Spring is finally in the air. For many, outdoor sports season is ramping up. Others are embarking on road trips. That means you’ll need convenient snacks to fuel kids and adults alike. Today, I’ve got snackle box ideas that the whole family will love.
My three kids play sports year-round, but the spring season is a little busier for us. The boys play little league and are on two different teams. In addition, my daughter plays high school softball—which includes double headers several times a week. (Check out this post about what is in my softball mom bag)
We often don’t get home until after 9:00. I do my best to meal plan around our activities, but we rely heavily on snacks. The concession fills the gap on occasion, but I want to have something other than nachos and hot dogs.
So when I passed by this snackle box at Wal-Mart, I couldn’t resist. What is a snackle box? A tackle box for snacks!

There’s something about a beautifully packed box of assorted foods that makes me excited. The options are endless.
Of course, you don’t need the box. It’s just a fun way to pack up a variety of snacks.
If you’re looking for snacks that you can take with you that provide the nutrients you and your kids need, consider some of these snackle box ideas.
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Snackle Box Basics: What to Look for and Where to Get One

You can get a snackle box at just about any retailer. I got mine in our local Wal-Mart, but you can order them on Amazon as well.
When looking for a snackle box, you want to consider some of the following factors:
1. Material
The snackle box should be made with food-safe materials. Many snackle boxes are made out of plastic, which I would normally avoid if I were heating foods up (to avoid microplastic exposure).
However, the snacks I recommend do not require heating. Snackle boxes are all about convenience. And if it is a concern for you, you can get one made without plastic. Look for boxes with the following qualities:
- BPA-free plastic or stainless steel
- Dishwasher-safe and easy to clean (you’ll never use it if it is a pain to clean!)
- Durable—cheap parts won’t do if you’re using it on repeat
2. Compartments
Think about the foods you’ll want to pack. For instance, if you want to pack baby carrots, will you be able to fit more than a couple?
If you want to keep it simple and pack only a few different snacks, you can get one with bigger compartments. The best snack boxes have:
- Multiple compartments of different sizes
- Dividers that are leak-resistant or removable
- Enough variety to separate sweet/savory/wet/dry
3. Leak-Proof & Spill-Proof
If you’re like me, you’ll be throwing this in a bag while you cart your chair, blanket, water bottle, and more to your destination. You don’t have time for messes! Look for:
- Tight-sealing lid or snap locks
- Individual compartment seals if you’re including dips, juicy fruits, or wet snacks
4. Portable & Travel-Friendly
I don’t know about you, but I’m not going to go through the trouble of packing this box for at-home snacking. Snackle boxes are made for portability and on-the-go snacking. Find a snackle box that is:
- Compact but roomy enough to hold a variety of snacks
- Lightweight and easy to carry in a backpack or lunch bag
- Stackable or flat for car trips or picnics
5. Cooling Capability
It’s nice to be able to pack a variety of protein foods, but they often require refrigeration. You can pack your snackle box in a cooler bag or find one with an:
- Option to include a small ice pack
- Insulated base to keep items cool, especially cheese, yogurt, or meat
What to Pack in Your Snackle Box

You’ve got your snackle box and it’s time to fill it. This is the part that takes a bit of planning.
I like to think of snacks as opportunities to get in some of the nutrients your body needs. But that doesn’t mean you can’t include fun foods, like cookies or candy.
The key is balance. Try to choose a couple of protein foods and add fruit and veggies. Include a salty, crunchy food and top it off with a sweet treat to have the ultimate snack experience.
Protein Foods

Every snack should include a source of protein. Protein is the building block of your body’s tissues and helps keep you full and satisfied. Protein foods you can put in your snackle box include:
- Mini beef sticks or turkey sticks (I like Chomps, Lorissa’s Kitchen, and Think sticks)
- Hard-boiled egg (peeled)
- Sunflower seeds
- Cubed cheddar or Colby Jack cheese
- String cheese pieces
- Beef jerky pieces
- Peanuts
- Mini pepperoni slices
- Sliced boiled egg with seasoning
- Roasted edamame
- Roasted chickpeas
- Turkey or ham lunch meat
- Raw almonds
- Protein bites
- Hummus
- Greek yogurt dip (add dill or ranch seasoning)
- Nut butter
Fruit

Including fruit in your snackle box is a great way to add antioxidants, electrolytes, and other vital nutrients. Here are some ideas:
- Apple slices (spritz with lemon to prevent browning)
- Grapes (frozen or fresh)
- Blueberries
- Goji berries
- Strawberries (halved)
- Dried cherries
- Raisins or dried cranberries
- Freeze-dried fruit like mango or strawberries
- Banana chips
- Mandarin orange segments
- Pomegranate arils
- Fruit bars
- Kiwi slices
- Raspberries
- Blackberries
- Pineapple chunks
Veggies

Next up is vegetables. Even the pickiest of eaters may enjoy a vegetable when packed with other delicious snack options. Here are some portable veggies:
- Baby carrots
- Cucumber slices
- Sugar snap peas
- Green beans (my kids love them raw!)
- Cherry tomatoes
- Mini bell pepper strips
- Celery sticks (great with peanut butter)
- Jicama sticks with chili-lime seasoning
- Broccoli florets
- Pickle slices or baby pickles
- Olives (black or green)
- Broccoli florets
- Cauliflower florets
- Radish slices
Fun Foods

Lastly, make it fun by including some of your favorite sweet or salty snacks. As an intuitive eating dietitian, I’m a strong believer that all foods fit! Ideas include:
- Mini rice cakes
- Wheat crackers
- Cacao nibs
- Goldfish crackers
- Cheese crackers
- Pretzel twists or sticks
- Popcorn
- Trail mix
- Veggie Straws
- Pistaschios
- Pita chips
- Tortilla chips with a tiny salsa or guac container
- Seaweed snacks
- Homemade desserts like rice krispie treats or cookies
- Sweet potato chips
- Mini breadsticks
- Multigrain crackers
- Dark chocolate chips
- Yogurt-covered pretzels
- Almond flour crackers
- Fruit leather
- Peanut butter filled pretzels
- Brownie bars
Hopefully with some of these snackle box ideas, you’ll up your snack game! What’s your favorite snack to pack for busy days?
Need help with meal planning or intuitive eating? Do you have trouble allowing yourself fun foods? Connect with me on Nourish. I can help you heal your relationship with food so you can live life fully enjoying ALL foods!
About the author
Erin is a registered dietitian and diabetes educator with almost 20 years of experience. She specializes in weight-inclusive diabetes care and prevention, intuitive eating, fitness, and women’s health. She works as a consultant and writer in the health and wellness space. Erin is passionate about empowering people to manage their own health and to have peace with food.