8 Reasons Michigan Apples Make Great Back to School Meals and Snacks
New backpacks and school supplies may be on the top of your back-to-school shopping list but remember to also stock your kitchen with nutrient-rich foods, like Michigan Apples, to help kids stay healthy and perform at their best during the coming school year. Apples provide many of the key nutrients missing from children’s diets, making them a perfect back to school snack. They also add flavor and versatility to meals and snacks which make them a perfect addition to lunch boxes and quick afterschool recipes.
8 Reasons Michigan Apples Make Great Back-to-School Meals and Snacks:
1. Nutritional Value
Michigan Apples are rich in essential nutrients like fiber, vitamins (especially Vitamin C), complex carbs, potassium, and antioxidants, which help kids power through their day and support lifelong brain health.
2. Energy Boost
The natural sugars in apples provide a sustained energy boost, helping students stay alert and focused throughout the school day.
3. Portability
Apples are easy to pack and carry, making them a convenient snack for busy school days. They don’t require refrigeration and can be eaten as-is, without any preparation.
4. Affordable
When it comes to getting the most nutrition for your money, you can’t beat the budget-friendly value of Michigan Apples. They also stay fresh for weeks in the refrigerator so there is time for them to be eaten, not wasted.
5. Versatility
Apples can be enjoyed in many forms—whole, sliced, in salads, or as part of various recipes like apple slices with peanut butter, apple chips, or baked apple snacks.
6. Hydration
Apples have a high water content, which helps keep kids hydrated.
7. Digestive Health
The fiber in apples aids digestion and promotes a healthy gut, which can contribute to overall well-being and attentiveness.
8. Appealing to Kids
Michigan Apples are naturally sweet and come in various flavors and textures, appealing to different taste preferences, making them a favorite among children. Discover some new varieties this year by having your kids pick out a few new options at the store, farmer’s market, or orchard this fall.
Kid-Approved Healthy Snacks:
School aged children tend to eat less fruits and veggies than they did as toddlers and therefore miss out on needed fiber and nutrients to keep them healthy and well. Let’s change that and help kids form fresh habits this back-to-school season! Make reaching for produce like Michigan Apples as easy as brushing teeth by keeping a bowl of fresh Michigan Apples on the counter and/or in the fridge at kid’s eye level. In addition, add some tasty, nourishing apple recipes to your back-to-school menus.
- Michigan Apple Nachos
- Oat Raisin Applesauce Cookies
- Wholesome Apple Muffins
- Michigan Apple & Cinnamon Smoothie
- Easy Apple Breakfast Cobbler
Or try this delicious, nutrient-rich muffin recipe!
ABC (Apple, Banana, Carrot) Muffins Recipe:
Makes 1 dozen muffins
Nutrition information per serving: 193 Calories; 8g Fat; 26g Carbohydrate; 2.6g Fiber; 4.5g Protein: 266mg Sodium
INGREDIENTS:
-
- 1 cup white whole wheat flour
- ½ cup almond flour
- 1 cup oatmeal
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1-1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup canola oil
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 ripe banana, mashed
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 large Michigan Apple, peeled and grated
- 1 cup grated carrot
DIRECTIONS:
1. Preheat oven to 350F. Line a 12-cup standard muffin tin with paper liners or spray with vegetable cooking spray.
2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, almond flour, oatmeal, salt, baking soda and cinnamon. Set aside.
3. In a separate bowl, mix the eggs, oil, milk, banana and brown sugar with whisk until smooth.
4. Add egg mixture to dry ingredients; blend well; fold in the apple and carrots until well combined.
5. Spoon batter into muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full. Bake until the muffins are nicely browned on top and the top springs back when touched lightly, approximately 20 to 23 minutes. Allow muffins to cool completely before storing.
FIND MORE SCHOOL LUNCH AND SNACK INSPIRATION:
Michigan Apples has a number of resources for parents including healthy meal planning, kid-friendly recipes, and even fun and educational kid activities!
