In an ideal world, I’d be the mom who wakes up early and makes my kid the most beautiful, nourishing breakfasts to enjoy before school. I live in the real world, though, where time is short and, sometimes, convenience is everything. That doesn’t mean that my daughter won’t get that nourishing breakfast (I am a registered dietitian after all); it just might look different than the one in my fantasy. I’m okay with that.
When shopping for these breakfast shortcuts, I look for foods that provide a combination of complex carbohydrates (whole grains, for example) and protein (canned fish, nuts/nut butter, cheese or beans) for a more satisfying start to the day. Sometimes, I’ll even consider adding some travel-friendly fruit and milk (if plant-based, go for sugar-free) to round out the meal. Not sure where to start? These are three of my favorite grab-and-go staples — and they’re all $6 or less.
1. Brekki Apples & Cinnamon Ready-to-Eat Oats
I’m a longtime fan of overnight oats. They’re easy to make and customize, which secures their high rank on my family’s list of enjoyable breakfast options. When I don’t have the time (or forget) to make my own, I reach for Brekki Ready-to-Eat Oats (a winner in this year’s The Kitchn Grocery Essentials!). They come in single-serving cups that make it easy for us to grab and eat on the way to school/work.
My favorite is the apples and cinnamon version, and my daughter is partial to the strawberry and blueberry flavors. The texture and nutrition are also impressive thanks to the oats, but also chia seeds, buckwheat, almonds, and flax seeds listed in the ingredients (it’s a good source of fiber, providing 13% of daily value). They’re a little high in added sugar (10 grams per serving), so I wouldn’t eat them every day, but other than that, I’m a fan.
2. The GFB Dark Chocolate + Peanut Butter Bites
If you’re looking for an even easier option, then these bites are it. I love that they’re shelf-stable and come in a resealable bag to keep them fresh without much fuss. There are a variety of flavors, which we’ve found are fun to mix and match. Bonus: They don’t require utensils to enjoy and when paired with milk and a portable piece of fruit like an apple or banana, can be a delicious way to start your day.
3. The New Primal Turkey Snack Mates (and That’s It Fruit Bars)
Sometimes the RD in me takes over, and I can’t help but pair products together to create a breakfast that’s both nutritious and delicious. One of my favorite combinations is a That’s It dried fruit bar (ingredients are dried fruit and nothing else) and The New Primal Turkey Snack Mates jerky stick. This pairing provides sweet and savory chewy satisfaction plus a variety of nutrients (including 3 grams of fiber and 7 grams of protein) to help fill you up and fuel your morning so that you’re ready to conquer the world — or, at least, the day.
