2017 Back to School Essentials Awards
Whether they’re enrolled in the first day of preschool or taking the last steps toward high-school graduation, kids need plenty of fuel to make it through the day. We’ve selected a variety of snacks and meals that are loaded with healthful ingredients, and our dietary supplement choices will help fill any nutritional gaps. Our picks for personal-care products will make sure the kids are looking their best too!
Better Breakfasts
“Not too sweet, and flavorful!” raved our taster after enjoying Bakery on Main Blueberry Scone Instant Oatmeal.
Peace Cereal Coconut Chia Almond Organic Clusters & Flakes from Attune Foods will give a jump-start to any kid’s day.
Sweet Home Farm Blueberry Granola was rated “absolutely wonderful” by an entire family at the breakfast table.
For Looking Good
Our teenage tester says Acure Organics Oil Matifying Facial Moisturizer works great to control oily skin.
Alaffia Everyday Shea Moisturizing Bubble Bath received two thumbs up from a youthful bather.
Babo Botanicals Lice Repel Shampoo “smells good and eases my anxiety,” says one concerned parent.
Lily of the Desert Kids Calming Lavender Lotion nourishes the skin while helping to calm the whole child.
A mom in our office found nighttime tooth-brushing less of a struggle when her young son tried XyliWhite Bubblegum Splash toothpaste gel from NOW Solutions.
Tasty Snacks
Crunchmaster Multi-Seed Rosemary & Olive Oil Baked Crackers include healthful sesame, flax, and amaranth seeds.
HappyKid Organics Banana + Chocolate Fruit and Oat Bars are satisfying snacks with no added sugar.
Laughing Giraffe Organics Lemon Snakaroons are satisfying coconut-based treats.
GoodBelly Probiotics Supershot 50 from Next Foods provides 50 billion probiotic cultures in each 2.7-ounce serving.
Snikiddy Hot & Spicy Baked Fries Corn and Potato Snacks are crunchy and delicious. They’re gluten free and non-GMO.
Zing Nutrition Bars are a big hit in our office, especially the dark chocolate mint flavor.
Lunchtime Champs
B’More Organic Skyr Smoothies are Icelandic-style yogurt drinks. Tasty, filling, and high in protein.
Good Karma Dairy Free Yogurt is made with flax milk and offers a strong dose of omega-3 fatty acids in each serving.
Once Again Organic Creamy Cashew Butter has no added salt or sweeteners. “Awesome,” we say.
Our toddler tester devoured Pure Spoon Purees Creamy Avocado and Pears, licked the bowl, and demanded more!
Stonyfield YoKids Organic Strawberry Squeezers are low in sugar and great for lunchboxes.
Nutritional Supplements
American Health Probiotic Unflavored Kidstiks for an immune boost
Super Earth Rainforest Animalz DHA 100 mg Fish-Shaped Softchews from Bluebonnet Nutrition for brain health
Europharma Acne Essentials from Terry Naturally for skin health
Lovebug Little Ones Probiotics for digestive health
Michael’s Pre-Teen Girls Daily Multivitamin for comprehensive support
BigFriends Chewable Vitamin C from Natural Factors for good health
Nature’s Answer Sambucus Kid’s Formula for holistic balance
Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega Junior for the brain and nervous system
Vibrant Health Super Kids Vibrance Cool Chocolate powder for overall health
Extra Credit
We gave Body Glide Anti-Chafe Balm an on-the-field test after a baseball scrape. “Immediate relief!”
Dr. Bronner’s Lavender Organic Hand Sanitizer kills germs with pure, organic ingredients.
If You Care Sandwich Bags are sturdy, compostable, unbleached, and chlorine free.
§These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.