The goal for this month is to reduce single-use plastics when it comes to snacks. So many snack foods have individual wrapping, making this challenge extra difficult. But thanks to the bulk food store (aka bulk grocer) and some simple recipes, I’ve been able to make my own plastic free grab-n-go snacks!
Here is a collection of the recipes and tips that helped me find and make plastic free snacks that still work for when I’m in a hurry.
Where to buy plastic free grab-n-go snacks
Before this month’s challenge, my usual go-to snack foods were fruit leather and jerky. So, my personal challenge was to replace these foods with a plastic-free alternative. To do that, I’ve started making little snack kits. Thanks to the bulk grocers near me, I’ve been able to buy the snack kit components without any additional plastic packaging.
I wrote a whole article on the topic of bulk food bins. So, please check it out if you want to learn more about shopping at bulk food stores.
What to buy for the kits
Bulk grocers, and grocery stores with bulk food bins, usually carry a good variety of flavored nuts, seeds, chickpeas (garbanzo beans), and pea snacks. These plant proteins are what I’ve been using to replace the beef jerky component. But, I could always buy the jerky in bulk if I wanted to keep the animal protein. Buying in bulk would reduce the amount of plastic packaging. I just have a preference for the plant proteins, and they even further reduce plastic waste when I buy them at the bulk food store.
To replace the fruit leather component, I started using dried fruit. Which is another item that can usually be found at the bulk grocers. Dried mango slices are my favorite replacement for the fruit leathers. I also like to use dried pineapple, dried banana, dried apple, and dried apricots for my snack kits.
The bulk stores also carry several ready-to-eat snack mixes as well. But I’m gluten-free and I can’t eat tree nuts, so it’s best if I make my own snack mix.
Also, please don’t confuse dried chickpeas and dried peas with the snack versions. The raw dried legumes need to be soaked and cooked before they are eaten. Whereas the snack versions have already been cooked then re-dried so they are safe to eat as is.
Making the plastic free grab-n-go snacks kit
Once I decide on my plant protein and dried fruit combo, I put them in small containers so they are ready to grab-n-go as needed. Make sure whatever foods you’re using for the snack kit are shelf stable, so they can be assembled ahead of time and stay in the cupboard.
These snack kits are the easiest option for plastic free grab-n-go snacks. But there are a few other snack foods that helped with this month’s challenge. I got several snack ideas from the book, Easy Meal Prep* by Erin Romeo. Her book helped get the snack ideas going and I ended up using her muffins and protein balls for this month’s challenge.
No bake snacks – Protein balls
Protein balls are usually made with protein powder, a nut/seed butter, a liquid sweetener, and a grain such as rolled oats. No cooking is required and all the ingredients are just mixed together and shaped into balls.
The protein balls can be made in large batches with some being stored in the fridge and freezer. While they do need to be kept refrigerated they can easily be eaten while heading out the door. Or, thrown into a small container to eat later when you get to your destination.
That makes the protein balls easy to make and can be eaten in a hurry. This is why I’ve added them to my plastic free grab-n-go snacks list.
Baked goods – muffins and breakfast bars
Some of the plastic-free snack options will take a bit more time to make. But they are definitely worth it! You can also cut down on some of the prep time for your future self by making a mason jar mix when you make a batch of baked goods.
Because I like to front load my meal prep, I really get a lot of use out of Bonnie Scotts cookbook, 100 Easy Recipes in Jars*. When I bake, I make one mix for the bowl and one mix for a jar. That way I can easily mix up a batch later.
Her book also also popcorn seasoning recipes! Which is great for the DIY microwave popcorn we learned to make this month.
Those are my recommendations for plastic-free snacks you can buy or make at home. Let me know in the comments below what your favorite plastic free grab-n-go snacks are!
Final thoughts on this month’s plastic free grab-n-go snack challenge
I’m glad this month’s plastic free snack challenge wasn’t as difficult as I thought it would be. Granted, it still takes more effort than just picking up some individually wrapped snack foods at the grocery store. But now that I have a bit of routine going, I feel like this is a new habit I can reasonably maintain. And I’ll continue to make the plastic free grab-n-go snack kits for sure.
Affiliate disclosure – I will only recommend products that I personally use and love and hope can be of benefit to others in their sustainable journeys. (*) indicates an affiliate link where Sustainable Pursuits llc may receive a small compensation for product recommendations. This helps to support Sustainable Pursuits llc and my ability to share these experiences with you!
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