Hi lovely parents! It’s Lola here — nutritionist and founder of Health Box — popping in with a big topic I talk about every single day: snacks.

If you’ve ever handed your child a cereal bar thinking it’s a “healthy” option… only to realise the sugar content is sky-high… trust me, you’re not alone. As busy parents, we’re constantly juggling schedules, school runs and snack demands. But so many foods marketed as healthy kids’ snacks are actually packed with hidden sugars, syrups and sweeteners.

Today, I’m sharing how to spot low-sugar snacks, why protein snacks are one of the best choices for kids (and adults!) — and my top picks from The Health Box, including protein bars, protein balls, seaweed crisps and salami snacks.

The Sneaky Truth About Sugary Snacks

Sugar hides in SO many everyday foods. Even items labelled natural, wholesome or healthy often contain:

• Honey
• Fruit syrups
• Fruit juice concentrate
• Coconut nectar
• Maple/agave syrup
• Or multiple forms of sugar disguised under fancy names

These all count as free sugars, meaning the body treats them the same as refined sugar. For children, who only need 19–24g of sugar per day, one cereal bar can easily take up the entire allowance — or exceed it.

And even “healthy cereal bars” are often stuck together with syrups, making them closer to sweets than snacks.

Why Protein Snacks Are a Game-Changer

When families switch from sugary snacks to protein-rich, low-sugar snacks, everything changes:

• Energy stays stable — no more sudden crashes
• Kids stay fuller for longer                                                                                                                                                                                   
• Better blood-sugar balance (yes, even for adults!)
• Cravings reduce naturally
• Lunchboxes become so much easier

This is why at The Health Box, our low-sugar recommendations include protein bars, protein balls, seaweed crisps, and salami snacks — all naturally low in sugar and high in nutrition.

5 Easy, Low-Sugar Snack Ideas for Busy Parents

These are my go-to recommendations on www.thehealthbox.co.uk, using our curated snacks that are tagged low-sugar or high-protein.

 1. Protein Bars (Low-Sugar & High-Protein)

Protein bars are an excellent lunchbox addition or afternoon pick-me-up for busy parents. They’re filling, balanced, and much lower in sugar than cereal bars. Look for bars with:

• Minimal added sugars
• 10–20g protein
• Natural fats for sustained energy

On The Health Box, you can filter for low sugar to make shopping effortless.

2. Protein Balls

Protein balls are fantastic for younger children because they’re:

• Bite-sized
• Fun to eat
• Easier to chew than dense bars
• Naturally filling
• Great for after-school hunger

They’re also ideal to stash in your bag for emergency “Muuuum I’m hungry!” moments.

3. Seaweed Crisps (A Low-Sugar Savoury Hero)

Seaweed crisps are one of the BEST healthy savoury snacks:

• Ultra low in sugar
• Light and crunchy
• Full of minerals
• Naturally gluten-free

They’re a great way to reduce reliance on sweet snacks and introduce new flavours.

 4. Salami Snacks & Mini Meat Sticks

If your family enjoys savoury flavours, salami snacks are a brilliant choice:

• High in protein
• Low in sugar
• Packed with flavour
• Super portable
• Filling enough to stop snack-to-snack grazing

These are especially good for older kids and adults who want something satisfying without reaching for crisps or chocolate.

 5. Mixed Savoury Snack Packs

At Health Box, we curate nut mixes, crunch snacks and protein-boosted savoury bites that offer:

• Balanced fats
• No added sugar
• Clean ingredients
• Long-lasting energy

Mix and match them to create snack boxes for school or work.

Where to Find These Snacks

You can browse all of these on www.thehealthbox.co.uk, where we carefully tag items such as:

• Low-Sugar Snacks
• Healthy Snacks for Kids
• High-Protein Snacks
• Savoury Snacks
• Lunchbox Snacks

Our goal is to make healthy choices EASY — especially for busy families.