The Sporked Guide to Back to School

Summer is over. Fall is here. If you’re a parent, that means you’re sending kids back to school. Hope you enjoyed your break, but it’s time for 6 a.m. wake-ups to pack daily school lunches and post-work trips to the grocery store to stock the cabinets, fridge, and freezer with after school snacks that won’t go to waste (unlike the decorative erasers literally no child needs). We’re here to help. We’ve rounded up some back to school grocery store essentials to help things go a little more smoothly. And, hey, you don’t have to be a student or parent to enjoy the bounty of back to school snacks. The best school lunch ideas can be work lunch ideas, too.

Easy Breakfasts

Our Ranking of the Best Cereal for Kids

From sugary cereals that feel like an incentive to get out of bed to “parent-approved” cereals like Kix that won’t have your kids bouncing off the walls in first period, these are the best cereals for kids we found in our taste tests.

The Best Frozen Waffles

You gotta love a breakfast kids can make themselves. Bust out the butter and the maple syrup for the best frozen waffles.

The Best Pop-Tarts

Whether you think they’re dessert or breakfast (we’re firmly in the breakfast camp), Pop-Tarts are great. Rip open the packet and, tada, two cute little pastries for busy mornings.

The Best Frozen Breakfast Sandwiches

If you just do not have time for the drive-thru in the morning, we see you. The best frozen breakfast sandwiches are the next best thing to fast food breakfast.

Our Favorite Frozen Breakfast Burritos

Are you a family of late risers, always in a rush? Microwaveable breakfast burritos are a lifesaver. You only need one hand to eat them—plus, kids can eat them in the car without too much mess. (Don’t forget the napkins, though.)

The Best Frozen Breakfast Bowls

If you’re sending a big kid back to school—or you’re a big kid who needs to make it through to that 2 p.m. lunch meeting—microwavable breakfast bowls are hearty and filling and, most importantly, ready in about two minutes flat.

The Best Flavored Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt is full of protein and all kinds of good stuff, no prep required. With the individual cups, all you need is a spoon, and you and your little are ready for another big day.

School Lunch Ideas

Every Uncrustables, Ranked

Uncrustables are the alpha and omega of zero-effort school lunches. Toss one of these in the ol’ backpack or purse and enjoy (they’re delicious, we promise). 

The Best Peanut Butter at the Grocery Store

If you’re intent on making your own PB&J lest your Parent of the Year award be revoked, be sure to use the tastiest peanut butter at the store.

The Best Deli Meat for Your Sandwiches

From bologna to roast beef, we taste tested all sorts of deli meat to find the best stuff for your sandwiches. No one’s gonna go swapping these sammies for something else in the lunchroom. 

The Best Vegan Deli Meat for Your Sandwiches

Plant-based kids need tasty sandwiches, too. From ersatz salami to mock turkey, these are our faves.

Best White Bread

If you have a child, you know that plain white bread is the MVP, the thing that makes or breaks the PBJ or ham and cheese sando, and if you want the best white bread ever, take a look at our top picks.

The Best Lunchables for a Zero-Effort Lunch

Ah, Lunchables. The recess of lunch. When it comes to good school lunch ideas, not all Lunchables are created equal. Make sure you’re grabbing the tastiest ones.

The Best Applesauce Cups, Pouches, and More

We firmly believe in lunch dessert, and applesauce is a really excellent healthy option. Whether your kid prefers pouches or cups, there’s an applesauce on our list for their lunchbox.

The Best Granola Bars

Every lunchbox—be it for school or work—needs something you can fish out and devour two hours before lunch rolls around. Granola bars are a must.

The Best Fruit Snacks

Every child needs something in their lunchbox they can barter with. Fruit snacks are the perfect thing.

The Best Juice Boxes

We dare you to buy Kool-Aid Jammers and not drink one yourself. It’s not possible! 

After-School Snacks

The Best After-School Snacks at the Grocery Store

From snacks kids can eat right out of the fridge to microwavable treats they can cook up themselves, these are some of our favorite after school snacks.

Every Totino’s Pizza Roll, Ranked

A lot of frozen snacks require firing up the oven if you want them to taste good. Not Totino’s Pizza Rolls. Honestly, these are the perfect easy, microwavable after-school snack. 

The Best Hot Pockets

Long day at school? Well, a Hot Pocket won’t solve all your problems—but it’ll make them more palatable. Our fave is a crispy, cheesy classic.

Best Frozen Kids Meals

Reach into the freezer for a yummy, filling, kid-friendly meal, perfect for busy days—these meals are child sized and great for picky eaters.

Best Frozen Chicken Nuggets

Chicken nuggets are the best after school snack for a crowd—your child brought a bevy of their friends home? No problem, toss a bag of the best chicken nuggets in the oven…and tell them keep their damn shoes off your coffee table.

Best Microwave Mac and Cheese

A little cup of microwave mac and cheese is like a big warm hug after a day spent doing math.

The Best Snack Cakes, Ranked

Healthy after school snacks?? Look no further than snack cakes! Kidding, kidding. These little dessert cakes are for special occasions. Aced the exam? Bring out the TastyKakes.