4 Back-to-school lunch winners, as picked by a nutritionist

I am not among the masses who praise the fall season. How can anyone want summer to end? Have we all been brainwashed by the pumpkin spice latte? While I hate to give up my summer, I have to admit I get a little giddy over back-to-school shopping.

I don’t even have a child in the house, but each fall, I make it a mission to pick up some new swag for myself in the spirit of the new school year (and to console myself over summer’s end). This year, I had quite a haul of treats for packed lunches, after-school snacks and the little extras we don’t necessarily need, but put a smile on kids’ (or our own) faces.

Pure Organic Bar

Cue heaven music sung by angels: I have finally found it! A snack bar with an ingredient list I can not only pronounce, but would fit into a single tweet. This bar has everything we nutritionists look for in a quality snack, minus the funky aftertaste most protein bars have (thanks to cheap, processed soy). At 180 calories, this an all-natural and clean bar that would make the perfect pick-me-up before soccer or football practice.

Trader Joe’s Peanut Butter and Jelly Nonfat Greek Yogurt

What says “back to school” like a good, old-fashioned PB&J? Ditch the processed white sandwich bread for this ultra-convenient makeover starring Greek yogurt . This stuff is so delicious — I don’t know how they did it with so little sugar, but I’m glad they did!

Collapsable Double Compartment Lunch Box Food Container

I love Eco Vessel’s leakproof, collapsible and BPA-free lunch box. And for those you who are stumped by what to do about your own lunch, I have a brilliant solution that will cost you $0 and require minimal prep work: Pack your leftover dinner. Seriously! And this lunch box can take your food straight from fridge or freezer to microwave. Fully stocked on Tupperware you say? Does your collection come with a detachable spork? Didn’t think so.

Rubber Barber Eraser Set

I am such a sucker for quirky school/office supplies. These erasers sure beat the classic pink nubs on the old number 2’s, and they’re a cute non-food treat to tuck into your kid’s lunch box or backpack.