Flying with toddlers can be both thrilling and exhausting, especially when it comes to keeping them fed and entertained during long flights. Between airport security and the limited space on planes, packing the right snacks is crucial to keeping your little one satisfied, healthy, and happy. If you follow the Weston A. Price Foundation principles or an ancestral diet, you’ll want snacks that are nutrient-dense, portable, and easy to eat while on the go.
In this blog post, we’ll explore air travel-friendly snack ideas for toddlers, inspired by Weston A. Price and ancestral eating principles. These snacks are perfect for airplane trips, featuring both homemade and some store-bought options that are nutrient-rich and travel-approved.
What Is the Weston A. Price Diet?
Before diving into the snack ideas, it’s helpful to understand the Weston A. Price diet, which emphasizes:
- Animal fats from grass-fed meats, eggs, and raw dairy
- Organic vegetables and fruits
- Fermented foods for gut health
- Traditional fats like coconut oil, butter, and lard
- Nutrient-dense meats such as organ meats and wild-caught fish
This diet encourages whole, unprocessed foods to promote health and vitality. Keeping your toddler’s diet aligned with these principles while traveling can be a challenge, but with a bit of planning, it’s totally doable.
Nourishing Homemade Snacks
- Bone Broth in a Sippy Cup
Bone broth is packed with minerals, collagen, and amino acids, making it a fantastic, hydrating snack that supports your toddler’s growth and digestion. You can easily bring bone broth along for air travel by storing it in a thermos or sippy cup with a tight lid. It’s especially comforting on long flights and provides nourishing hydration.
How to Make:
Prepare homemade bone broth by simmering beef, chicken, or lamb bones with vegetables and herbs for several hours. Once cooled, transfer it into a thermos or sippy cup. For added flavor, you can include a pinch of sea salt or herbs. Make sure to bring it in a container that’s under the 3.4-ounce liquid limit for TSA security or opt for a thermos with an airtight seal to prevent spillage.
- Egg Muffins
These mini egg muffins are packed with protein, healthy fats, and vegetables, making them an excellent snack for toddlers on a plane. You can customize them with a variety of fillings, such as spinach, mushrooms, or grated cheese, to add extra nutrition.
How to Make:
Whisk eggs with a bit of cream or milk and pour into muffin tin cups. Add finely chopped vegetables (like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini) and cooked bacon or sausage. Bake at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until set. Once cooled, pack them in an airtight container for easy access during the flight.
- Chia Seed Pudding
Chia seed pudding is a nutritious, easy-to-make snack that’s perfect for traveling. Chia seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and protein. When combined with full-fat coconut milk or raw milk, it creates a creamy, nutrient-dense treat that your toddler will love.
How to Make:
Combine 2 tablespoons of chia seeds with ½ cup of coconut milk or raw milk and a teaspoon of raw honey (optional). Stir and let it sit in the fridge for a few hours or overnight until it thickens into a pudding-like consistency. For added flavor, top it with fresh berries or shredded coconut. Pack in small containers for easy serving on the plane.
- Homemade Energy Bars
Energy bars are an excellent way to pack protein and healthy fats into a compact, easy-to-eat snack for your toddler. Homemade bars made from ingredients like almond butter, oats, coconut oil, and raw honey can be a great alternative to store-bought options, which may contain added sugars or preservatives.
How to Make:
Blend together oats, almond butter, coconut oil, raw honey, and a sprinkle of cinnamon or vanilla extract. Press the mixture into a pan and refrigerate until firm. Cut the bars into small, toddler-friendly portions and store them in an airtight container. These are perfect for quick, mess-free snacks on the plane.
- Fermented Vegetable Snacks
Fermented vegetables like sauerkraut, kimchi, or pickles provide probiotics that support gut health, which is essential for your toddler’s immune system. They’re also tangy and flavorful, offering a nice contrast to sweeter snacks.
How to Make:
You can make homemade fermented vegetables by submerging shredded cabbage in brine and allowing it to ferment at room temperature for several days. Once ready, pack the fermented veggies in small, airtight containers that are easy to transport through airport security.
Store Bought Snacks that are Nutrient-Dense
When you’re pressed for time or prefer the convenience of store-bought snacks, there are several options that align with Weston A. Price principles and are suitable for airplane travel.
- Organic Grass-Fed Beef Sticks
Look for organic, grass-fed beef sticks that are nitrate-free and made with simple ingredients like beef, salt, and spices. These are a great, portable source of protein and fat and are perfect for keeping your toddler full during the flight.
- Dehydrated Smoothie Melts
They retain most of the vitamins and minerals from the original fruits and vegetables, providing essential nutrients for growing kids. Their light, melt-in-the-mouth texture is gentle on little tummies and safe for toddlers still learning to chew. Always look at the ingredients for only whole foods.
- Raw Nut Butters
Raw nut butters (such as almond or cashew butter) are a convenient and protein-packed snack for toddlers. Pack small, single-serving packets or a jar with a secure lid. These can be paired with fruit slices, veggie sticks, or whole grain crackers for a balanced snack.
- Raw Cheese
Packed with essential vitamins and minerals like calcium, vitamin A, and B12, which support bone growth, immune function, and brain development. Provides sustained energy and keeps toddlers full longer, making it a great snack for travel days. Raw cheese contains natural enzymes and probiotics that aid digestion, especially for kids who may have trouble with pasteurized dairy. The probiotics in raw cheese promote a healthy gut microbiome, which is essential for digestion, immunity, and overall well-being.
- Dehydrated Fruits
Small, sturdy fruits like apples, grapes, and clementines are easy to pack and carry without refrigeration for a few hours. Packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support immune function, growth, and overall health. Gentle on little tummies and provides natural fiber to support healthy digestion and prevent constipation during travel. Make sure that it does not have added sugar in the ingredients. Just simple dehydrated fruits.
Tips for Packing Travel Snacks for Toddlers on a Plane
- Check TSA Regulations: When traveling by air, ensure that all liquid items (like bone broth) are under the 3.4-ounce limit set by TSA. If you’re packing larger quantities of liquids, be sure to place them in your checked luggage.
- Pack in Sturdy Containers: Choose airtight containers or zip-top bags to keep snacks fresh and prevent messes. Some snacks may crumble or get squished, so make sure they’re stored securely.
- Opt for Non-Messy Snacks: Since airplane seating is limited and it can be hard to clean up spills, focus on snacks that are easy to eat without much mess. Pre-cut fruits, energy bars, and cheese/meat roll-ups are great options for minimal cleanup.
- Stay Hydrated: Since cabin air is often dry, don’t forget to pack a sippy cup or water bottle. Bone broth is a fantastic hydrating option, but plain water or electrolyte-infused drinks are also helpful for keeping your toddler refreshed.
- Bring Variety: Offer a variety of snacks to keep your toddler interested and satisfied during the flight. Balancing protein, fats, and carbs will help keep their energy levels stable.
Final Thoughts on Air Travel Snacks for Toddlers
Flying with toddlers doesn’t have to mean relying on processed, sugar-filled snacks. With a little creativity and preparation, you can bring nutrient-dense, Weston A. Price-inspired snacks that will keep your toddler happy, nourished, and comfortable during the flight. By choosing whole foods and a mix of homemade and carefully selected store-bought options, you can make air travel a breeze for both you and your little one.
Enjoy your trip, and snack wisely!
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