Chinese Choices

Creative lunch alternatives

If the sight of one more bag of potato chips is liable to make your kids scream with boredom, freshen things up with some Chinese twists on old-hat snacks.

Instead of your same old juice box 
try ...
Cici Juicebox
(Guǒdòng 果冻)
Just as juicy, but the cool bottle makes you feel like an athlete and there are none of those awkward straws to contend with!
Instead of high-fat chips
try ...
Seaweed
(Hǎitái 海苔)
These crunchy snacks still pack the salty punch your kids crave.
Instead of the standard apple
try ...
Dragon Fruit
(Huǒlóng Guǒ 火龙果)

What kid alive wouldn’t want to eat a fruit with the word “dragon” in its name? Purple and green on the outside, white with black spots on the inside, this unusual fruit tastes a little like kiwi and looks even cooler.
Instead of everyday chocolates  
try ... 
Milk Candy
(Dàbáitù Nǎitáng 大白兔奶糖)

Most Chinese supermarkets have a huge selection of naitang – these Big White Rabbits are a favorite of ours, especially because of the fun interior wrapping made of edible rice paper.
Instead of run-of-the-mill cookies
try ...
Rice Crackers
(Xuěbǐng 雪饼)
OK, so no kid in their right mind is going to allow for a straight swap of rice crackers for cookies, but these sweet and salty guys will still win praise.
Instead of nutrient-free candy
try ...
Haw Chips (Shānzhā Piàn 山楂片)
Place a super-sweet haw chip on the tip of your tongue and wait for the flavor to spread throughout your mouth. Delish!