Fueling Success: The Ultimate Apple Cinnamon Snack Mix for Back-to-School & Beyond + Free Printable!
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of General Mills®. The opinions and text are all mine.
The school year rush is here, and every busy parent knows the challenge: keeping kids energized and nourished on the go without spoiling dinner. This wholesome, cinnamon and apple-infused snack mix is your new secret weapon – perfect for kids (and Moms!) navigating hectic schedules. And it comes with a FREE Printable label to make it even more special!
Navigating the Back-to-School Frenzy with Smart Snacking
It feels like just yesterday we were enjoying the relaxed pace of summer, but in a blink, the lazy, hazy days have transitioned into a bittersweet memory. Now, children are back in school, juggling classes, extracurricular activities, and countless commitments. If you’re like me, a significant portion of your day is spent in the car, chauffeuring kids from one place to another. The routine of “be at school early for this” or “stay late for that” can be a tough adjustment. Multiple trips to school each day often lead to familiar refrains from the back seat: “I’m starving!” or “What’s for dinner?”
These constant demands for food highlight the need for smart, convenient snacking solutions that satisfy hunger without ruining appetites for dinner. This is precisely why I prioritize having easy, quick, and wholesome snacks readily available for my children to grab after school or between activities. And when a snack is portable? That’s even better! I recently whipped up a batch of this delightful Apple Cinnamon Brain Fuel mix, and I instantly knew it would be a game-changer. It’s ideal for car trips, a satisfying after-school pick-me-up, a welcome addition to lunch boxes, or even a pre-practice energy boost, as my daughter discovered before cheerleading practice. This snack isn’t just about convenience; it’s about providing sustained energy and delicious flavor when it’s needed most.
Fueling Minds and Supporting Schools with Box Tops for Education
Beyond its delicious taste and practicality, this recipe offers another fantastic benefit: collecting Box Tops for Education! Every time I prepare this mix, I’m reminded of the bonus Box Tops I clipped from the General Mills products purchased at Walmart. We’re seasoned pros in our household when it comes to clipping these valuable little squares from the products we use regularly.
For those unfamiliar, Box Tops for Education stands as one of America’s largest school earnings loyalty programs. Since its launch in 1996, it has channeled over $525 million directly to participating K-8 schools. Is your child’s school one of the 80,000+ institutions that benefit from this incredible initiative? The beauty of the program is its simplicity and flexibility: there are no stipulations on how schools spend the money. Each Box Top is worth 10 cents, and while that might seem like a small amount individually, it truly adds up fast when an entire community participates. Just look at the collection we gathered over our (all too short!) summer break!
During this “back-to-school” season, keep an extra eye out for packages featuring BONUS Box Tops. These special packages contain five Box Tops per box, translating to a generous 50 cents per item that goes directly to your chosen school! This is an amazing opportunity to multiply your fundraising efforts with everyday purchases. Grandparents, if you spot these bonus Box Tops, please save them and let your grandchildren take them to school. Chances are, their classrooms are currently engaged in a friendly contest to see who can collect the most. Our kids have enjoyed fantastic rewards for being part of the winning classrooms, from movie afternoons and pajama days to exciting ice cream socials. At our school, these vital funds are channeled into enhancing our P.E. and Computer departments, directly benefiting student learning and development.
So, the next time you’re stocking up on groceries, consider grabbing some of these General Mills cereals. Not only will you have the key ingredients for this fun, nutritious snack mix, but you’ll also be actively contributing to your school’s success through the Box Tops for Education program. It’s a win-win for everyone!
More Than Just a Snack: Versatile Uses for Your Apple Cinnamon Brain Fuel
This delightful Apple Cinnamon Brain Fuel snack mix isn’t just for your family’s daily crunch; its wholesome goodness and appealing flavor make it incredibly versatile. Once you’ve mixed up a batch, you’ll find countless ways to share the goodness:
- Teacher or Principal Gifts: Show appreciation for the dedicated educators and administrators with a thoughtful, homemade treat. It’s a sweet gesture that they’re sure to enjoy during their busy days.
- Gifts for Your Children’s Friends: A small baggie of this delicious mix makes a fantastic token for playdates, birthday party favors, or just a simple act of friendship.
- Thoughtful Gestures for Mom Friends: Share the love with your fellow busy parents who, like you, appreciate the value of a portable, wholesome snack that can be easily tucked into a purse or car console. It’s a lifesaver on busy days!
- Road Trip Companion: Forget unhealthy gas station snacks. This mix is perfect for long car rides, providing sustained energy and delicious flavor to keep everyone happy.
- Sporting Event Fuel: Pack it for practices or games. It’s a much better alternative to sugary treats and will help active kids maintain their energy levels.
- Lunchbox Surprise: Add a small portion to lunchboxes for a delightful and nutritious surprise that will make lunchtime more exciting.
- Party Treat: Serve it in a large bowl at gatherings for a crowd-pleasing snack that’s both tasty and relatively healthy.
Grab Your FREE Printable Label!
To make this snack mix even more appealing, especially when gifting, I’m thrilled to share a FREE printable label with you! This charming label adds a personal touch and makes packaging your “Brain Fuel” snack mix a breeze. Simply click on the image above or the link below, save the printable file to your computer, and print it in a convenient 5×7 inch size. Once printed, fold it over and secure it to a sandwich or quart-sized baggie filled with your delicious mix. It’s a simple step that elevates your snack from everyday to extraordinary, perfect for school gifts, thoughtful gestures, or just adding a little fun to your kids’ lunch bags.
Feel free to get creative and add your own unique spin to your snack mix! The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility. You can adjust ratios, add other dried fruits, or even a handful of nuts if allergies aren’t a concern. Below, you will find the specific amounts and ingredients I used to create my batch. This recipe yields a generous two-gallon zippered bag full of snack mix – plenty to enjoy with your family and ample to share with friends, teachers, and other busy parents!
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Print Recipe
Back to School – Apple Cinnamon Brain Fuel {includes free printable}
Ingredients
- 1 8.75 ounce bag Honey Nut Chex Mix
- 1 12.9 ounce box of Apple Cinnamon Cheerios
- 1 12.1 ounce box of Cinnamon Chex Cereal
- 1 4.5 ounce package dried apples, cut into small pices
- 1 cup raisins
Instructions
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Simply combine all ingredients in a large bowl or directly in an airtight container. Mix thoroughly until all components are evenly distributed. Store in an airtight container or zippered bags to maintain freshness.
Notes
Nutrition
Empowering Your Kids and Community, One Snack at a Time
As we dive deeper into the school year, providing nourishing snacks like this Apple Cinnamon Brain Fuel becomes even more crucial. It’s a simple, delicious, and effective way to ensure our children have the energy and focus they need to excel, whether in the classroom or on the sports field. The blend of sweet apples, warm cinnamon, and wholesome cereals creates a taste that kids adore, making it an easy sell even for picky eaters.
But the benefits extend far beyond just satisfying hungry tummies. By choosing General Mills products that participate in the Box Tops for Education program, especially those offering bonus Box Tops, you’re actively contributing to your school’s financial well-being. This powerful program empowers schools to purchase essential supplies, fund valuable programs, and create enriched learning environments that benefit every student. It’s a testament to how small, everyday actions can lead to significant community impact.
So, take a few minutes this week to whip up a large batch of this Apple Cinnamon Brain Fuel. Not only will you streamline your busy week with a ready-made, healthy snack option, but you’ll also be an active participant in supporting your local school. Don’t forget to print out the free labels to add a fun, personalized touch to your snack bags. Enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing you’re fueling your family’s success and making a tangible difference in your community, one delicious, wholesome bite at a time!
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of General Mills®. The opinions and text are all mine.