Getting the household back into a routine after months of summer break can be an adjustment for everyone. Between school drop-offs, homework, sports, work schedules and everything in between, the days can fill up quickly.

As routines get busier, having simple, nutritious snacks on hand can make preparing for the week a little easier. Snacks can be an opportunity to add important nutrients to everyone’s overall diet, especially when choosing foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, yogurt and of course nuts!

Instead of overcomplicating snack time, look for convenient options that provide important nutrients and can easily make their way into lunchboxes, backpacks or the after-school routine.

That’s where pistachios come in, a small snack with plenty to offer!

Pistachios are incredibly versatile, bringing a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor to everything from breakfast and salads to homemade trail mixes and snack boxes. They’re also easy to portion ahead of time for busy days.

A 1-ounce serving of pistachios provides approximately **6 grams of protein and 3 grams of fiber**, perfect to fuel even the busiest of days. Pistachios also contain naturally occurring plant compounds, including lutein, zeaxanthin and phenolic compounds with antioxidant properties.

Choosing snacks that provide protein and fiber can be one way to build a more satisfying snack. Pairing different food groups can also add variety and additional nutrients to snack time.

Creating a nutritious snack doesn’t have to mean spending extra time in the kitchen. Try adding pistachios to some of your family’s everyday favorites:

• Pistachio + Fruit Snack Box: Pair pistachios with apple slices, grapes, berries or another favorite fresh fruit for an easy combination of flavors and textures.
• DIY Pistachio Trail Mix: Combine pistachios with whole-grain cereal and dried fruit for an easy snack that can be portioned ahead of time. Try this Protein-Packed Trail Mex Recipe from Bon Appetit, Protein-Packed Trail Mix Recipe | Bon Appétit
• Yogurt + Pistachio Crunch: Top yogurt with chopped pistachios and fresh fruit for added crunch. Making your own granola is
• Pistachio Toast: Sprinkle our Organic Hot Honey Pistachios over whipped ricotta with seasonal stone fruit, drizzle of honey, for the perfect quick and easy snack. Find the recipe on Sunset Magazine!
• Grab-and-Go Pistachios: Sometimes simple is best. Portion pistachios into reusable containers so they’re ready when you need a convenient snack at home or on the go.

***When packing pistachios for school, be sure to check your school or classroom’s food-allergy policies first. Tree nuts are among the major food allergens recognized by the CDC, and individual schools may have specific procedures in place to help protect students with food allergies.

Getting back into a routine doesn’t mean every meal or snack has to be perfectly planned. Building simple habits and keeping a variety of nutrient-rich foods readily available can make busy mornings and packed afternoons easier to navigate.

Whether enjoyed by the handful or incorporated into a favorite recipe, pistachios offer an easy way to bring protein, fiber and plenty of crunch to snack time.

At Nichols Farms, our California-grown pistachios are carefully harvested and dry roasted to bring out their naturally delicious flavor, making them an easy addition to snack time wherever the day takes you.

Back to school. Back to routine. Back to smart snacking.

Find our full line of our pistachios at a retailer near you and start the school year stress-free with these simple and easy snacking options. 

References

1. Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health – The Nutrition Source. “The Science of Snacking.”
2. American Academy of Pediatrics – HealthyChildren.org. “Choosing Healthy Snacks for Kids.”
3. California Childcare Health Program, University of California San Francisco. “Healthy Snacks for Children.”
4. U.S. Department of Agriculture – FoodData Central. Pistachio nutrition data. Reference for the nutritional composition of pistachios, including protein, dietary fiber, vitamins and minerals.
5. National Institutes of Health / PubMed Central. “Pistachio Nuts: Production, Nutrients, Bioactives and Novel Health Effects.”
6. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Food Allergies in Schools.”

**Nutrition note:** Nutrition information may vary by product. Refer to the Nutrition Facts panel on the specific Nichols Farms product for the most accurate serving and nutrient information.