Gerber | Product Reviews by The Experimental Mommy

Liven Up Lunchboxes with Gerber!

With one daughter in Kindergarten and one in daycare, I am no stranger to packing lunches. Traditionally, I grab the old favorites such as turkey sandwiches, grapes, peanut butter crackers or if I am feeling adventurous, I might make a turkey and cheese sandwich! While I am sure my girls love everything I make (haha!), I am sure they would like a few surprises in their lunchboxes now and again.

I was happy to be given the opportunity to try some of Gerber’s new “on the go” products perfect for mixing it up at mealtime. From the press release:

“GERBER® GRADUATES® SMART SIPS™ dairy beverages and GRADUATES® Yogurt Blends snacks are tasty ways to make sure a toddler is receiving essential nutrients including those that help promote healthy growth and natural immune support. Specially prepared and packaged to require no refrigeration before opening, these products are great chilled or on-the-go options.”

I was happy to receive three varieties of the Gerber Graduates Smart Sips including vanilla, plain and strawberry. These drinks are described as “made with a NUTRIPROTECT™ blend that provides your child with nutrients for healthy growth and natural immune support, such as iron, zinc, and vitamins A, C & E. SMART SIPS dairy beverages have no preservatives or artificial flavors. SMART SIPS dairy beverages are made with fat free milk produced without the use of added growth hormones or antibiotics.“ I actually split each box so both of my daughters could try the flavor. While neither were a fan of the plain, they both liked the vanilla and loved the strawberry. As a Mom, I like that I have found an alternative to the juice box for lunch! Knowing that it doesn’t have to be refrigerated until after opening makes it a perfect lunchbox selection.

We also received samples of the Gerber Graduates Yogurt Blends in the banana vanilla variety. Made with lowfat yogurt and natural fruit puree, these were a total hit with both girls! Again, these do not need to be refrigerated until after opening (however, my girls did prefer them chilled) which makes it a perfect addition to the lunch kit.

Check out all the great products for all developmental levels on Gerber’s website. Knowing that my girls are not only loving their lunches but are getting the essential nutrients and vitamins to make the most of their school day, puts this Mom’s mind at ease.

Thanks, Gerber!

Gerber Graduates Preschooler Snacks: Review

The Gerber Graduates Preschooler snack line will provide me with many healthy options for Aubrie’s never-ending appetite while ensuring she will like them, too!

A sampling of many Gerber Graduates Preschooler snacks including the Fruit Twists, Cereal Twists, and Granola Bars plus one hungry toddler and mom looking for healthy alternatives. About the Gerber Graduate Preschooler snacks we tried:

Gerber Graduates for Preschoolers Fruit Twists: ”Fruit Twists are real fruit snacks that are perfect for on the go snacking – best of all they are made with 99% real concentrated fruit and juice and provide ½ of a preschooler serving of fruit per twist as well as 25% of the daily preschooler amount of antioxidant vitamin C. The great thing about these Fruit Twists, is that your child can pull them apart and eat one flavor at a time, or eat them both at once, combining the two flavors. Either way, your child can choose what they like best!”

Gerber Graduates for Preschoolers Cereal Twists: ”Cereal Twists are made with whole grains and two flavored yogurt fillings. Each cereal bar is individually wrapped for convenient on-the-go snacking and comes in three delicious flavors: Strawberry Blueberry, Banana Peach and Raspberry Vanilla.“

Gerber Graduates for Preschoolers Chewy Granola Bars: ”Chewy Granola bars are made with whole grain rolled oats and wheat flakes for a unique soft texture that preschoolers love – they’re naturally flavored and provide 10% daily value for 4 vitamins and minerals. They have 6g of whole grains per bar and have no preservatives or artificial flavors.“

With two growing girls in my home who both LOVE to snack, I struggle to find something they think is tasty and something I think is appropriate for their age. They both are fans of individually wrapped fruit snacks, granola bars and roll-up snacks. But, the portions are generally too big for their appetite and I am not thrilled with the nutritional value. So I was more than happy to see their reactions to the Gerber snacks!

Their favorite by far was the Cereal Twists. It’s soft texture made it easy for them to eat and they loved the flavors of yogurt mixed in. I like the fact that they are easy to pack in my bag for snacking on the go. The granola bars and fruit twists were both perfect portion sizes for my little ones and they both requested them as snacks frequently.

My girls both loved the Gerber Graduates Preschool snacks with the cereal twists becoming a fast favorite. I love that the snacks are nutritionally balanced and I can rest easy knowing that the girls are getting what they need to grow big and strong. Not sure if your child is meeting dietary requirements? Check out the sample menus are Gerber’s Start Healthy, Stay Healthy Menu Planner! Develop age appropriate menus, share and print!