The holiday season is upon us, and with it comes the beloved tradition of advent calendars. But if you’re looking to cut back on sugar or offer a healthier option for your family, a DIY fruit snack advent calendar is a creative and nutritious twist on the classic. Using fruit variety packs, you can fill each day with naturally sweet, fiber-rich treats that everyone will look forward to opening.
Building your own calendar also lets you customize the contents, avoid artificial ingredients, and even include a mix of textures like crunchy crisps and chewy bars. With That’s It’s lineup of fruit-based snacks, you can create a calendar that’s as delicious as it is wholesome. Let’s dive into the step-by-step process.
Why Choose a Fruit Snack Advent Calendar?
Traditional advent calendars are often packed with processed chocolate or candy, which can lead to sugar spikes and energy crashes. A fruit-based alternative provides natural sweetness from real fruit, along with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. Plus, it’s a great way to introduce kids (and adults) to the joy of whole-food treats during the holiday countdown.
Using products like the Minis Variety Pack - Blueberry, Mango & Strawberry (24 Bars) gives you 24 perfectly portioned bars that fit neatly into any calendar setup. Each mini bar is made from just fruit, with no added sugar, making it a guilt-free option for daily indulgence. You can also mix in other formats like fruit crunchables for added crunch.
- No added sugar: Each snack is made from 100% fruit, keeping the calendar clean and healthy.
- Portion control: Mini bars and single-serve packs make it easy to portion out 24 equal treats.
- Variety keeps it exciting: Different flavors and textures prevent boredom and encourage trying new things.
What You’ll Need to Build Your Calendar
To create your DIY fruit snack advent calendar, start with a blank calendar template or a reusable fabric calendar with 24 pockets. You can also repurpose a cardboard box with 24 compartments, a hanging shoe organizer, or even small paper bags numbered 1 through 24. The key is to have a container that holds each snack securely and looks festive.
Next, gather your fruit snacks. For a well-rounded calendar, consider including a mix of fruit bars, crunchables, and granola. The Fruit Crunchables Apple Crisps Variety Pack Bundle Box - Apple, Blueberry, Cinnamon & Strawberry (32 Packs) offers four flavors in one box, giving you plenty of options to rotate through the days. You can also add a few https://thatsitfruitshop.com/products/apple-blueberry-crisps-fruit-crunchables-bundle-box-30-packs-24217https://thatsitfruitshop.com/products/apple-blueberry-crisps-fruit-crunchables-bundle-box-30-packs-2-24255https://thatsitfruitshop.com/products/apple-blueberry-crisps-fruit-crunchables-bundle-box-30-packs-3-24331Apple + Blueberry Crisps Fruit Crunchables Bundle Box (30 Packs) for extra variety.
- Container options: fabric calendar, cardboard box with dividers, numbered paper bags, or a hanging organizer.
- Snack mix: Aim for 18-24 individual servings, mixing bars and crunchables for texture variety.
- Decorations: Use stickers, ribbon, or small ornaments to make each day’s pocket feel special.
Step-by-Step Assembly Guide
Start by numbering your calendar pockets from 1 to 24, either with stickers or a marker. Then, decide on a sequence: you might alternate between a fruit bar one day and a crunchable the next, or group similar flavors together. For example, you could place a Blueberry Fruitola Fruit Granola - Snack Size (4 Packs) - 1.9oz in pocket 1, a Cinnamon Fruit Crunchables & Bar Bundle Box item in pocket 2, and so on. This keeps the reveal surprising and fun.
Blueberry Fruitola Fruit Granola - Snack Size (4 Packs) - 1.9oz
Once all snacks are placed, consider adding a small non-food item like a festive note or a holiday-themed sticker to a few pockets for extra delight. Seal each pocket with a piece of washi tape or a clothespin to keep the contents fresh. Display your calendar on a wall, door, or counter so everyone can access it easily each morning.
- Plan a mix: Alternate between chewy bars and crunchy crisps to keep each day different.
- Add surprises: Tuck in a tiny toy, a joke, or a holiday fact in a few pockets.
- Keep it fresh: Store the calendar in a cool, dry place to preserve the fruit snacks’ texture.
Creative Variations for Different Ages and Diets
For younger children, focus on mini-sized snacks like the Minis Variety Pack - Blueberry, Mango & Strawberry (24 Bars) to keep portions small and manageable. You can also include a few Apple + Banana Fruit Bars for a classic flavor kids love. For teens or adults, consider adding a couple of energy mini bars like the Piña Colada Blends Organic Energy Mini Bars 100mg for a caffeine-free energy boost during busy holiday days.
If you’re catering to specific dietary needs, That’s It snacks are naturally vegan, gluten-free, and nut-free, making them safe for most allergies. You can also incorporate the Organic Dark Chocolate Espresso Truffles as a special treat for day 24 or Christmas Eve. The truffles add a touch of indulgence while still being made from clean ingredients.
- For kids: Stick to mini bars and fruit crunchables for easy handling and mess-free eating.
- For adults: Include energy bars or dark chocolate truffles for a more sophisticated twist.
- Allergy-friendly: All That’s It snacks are free from common allergens like nuts, dairy, and gluten.
Creating a DIY fruit snack advent calendar is a thoughtful way to celebrate the holidays without the sugar overload. By using variety packs from That’s It, you can craft a calendar that’s both fun and nourishing. Start your countdown today with the Minis Variety Pack - Blueberry, Mango & Strawberry (24 Bars) and enjoy a healthier, happier holiday season.
