Tag Archives: grab and go

Redefine Convenience Food: dried fruit

My favorite portable convenience food right now is dried fruit. Each of my children has a favorite. Big P likes apricots, Middle E likes dates, Little A loves freeze-dried mango. I consistently have dried fruit around because it is so easy to “grab and go.”

Why is this a true convenience food?

  • It packs well.
  • No peels to throw away.
  • Tasty.
  • Full of fiber.
  • Everyone in my family likes it.
  • Available in all grocery stores and some gas stations.

Dried fruit isn’t new of course. But, we all need a reminder that it is the original fruit snack. Look for dried fruit without any added sugar.

Pick a few new fruits to try this summer with your crew like currants or figs. Pack them in your favorite plastic bag or container and get moving!

“Redefine Convenience Food” Series: Intro

Ages ago I heard a story about orange growers trying to make their products as convenient as a bag of potato chips. I think it was on NPR, but I couldn’t find it with a quick search. Anyway, it really stuck with me. I continue to think about how difficult it is for fruits and veggies to compete with snacking giants like, FritoLay.

I can’t change what they stock at my local convenience store. But I can change what I stock in my home that meets all of the most important convenience criteria:

  • Ready to grab and go
  • Portable packaging
  • Easy clean up
  • Yummy

After I ditched the fish-shaped crackers, I was determined to find ‘grab and go’ snacks that I could serve with confidence. I needed to make sure that whatever I packed into my purse can also pack a nutritional-punch. Small stomachs with high nutrient needs can’t mess around with a bag of chips. Sorry, FritoLay.

My additional criteria for these snacks are:

  • Minimally Processed
  • Naturally Sweetened
  • Healthy Fats
  • Tasty for Both Me & My Kids

I am always working to increase my collection of healthy, grab-and-go snacks.  As I discover and test them, I will happily pass them onto you in this series. Please be willing to share your ideas, too!