favorites box

  • Favorite cheese or meat
  • Favorite cracker or chip
  • Favorite fruit 
  • Favorite vegetable
  • Favorite treat

4th of July, Labor Day, Memorial Day-themed Box

  • Cubed cheese (white)
  • Whole grain crackers
  • Red fruits/veggies (strawberries, cherries, cherry tomatoes, red peppers)
  • Blue fruits/veggies (blueberries, blackberries, plum)
  • Red, white, and blue candy or treat

Keep it Safe!

Snackle Boxes are fun, but we want to be mindful of food safety. Follow these tips to keep your snacks safe for everyone:

  • Keep perishable foods cold by using ice packs or insulated lunch boxes/containers.
  • Avoid leaving cold food or foods that melt easily in hot cars. Instead, choose a shelf-stable, heat-friendly food.
  • Refrigerate prepared Snackle Boxes until ready to use.
  • Discard perishable foods left out at room temperature for more than two hours (one hour if temperatures are above 90°F).
  • Wash fruits and vegetables before preparing or packing

Snackle Boxes are a simple way to make healthy choices the easy choices. By including a variety of healthy foods, you can save time, reduce food waste, and stay fueled!

Jessica SDSU Extension


SDSU Extension 

Jessica Meuleners 

SDSU Extension Nutrition Field Specialist 

4101 W 38th St Ste 103 

Sioux Falls, SD 57106 

extension.sdstate.edu/food/nutrition 

605.782.3290