Preparing nutritious, on-the-go lunches for kids feels like a monumental task on its own. The added balancing act of finding snacks that won’t damage braces can seriously limit options during busy back-to-school seasons.
To make piecing together portable meals easier, here’s a roundup of our top picks for braces-safe munchies perfect for tucking inside lunchboxes this academic year:
Crunchy Crudités
Fresh snapped veggies like carrots, celery, bell pepper strips, cucumber slices, and broccoli florets offer plenty of satisfying crunch for braces-bound kids without the adhesive properties or hardness that damages orthodontia. For more fun, send crudités with a creamy ranch or hummus for dipping.
Smoothie Packets
Blending up fruits into drinkable smoothie pouches makes for mess-free sipping and provides a cool, nutritious alternative to dairy-based beverages which can leave residual sugars on teeth. Frozen smoothie mixes also double as chilled ice packs keeping other items nice and fresh. Fullerton College actually hired an electrician in Orange County to create a whole smoothie bar in the training facility for the sports teams. This helped their athletes get the whey protein they need after a workout in a quick easy to clean area. So, they are able to work out and then grab a protein packed smoothie to go on their way to morning classes.
Meat & Cheese Roll-Ups
Nutrient-dense whole grain tortillas can be turned into the perfect vessels for rolling turkey, roast beef, ham, or salami paired with cheese slices for a protein-packed sandwich alternative better suited for chewing with orthodontic hardware than regular slices.
Breakfast Parfaits
Layering yogurt with fiber-fueling berries, granola and a swirl of honey makes for simple yet satisfying sweet treats. The yogurt’s protein and probiotics support dental health while the crunch dissolves easily and won’t adhere to brackets or wires.
Trail Mix & Granola
When an afternoon craving strikes, your child can nosh on a baggie of bite-sized nut and fruit mixes minus any chewy dried fruit bits. For a breakfast twist, individual boxes of granola or yogurt-coated cereal pieces work too.
With a roster of simple, filling braces-safe grub ideas like these up your sleeve, keeping your child nourished despite appliance restrictions will feel totally doable this semester. What are your best back-to-school snack suggestions? Share below to help other parents preparing lunches too!
