7 New Snacks Inspired by Kid-Loved Foods

Snacking is one of my favorite pastimes, especially during the summer, when I’m constantly on the go. No matter how old I get, I still find myself returning to the pantry staples of my childhood when all else fails. While nothing can replace the nostalgia of these brands, I get excited any time one of my most beloved childhood treats gets a grown-up upgrade with better ingredients and flavors to suit a more mature palate. To embrace my inner child, I’ve been snacking my way through the summer to find the best gourmet takes on kid-loved foods.

Read on to shop my top picks, from a chef-created Pop-Tart alternative to a protein-packed take on shells and white cheddar macaroni and cheese.

Best Childhood-Inspired Snacks

Ghetto Gastro Toaster Pastries

Pop-Tarts were one of my favorite snacks as a kid, so I was excited to try this healthier alternative. These toaster pastries from Ghetto Gastro — a Bronx-based culinary collective — have all the sweet taste and gooey texture I love, but they’re made with real fruit and whole grains. They’re chef-approved (and I’m pretty sure my younger self would love them, too).

Tiny Tate’s 

Chip’s Ahoy! has nothing on these bite-sized cookies from Tate’s. The brand is known for its thin, crispy cookies, and Tiny Tate’s are even more fun to snack on. The mini chocolate chip cookies are so good, I’ve been eating them by the handful. 

Banza Shells & White Cheddar Mac & Cheese, 6 Boxes

This macaroni and cheese looks and tastes like the classic afternoon snack from my youth, but each box has 17 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber. The secret? It’s made from chickpeas, not wheat flour, which also means it’s naturally gluten-free.

BonBon Elderflower Sour Swedish Fish

Swedish candy company BonBon has become a viral sensation, and since trying it myself, I think it’s well worth the hype. In fact, since tasting these sour elderflower fish, I’ll never go back to those cherry-red ones at the convenience store. Not only are they the perfect combination of sweet and sour, they’re also vegan.

Compartes Peanut Butter Cup Bar

Peanut butter and chocolate are the ultimate duo, and while I’ll never be too old to enjoy a Reese’s cup, I’m always looking for versions made with high-quality ingredients. This chocolate bar from Los Angeles-based chocolatier Compartés satisfies my cravings, and best of all, it comes in a stunning, highly giftable wrapper.

Momofuku Soy & Scallion Noodles, Pack of 5

Ramen is one of my favorite comfort foods, but the deep-fried versions can be tough on my stomach. That’s why I love these air-dried ramen noodles from Momofuku. The light, delicious noodles cook in just three minutes and come with delicious sauces made with restaurant-grade ingredients. They come in five different flavors including Spicy Chili and Sweet & Spicy, but my favorite is the Soy & Scallion variety.

Sanzo Calamansi Lime Sparkling Water

I used to drink a lot of citrusy sodas, but to cut down on sugar, I made the switch to sparkling water. I had never found a seltzer with enough flavor to curb my cravings for Sprite and Fresca, until I tasted Sanzo. I love that this AAPI-owned brand incorporates and celebrates Asian flavors including calamansi, a zesty lime variety with a hint of tangerine flavor. Best of all, it’s made with real fruit and no added sugar.