Keep the Ants Out of the Back Pack! Snack Attack List

Picture this: we’re out on the field getting ready for practice when I notice something moving on one of my players’ backpacks. Ants. Lots of them. Apparently, a forgotten granola bar had turned into an insect buffet somewhere in the depths of that sports bag!

This little adventure taught me the importance of choosing snacks that can actually survive the chaos of youth sports without attracting unwanted visitors. Here’s a comprehensive list of specific brands that offer nutritious, portable options that won’t turn your gear bag into an ant colony.

Granola & Energy Bars

KIND Bars

• Why They’re Great: Made with whole nuts and available in multiple sizes (original, KIND Minis, and KIND Thins) to cater to different ages and hunger levels
• Best For: Kids who like nuts and need sustained energy
• Shelf Life: 12 months unopened
• Top Flavors: Dark Chocolate Nuts & Sea Salt, Almond & Coconut

RXBAR Kids

• Why They’re Great: Specifically mentioned as a great protein bar brand for kids, made with simple ingredients
• Best For: Post-game recovery with protein
• Shelf Life: 12 months unopened
• Key Feature: No added sugar, made with egg whites, dates, and nuts

Larabars

• Why They’re Great: Recommended as one of the great bar brands, made with minimal ingredients (usually just dates and nuts)
• Best For: Kids with food sensitivities or allergies
• Shelf Life: 12 months unopened
• Popular Flavors: Apple Cinnamon, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough

Clif Kid Bars

• Why They’re Great: Clif nut butter bars provide 230 calories with healthy fats, protein from peanut butter, and 3 grams of fiber
• Best For: Older kids who need more substantial fuel
• Shelf Life: 18 months unopened
• Varieties: ZBar (organic), ZFruit (fruit-based)

Fruit & Vegetable Pouches

GoGo squeeZ

• Why They’re Great: Specifically recommended as a favorite for Fruitz & Veggiez Fruit Sauce
• Best For: Quick energy and hydration
• Shelf Life: 12-18 months unopened
• Varieties: 100% fruit, fruit & veggie blends

Baby Gourmet Squoosh

• Why They’re Great: Mentioned as organic fruit & veggie snack pouches
• Best For: Younger athletes who prefer smooth textures
• Shelf Life: 18 months unopened
• Key Feature: Organic ingredients

Trail Mix & Nuts

Planters Nut & Chocolate Trail Mix

• Why They’re Great: Balanced mix of protein, healthy fats, and quick carbs
• Best For: Endurance activities
• Shelf Life: 12 months unopened
• Portion Size: Individual packets available

Wonderful Pistachios

• Why They’re Great: High protein, healthy fats, and fun to eat
• Best For: Between games or practices
• Shelf Life: 12 months unopened
• Varieties: Roasted & salted, honey roasted

Crackers & Baked Goods

Annie’s Organic Bunny Crackers

• Why They’re Great: Whole grain options available, appealing to kids
• Best For: Light snacking before games
• Shelf Life: 8-12 months unopened
• Varieties: Cheddar, whole wheat

Goldfish Crackers (Whole Grain)

• Why They’re Great: Kid-favorite that comes in healthier whole grain versions
• Best For: Team snacks that everyone will eat
• Shelf Life: 8 months unopened
• Key Feature: Baked, not fried

Specialty Sports Snacks

Veggies Made Great Muffins

• Why They’re Great: Healthier alternative to typical store brands, with vegetables as the first ingredient even in flavors like Blueberry Nut and Double Chocolate
• Best For: Kids who won’t eat vegetables otherwise
• Shelf Life: Frozen (12 months), thawed (5 days)
• Key Feature: Vegetables hidden in kid-friendly flavors

Justin’s Nut Butter Packets

• Why They’re Great: Available in almond, peanut, and hazelnut varieties with flavor options, in small portable packages
• Best For: Pairing with fruit or crackers
• Shelf Life: 12 months unopened
• Varieties: Honey almond, vanilla almond, classic peanut

Dried Fruits

Sun-Maid Raisins

• Why They’re Great: Individual boxes, natural sugars for quick energy
• Best For: Quick energy boost during games
• Shelf Life: 12 months unopened
• Varieties: Regular, golden, mixed fruit

Bare Fruit Chips

• Why They’re Great: Baked fruit chips with no added sugar
• Best For: Kids who like crunchy snacks
• Shelf Life: 12 months unopened
• Popular Flavors: Apple, banana, coconut

Storage Tips – *Important to keep the ants out 🙂

• Temperature Stability: All listed items can withstand typical sports bag temperatures without spoiling 
• Moisture Protection: Keep items in original packaging or transfer to airtight containers 
• Rotation System: Use older items first, replace stock every 6-12 months

Stock up on those snacks, keep those ants out of the backpack, and have a well-fueled youth sports athlete! These brands offer the perfect combination of nutrition, convenience, and kid-appeal while maintaining excellent shelf stability for busy sports families – no unwanted insects included.

About the author: 

Amy Masters is a sports mom, coach, and club administrator. She has been coaching youth sports for more than 10 years. She started Jr Lions Field Hockey, the youth recreation program for the Hunterdon County community growing it from 40 players in year 1 to 150 players by year 3. A few years later, she saw the love and competitiveness grow then started Omega Field Hockey Club serving NJ and PA players. Before coaching, she was a collegiate field hockey player for Lock Haven University. In her spare time (lol), she is head of marketing for iSport360 and the co-editor of the Youth Sports Survival Guide. The Youth Sports Survival Guide is the largest youth sports newsletter in the world.