Lunchbox Snack Mix

I’ll show you the 3 easy steps to make this lunchbox snack mix at home and all the tips for packing it for school.

Easy Maple Glazed Snack Mix

It's so easy to pick up the usual popcorn, pretzels, cookies and crackers while walking the aisles at the grocery store. I do this many weeks too. But, eventually, my kids tire of the usual and start asking for something new for their lunch box and at snack time. You know, they need to cure their after-school hunger pains.

This lunchbox snack mix is easy to make and you can mix up a large batch of it for the whole week. Popcorn, pretzels, Chex cereal… all covered in a light maple glaze with just a touch of cinnamon. A little bit salty and a little bit sweet.

Believe me when I say it won't just appeal to the kids for snacking… you might just find it hard to resist yourself!

Ingredients

This lunchbox snack mix combines crunchy and soft textures, and salty and sweet flavors thanks to these simple ingredients:

• Chex cereal: I include corn, rice, and whole wheat Chex cereal.
• Pretzels: get the mini/bite-size version, for easy snacking.
• Mixed nuts: your favorites!
• Creamy peanut butter: a delicious flavor for the glaze.
• Maple syrup: adds sweetness to the glaze.
• Melted butter: buttery flavor covering this snack mix? Yes, please!
• Cinnamon and vanilla extract: don’t you love these flavors? I do!
• Popcorn: any popcorn you like works.

How to Make a School Lunch Snack Mix

This epic combo of flavors and textures couldn’t be any easier to make! Check out the simple steps to prep this lunchbox snack mix for the week:

1. Combine dry ingredients
   Use a very large bowl to combine cereals, pretzels, and nuts.
2. Make the maple glaze
   Combine peanut butter, maple syrup, and butter over low-heat, stirring until they are combined and have a liquid consistency. Add cinnamon and vanilla for extra flavor.
3. Combine
   Pour the wet mix over the dry mix and combine. Carefully, spread the sticky mixture on a baking tray to cool down. Once the mix is cold, add popcorn and serve.

Packing It for Lunch

The best way to pack this snack mix in the lunchbox is placing it in a separate compartment or packing it in a snack cup. Both ways, you’ll keep the mix separate from the wet ingredients and its flavor and textures intact.

More Snack Ideas for Kids at School

Once you know how simple, healthier, and budget-friendly is making your own snacks at home, you don’t look back! After making this delish lunchbox snack mix, try these peanut butter granola bars, these easy chocolate-dipped oranges, and these pecan pie energy bites.

Other family favorites for the lunchbox? Almond coconut granola, these oatmeal raisin granola bars, and these cinnamon sugar pretzel bites. I know you’re already craving them!