Perhaps dried fruit owes its recent popularity resurgence to the Mediterranean Diet. As it garnered a following in recent years, so has dried fruit as the diet includes dried fruits among its list of “what to eat.” Or maybe dried fruit has become more popular due to society’s non-stop lifestyle combined with our increasing interest in natural foods that require healthier eat-on-the go options. Perfect for the whole family, dried fruit is the clear choice! Traina Foods all-natural dried fruits are perfect alone, in combination with one another and mixed with other healthy “to-go” foods for sensational (and easy!) back-to-school meal and snack ideas.

That’s a Wrap
For an adult meal on-the-go or a kid’s lunch box, spread a tablespoon of cream cheese on a few slices of thick-cut deli turkey, sprinkle with Traina Foods all-natural dried cranberries and roll them up in a fresh butter lettuce leaf. Feeling fancy? “Tie” it with a cucumber or carrot “string” or simply secure the lettuce together with a toothpick. Need a kick? Add a touch of Traina Foods Sriracha Sun Dried Tomato Ketchup.  

Smoothie Bowls
Smoothie bowls are a quick and easy way to sip some nutrition to start your day off right. In a blender, mix your favorite concoction of fruit, yogurt, chia or flax seeds, nut butters, juice or milk and ice into a thick consistency. Then pour into a bowl, top with your favorite nuts, dried fruits and coconut shavings and spoon up some deliciousness. To take this one on the go, simply add all the “toppings” into the blender, then grab a straw and get going!

After School Pick-Me-Up
Pre-mix your family’s favorite combination of dried fruits with pretzels, whole grain no-sugar-added cereal (think Chex or Cheerios) and nuts or seeds and seal them into perfectly portioned and easy-to-take snack bags for after school snacking, soccer practice or late-night study sessions.

Protein-Packed Punch
Portable pre-portioned “protein” snacks and meals are hitting the grocery stores, but these can easily be made at home! Individually bag up a few tablespoons of Traina Foods dried fruit, a few tablespoons of nuts, about 1/4 cup of cheese cubes and some meat “roll ups” of your choice. And voila — you've just packed a punch of protein for an easy lunch or dinner.

Movie Night
Come Friday after a long week of school and work, there are few things as relaxing as family movie night (as long as everyone can agree on the flick to pick!). To jazz up the usual bowl of plain popcorn, add some dark chocolate chunks and Traina Foods dried cherries. (Tip: This is a crowd-pleaser – make extra!)

Dried fruit is so versatile and portable, it can be incorporated into any meal of the day! Think outside the box when adding dried fruit to all your favorite foods.