Back-to-school snack prep with oats and nuts

Back-to-school season is here, bringing with it busy mornings, packed lunches and the never ending challenge of finding snacks that are both healthy and appealing to kids.

Instead of relying on store-bought options, preparing snacks at home with simple pantry staples like rolled oats, nuts, seeds and seasonal fruit that you can find at your local health foods store is an easy way to make sure your family is eating nourishing foods. With a little prep time, you can create snack bars, muffins and other treats that balance taste with nutrition.

Rolled oats are a true back-to-school hero. They’re inexpensive, versatile and naturally high in fibre, which helps keep energy levels steady throughout the school day. Pair oats with some almonds, walnuts or pumpkin seeds and you’ll add a great source of protein and healthy fats to their meal to support growing bodies and active minds. Seasonal fruits such as apples, pears or late-summer blueberries make these snacks naturally sweet while boosting their vitamin content.

Homemade snack bars are one of the easiest options. Start off with oats, nut butter of your choosing and a touch of honey or maple syrup, then mix in chopped nuts, seeds and dried fruit. Press the mixture into a pan, chill until firm and slice into bars. These can be wrapped individually and stored in the fridge, ready to toss into a lunch box. All of these ingredients can be picked up fresh and in bulk at Famous Foods, your trusted grocery store in Vancouver.

Muffins are another great make-ahead snack. Stir rolled oats into your batter for some added fibre, then fold in grated carrot, zucchini or apple for a moist texture and subtle sweetness. A sprinkle of chopped nuts or sunflower seeds on top adds extra crunch and by using organic ingredients where possible, you’re ensuring your family’s snacks are free from unwanted additives and pesticides.

For nearly 90 years, Famous Foods has been the go-to health foods store in Vancouver. Generations of families have relied on its bulk bins, fresh produce and wide range of natural staples to prepare meals and snacks at home. As a trusted grocery store in Vancouver, we offer everything from rolled oats and nuts to seasonal fruit and baking essentials. Whether you’re stocking up on pantry staples or looking for organic options, Famous Foods makes snack prep simple.

With the right ingredients on hand, back-to-school snacking doesn’t have to be stressful. By making your own bars and muffins, you can send kids to school with snacks that taste great and give them the energy they need for both learning and play.