by Kathryn Lively

Created on: July 11, 2008   Last Updated: June 29, 2009

"Mommy, I wanna snack!"

If you're like me, the mother of a little one, no doubt you've heard similar requests while on the road. A healthy treat can boost energy and curb impatience, but of course you don't want your children to spoil their dinner with a sweet candy bar or other caloric goodie. It doesn't help to waistline to snack heavily in between meals, either, but there are a number of quick alternatives to enjoy if dinner late due to traffic or if a rehearsal runs into overtime. Good to eat, good for you, and easy to carry, why not pack some of these savory or deceptively sweet snack in your bag to combat the munchies?

Crispy Green freeze-dried fruit snacks Tastes like candy, crunches like a chip! These pouches of dehydrated fruits contain no added preservatives. Available in peach, pear, apricot, pineapple, and apple. Visit CrispyGreen.com for store locator.

Just Tomatoes, Etc. dried fruits and vegetables You might find stacks these colorful tubs of dried fruit and/or vegetables in your grocer's produce sections. Just Tomatoes offers a wide selection of dried berries, fruit chunks, and veggies from cranberries to mango to slivers of bell peppers for crunching.

Blue Diamond Almonds Believed to help lower cholesterol and reduce risk of heart ailments, almonds are a great alternative to candy pellets. Blue Diamond offers handy individual 100-calorie packs for on-the-go snacking. Available at most retail grocers.

CLIF Mojo Bars A favorite brand among cyclists and hikers, CLIF offers a savory treat that is high in protein and devoid of trans fats and processed sugars. Try any of the available varieties: Honey Roasted Peanut, Mountain Mix, Peanut Butter Pretzel, or Mixed Nuts.

Horizon Organic Cheese Sticks Let's face it, the cheese is the best part of the pizza, and this yummy organic snack brings the tangy taste of mozzarella in an easy to eat style that won't leave a mess. Available in the dairy section of most retail grocers.

Horizon Yogurt Tubes On the run in the morning with no time for breakfast? It can be difficult to negotiate a cup of yogurt in the car, but Horizon's yogurt tube provide the ease of snacking as well as a deliciously fruity snack that can aid digestion. Available in the dairy section of most retail grocers.

Pirate's Booty Is it possible for food to develop a cult following? Fans of this puffy popcorn-like treat are called "Booty Heads." One taste of this cheesy, melt-in-your-mouth snack just might make you a convert, too. Look for this in the snack aisle or at your favorite organic food shop.

GeniSoy Soy Crisps With the texture of a rice cake and the crunch of popcorn, Soy Crisps are low in fat, and most varieties are vegan. Available in barbecue, creamy ranch, apple cinnamon, and other flavors in individual snack packs. Look for these in the snack aisle or at your favorite health food store.

Wasabi Peas If your favorite grocer offers a bulk snack aisle, you might find a large dispenser tube full of these colorful, dusty nuggets. Crunchy peas covered in lumps of dried wasabi offer a spicy crunch that really gets your motor running!

Bear Naked Trail Mix The makers of this all-natural granola offer a yummy alternative to sweet cereal snacking with varieties of raw nuts and dried fruit that is free of hydrogenated oils and high in fiber.

Whether you're heading home after a long day, or en route to another late afternoon activity like soccer practice, keeping a snack like any of the above in the car can be a lifesaver.

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