As a mom, I know that healthy snack ideas are easy to find—but when families are running from one activity to another, it's also important for a snack to be portable. And that means much more than whether it can slip inside a tote bag or backpack.

It means that the snack is durable, too. Ideal healthy portable snacks can stand up to being tossed around along with the other contents of your bag, have a long shelf life (who knows how long you'll forget that one is there), and—bonus points—appeal to an adult palate. Because the only thing more undignified than a toddler losing it because they're hungry is an adult losing it because they're hungry.

1. Granola Bars

Most granola bars can withstand being knocked around in a full bag for about two days, which quite honestly, isn't long enough. The granola bars by Kind are an outlier; I've definitely discovered one of unknown origin date at the bottom of my bag that was still (mostly) whole.

Shop Kind Healthy Grains Granola Bars $26.99 for 8 boxes of 5

2. Chips

I love chips—who doesn't?—but they're pretty fragile and rarely nutritious. Look for chips made from sturdier and healthier stuff. Taro root, sweet potatoes, and plantains all hold up better in your bag and provide some nutrients.

Shop Terra Chips $37.10 for 24 bags

3. Cereal

Those Os might be whole grain, but they'll turn to dust within hours if you're not careful. Granola might be a healthier option, but it's impossible for even grown-ups to eat neatly sans spoon. Granola clusters, however, solve both problems by being nutritious and hardy.

Shop Mamma Chia Wild Blueberry Clusters $26.32 for 6 bags

4. Fruit

Fresh fruit is always the best option, but it can be messy, especially when you've inadvertently left it in your bag for a few days, let alone weeks (not that I'd know). Pureed fruit in pouch or bar form lends nearly the same nutritious value, but also lasts much, much longer.

Shop Mamma Chia Chia Squeeze $8.86 for 8 pouches

Shop ZEGO Just Fruit bars $16.99 for 12 bars

5. Meat

A rolled up slice of turkey or ham, while a great on-the-go snack, isn't super convenient. But opt for nitrate-free jerky, made from free-range meats, and you'll have an almost guilt-free snack. One note: jerky is one of the best healthy snacks for adults, but not all kids will like its chewy texture so you may need another option for a picky eater.

Shop Nick's Sticks Free Range Snack Sticks (16-Count) $19.99 for 16 sticks

6. Cheese

Cheese is a popular healthy snack idea, and you definitely don't want to forget about it being in your bag. Better yet, ditch the string cheese and pick up these dehydrated cheese snacks. All the flavor, none of the mold.

Shop Moon Cheese Gluten-Free Snacks (3- or 6-Pack) starting at $14.99

7. Chocolate

Chocolate melts. But chocolate brittle—inspired by the crispy edges of just-baked brownies—will only melt your heart.

Shop Gluten Free Brownie Brittle $18.99 for 6 bags