Lunchbox Makeover

Granola is a healthy snack as long as it’s the right kind. Bear Naked’s whole-grain, trans fat–free granola gets its sweetness from natural ingredients. Its four flavors come in convenient kid-size, 2-ounce bags ($1.49 each; www.bearnaked.com for stores or to buy online).

When your kids are running out the door without breakfast, pitch them a Horizon Organic Yogurt Tube ($2.99 for a box of 8; 888-494-3020 or www.horizonorganic.com for stores). They’re low in fat and have active cultures—great for digestion. Another good choice: Yoplait’s Go-Gurt tubes ($2.80 for a box of 8).

Stretch Island’s Fruit Leather is an alternative to sugary fruit snacks—and it’s an easy, portable way to fit fruit into your child’s busy day. The Fruit Leathers come in nine regular (39 cents each) and five organic flavors (49 cents each; 800-863-7836 or www.stretchisland.com for stores or to buy online).

Healthy Handfuls’ 1-ounce, snack-size pouches make portion control simple. The cute characters, yummy taste, and assortment of flavors such as the Lemon Vanilla Koala Krackers and the Lucky Duckies Cheddar Cheese Crackers keep kids happy (89 cents each; www.healthyhandfuls.com).

One of the latest creations from the makers of Clif Bars is the kid-approved ZBar. Baked with whole grains and soy protein, it’s trans fat–free and has 12 vitamins and minerals. We love the Chocolate Brownie, Caramel Apple, and Peanut Butter flavors ($3.99 for a box of 6; 800-254-3227 or www.clifbar.com for stores).

Cookie Monster is trading in his chocolate chip cookies for the new line of Sesame Street snacks from Earth’s Best Organic (www.earthsbest.com). All are fortified with iron and zinc, are low in fat and sugar, and are trans fat–free. Kids will love Letter of the Day Cookies ($2.39) and Crunchin’ Crackers ($3.09).

— Ginny Temple is an Editorial Assistant for Health.