What’s the healthiest snack for kids? Dietitian reveals what she buys for her own family

Dietitian Maya Feller and her family are on a pomelo kick. 

“I’m obsessed. We’re all obsessed,” the “Eating From Our Roots” author tells TODAY.com. “It’s become our nightly tradition: as soon as we’re done with dinner, my husband hands me a pomelo and I share it with our kids.”

The pomelo — the largest citrus fruit, typically weighing between 2 to 4 pounds — resembles a grapefruit but has a sweeter, tangier flavor. Not only are they high in vitamin C, fiber and antioxidants, but they’re also low in calories. 

“They’re absolutely delicious,” Feller says, noting that in Chinese culture, pomelos are associated with luck and prosperity.

Feller, who lives in New York, shares 9 more easy snacks her children, aged 12 and 17, can’t get enough of… and surprisingly, a sugary cereal made the list!

Love Corn

High in protein and fiber, this “moderately processed, hand-to-mouth” snack provides a satisfying crunch, according to Feller. She also appreciates that it’s free from common allergens like peanuts, dairy, gluten, and soy, making it safe her daughter to bring to school.  

“It’s literally just a roasted corn kernel that tastes really, really good,” Feller says. She adds that, unlike chips, which often crumble in the bag, Love Corn holds its form.

Choose from a variety of flavors such as sea salt, smoked BBQ, and Sriracha.

TOOM Original Garlic Dip

It’s delicious enough to eat straight off a spoon, but the Hellers enjoy this garlicky spread paired with fiber-rich foods like raw veggies. 

Feller packs a dollop in Tupperware for her kids to dip carrot sticks and pepper strips into at school.

“I usually send a little extra, because apparently, her classmates are like, ‘Can I have some?’” 

Taylor Farms Salad Kits

For a healthy lunch, Feller empties the pre-washed greens into a sealed container for her daughter. She then places the still-wrapped ingredients (think croutons) and dressing on top to keep the lettuce from getting soggy.  

Each kit contains roughly three servings of salad. 

“It comes home completely eaten, and I know for sure she’s not throwing it away!” Feller says with a laugh.

Sumo Oranges

In addition to pomelos, the Fellers can’t get enough of sumo oranges, a hybrid of seedless mandarins and a navel oranges.

“They’re also extremely easy to open, which is a big plus because it makes them more likely to be consumed,” Feller explains. “Sumos have vitamin C, they’ve got potassium and they travel well.” 

Stacy’s Pita Chips

“My son loves pita chips with hummus,” Feller says. And she loves that the triangle-shaped crisps are made with simple ingredients: Pita bread, olive oil and salt. 

Siggi’s Probiotic Drink 0%

Feller stocks up on these dairy-based, yogurt-like beverages for her high school son, as they are lower in sugar than other brands

“He’s got a crazy schedule, so I feel better knowing he’s got something in his bag that has protein and probiotics — it’s like a bridge that keeps him going as he runs from class to class.”

Biena Chickpea Snacks

Roasted chana (chickpeas) was a staple in Feller’s Afro-Caribbean household while she was growing up. 

“In Trinidad, people sell them in these little rum bottles,” she says. “When I found them in the U.S., I was like, ‘Oh my gosh! This is amazing!’” Not only that, but the roasted beans come in a wide range of flavors, including cinnamon crunch and smoked paprika.

Heller describes Biena chickpeas as “crunchy, fiber-rich snack” that can also be paired with Love Corn. However, she does have one disclaimer: “Stick to the recommended serving size, because it’s real fiber, and if you have too much, you’ll be a farty mess!’”

Cascadian Farm Organic Cinnamon Crunch

“This is a sweet breakfast treat for my kids,” Feller says — emphasis on treat.

“The box lasts maybe two days, because it’s so sweet and they’ll have two bowls at a time,” Feller says. 

Made with organic whole grain wheat and cane sugar, it’s also free of synthetic pesticides.

Justin’s Chocolate Hazelnut & Almond Butter

Justin’s Chocolate Hazelnut & Almond Butter is a staple in the Fellers kitchen. Every weekend they slather it on homemade sourdough bread.

“I like that it’s a combination of nut butter and chocolate,” Feller says. ‘Plus, it has less added sugar than some of the conventional cocoa-hazelnut spreads.” 

While the nuts pack healthy fats, protein and fiber, Feller advises enjoying it in moderation.