At a USDA back-to-school event in Monterrey, Mexico, parents got product information and lunchbox ideas. The Agricultural Trade Office in Monterrey organized the September 21 event for around 90 parents.
For a fast protein option, registered dietitian Karen Grecea points to Trader Joe's Wild Skipjack Tuna Packet. The 3-ounce pouch provides 22 grams of protein, needs no draining and is Safe Catch-tested for mercury, according to Grecea.
Grecea suggests pairing the tuna with mini carrots or celery. Crackers and lettuce are other options.
Her other ready-in-minutes pick is the Cheese, Spinach, & Kale Egg Bites. The different varieties provide 12 to 17 grams of protein per package, she says. Add fruit or Greek yogurt to make the snack more filling.
Dietitian Lauren Manaker suggests pairing Autumn Crisp grapes with a cheese stick. A protein comparison offers more detail for readers weighing protein against portability.
For a savory crunch, registered dietitian Maddie Pasquariello recommends Trader Joe's Thai Lime & Chili Almonds. A quarter-cup serving has 20 milligrams of sodium, according to Pasquariello, and the almonds provide healthy fats and magnesium. Eat them on their own or with fruit. They can also add crunch to a salad, grain bowl or roasted vegetables.
Just Mango Slices are unsweetened dried fruit, offering quick carbohydrates without the added sugar often found in other dried-fruit products. Pasquariello says a serving has about 1 gram of fiber. Nuts or whole-grain crackers can make the snack more substantial; yogurt works too. Chopped mango can go into trail mix.
Autumn Crisp grapes offer a fresh, crunchy alternative. Manaker points to their polyphenols and vitamins C and K. She suggests freezing the grapes for a sorbet-like snack.
The USDA also backs fruit and nut growers through crop programs. The department announced an $86.6 million investment in U.S. specialty crops, including fruits. The funding also covers tree nuts and dried fruits. Florida will direct more than $4.3 million toward research and education, as well as outreach and marketing. The state's work covers mangoes and blueberries, along with sweet corn and muscadine grapes. These initiatives concern agricultural producers and crop programs.
Pasquariello's savory-sweet pick is Fig & Olive Crisps. She describes an 11-cracker serving as low in added sugar and sodium, with minimal unsaturated fat. Hummus or cottage cheese makes a protein-rich dip; whipped ricotta is another option.
Manaker recommends Dark Chocolate Bark with Pistachios, Dried Jalapenos, and Sea Salt. She says dark chocolate provides plant compounds and magnesium, while pistachios add crunch and healthy fats. The bark can be eaten on its own or paired with vanilla frozen yogurt.
More details are available in the Monterrey lunchbox event report and the USDA's announcement of its specialty-crop investment.
