Nonperishable snacks are convenient when you are on the go or do not have time to stop and prepare anything. Keeping healthy nonperishable snacks with you helps prevent making unhealthy choices at fast food restaurants or vending machines. Having a few snack ideas in mind can help you get the nutrition you need even when you are away from home.
Pretzels and Almonds
Both pretzels and almonds do not need to be refrigerated and keep for several months before going stale. A combination of pretzels and almonds will supply you with fiber and protein, as well as unsaturated fat for energy. Look for whole wheat pretzels that are low in sodium and combine with dry roasted almonds in an airtight container. You can combine other nuts, such as walnuts, pecans and pistachios, with pretzels to make a nutritious and long-lasting snack.
Applesauce
Applesauce is a good source of fiber and vitamin C and is convenient for taking when you are on the go. Amy Wilensky recommends applesauce as a healthy nonperishable snack in her book, "Knack Healthy Snacks for Kids: Recipes for Nutritious Bites at Home Or On the Go." Look for no-sugar added applesauce in individual serving containers. Unopened, applesauce will keep for several months. Pack a spoon so you can easily eat your snack when hunger strikes.
Granola Bars
Many varieties of granola bars are high in fiber and contain small amounts of protein and other nutrients, as well. Rhonda Lauret Parkinson and B. E. Horton suggest granola bars as a healthy portable snack that will keep in their book, "$5 a Meal College Cookbook: Good Cheap Food for When You Need to Eat." Many granola bars are high in sugar and low in nutrition, so read the nutrition information and ingredient list before choosing one. Look for whole grains on the ingredient list and pass on ones that contain high fructose corn syrup. Seek out varieties that are high in fiber and have some iron and calcium, as well.
Air-Popped Popcorn
Popping popcorn without any added oil creates a low-fat snack that also keeps for several months. Popcorn contains some fiber, which will keep you full. You can create a healthy and nonperishable trail mix using plain popcorn. Add some no-sugar-added dried fruit, which can also keep for several months. Dried fruit, such as raisins, add potassium and fiber to your snack so you get long lasting energy. Nuts and seeds, such as sunflower or pumpkin, also can add to the nutrition of your snack and are nonperishable, as well. Keep your popcorn in airtight containers or zip-top bags for freshness.
References
- "Knack Healthy Snacks for Kids: Recipes for Nutritious Bites at Home Or On the Go"; Amy Wilensky; 2010
- "$5 a Meal College Cookbook: Good Cheap Food for When You Need to Eat"; Rhonda Lauret Parkinson and B. E. Horton; 2010
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