Packed With Love: Smart Parenting Food Awards 2025 Baon and Snacks Winners

As a busy mom of two young kids, I can tell you that baon and snacks are my absolute lifesavers! Seriously, they're not just about saving a few pesos (which they do, especially with today's ballooning prices of basic commodities), but they're key to keeping my kids—and me—running all day! A well-packed lunchbox is a secret weapon in this mom's arsenal!

However, while baon and snacks ensure that my kids don’t go hungry, put their tantrums at bay, and keep their energy steady, planning and thinking of what to prepare each day proves to be a challenge. “Ano nga bang babaunin nila today?” 

Fret not, we asked Smart Parenting Village, a community of more than 114,000 moms and dads, for their favorite baon options and recommendations, as well as their votes on what truly makes school worthwhile for their kids.

We also gathered insights from our editors on their most-loved packed lunches and go-to snacks for school-aged children.

Jullie Fernandez, Smart Parenting Village member, only has good things to say, “Drinking Yakult is part of our daily routine after school ni little one. As we all know, Yakult improves digestion because it contains Lactobacillus, which helps regulate bowel movements. Since Yakult is available in every store and supermarket, it is very convenient for us moms!”

Back-to-back win for this household favorite—Purefoods Tender Juicy Hotdogs—and for a good reason! These hot dogs are made from high-quality ingredients, resulting in a tender and irresistibly juicy product. They reign supreme in this year’s food awards: they’re easy to prepare, soft, and easy to chew, the taste is nostalgic for most Filipino families, and they’re readily available.

Ma. Jaklyn Nullas said, “Because of their savory flavor and soft, juicy texture, they are always worth the price compared to other brands. Honestly, I can’t even describe in words how good these hot dogs taste. But one thing is for sure—they were my childhood bestie baon. And now that I have my own family, I love adding hot dogs to our comfort soup, which is a creamy soup,” she explained.

From year’s meat-free sausage comes this year's meat-free baon winner: Veega Meat-Free Nuggets.

Kids love chicken nuggets. This year, say hello to a tasty and healthy alternative to chicken nuggets! Packed with plant-based proteins, these offer a great source of both protein and fiber, all while being delicious.

Here’s another winner from last year’s food awards and still making waves for 2025! What’s not to love? Soft, fluffy, yummy-smelling bread that tastes good even on its own. ‘Kahit walang palaman,’ it’s a sure hit from the first to the very last slice! For Smart Parenting’s contributing writer and mom of one, Riyalyn Pasimio, Gardenia Classic White Bread is her child’s all-time favorite.

“It’s her favorite quick breakfast, morning and afternoon snack, and sometimes, even midnight snack,” she explained. “It’s convenient for quick, filling meals. I also let her prepare her snack so she can be independent. She tries different ‘palaman’ from time to time, but plain white bread is enough for her, too. It’s one of our kitchen staples. Hindi kami nawawalan ng tinapay sa bahay,” she said.

Toddlers, school kids, and even parents alike love Nestlé Chuckie, and it's easy to see why! It's packed with good stuff like calcium and Vitamin D for strong bones, plus iron and Zinc to help keep their minds sharp. With Nestlé Chuckie, you're helping to ensure kids have a fun, healthy childhood, so they can truly be their best!

"Nestlé Chuckie is a staple in our grocery list—especially during the school year," Em said. "It’s one of my kids’ favorite chocolate drinks for their baon. Tasty, packed with nutrients, and easy to toss into lunchboxes, it’s the kind of no-fuss treat that makes mornings easier and kids happier."

Magnolia Gold Label Creamy Chicken Spread is made with high-quality ingredients, including healthy oils, real eggs, and Magnolia chicken. Plus, it has that perfect "tamang-asim" (just-right sourness) and "sarap-linamnam" (deliciousness) that kids can't get enough of, thanks to a special blend of spices.

It's truly a game-changer—it'll turn any plain sandwich into a memorable meal, not just for kids, but for parents too! Throw in some lettuce, tomatoes, and onions with a generous serving of Magnolia Gold Label Creamy Chicken Spread on a pair of fluffy bread slices, and you’ve got a healthy to-go breakfast for busy moms and dads!

"This ready-to-eat spread is a lifesaver for making filling snacks for the kids. It's also easy for kids to prepare on their own, whether in the foil pack or the jar. It's an alternative to sugar-filled sandwich spreads that has more protein," said Editor-in-Chief and mom of three, Ronna Capili Bonifacio. "When you want to add more protein, just work in leftover chicken from the day before."

Looking for a snack that does more? This pasteurized cheese with vitamins and Zinc is crafted from high-grade cheddar and milk solids. It's a great source of essential nutrients, giving kids the boost they need to grow healthy and strong. Easy to slice and grate, making it great for adding to any dish. Grate it on pasta, incorporate it into your sandwiches and wraps, or cut it into cubes to make your bento meals more exciting!

Flora Hona, a Smart Parenting Village mom, shares why she loves Magnolia Cheezee Cheddar processed cheese: "It is cheezee-y and delicious. Once you eat it, you'll surely crave more,” Flora explained. “This is perfect for your bread, whether with pandesal or slices! We love Magnolia Cheezee cheddar cheese because it brings our family closer as we munch on this every merienda time!”

My son loves mac and cheese, and I make it with just three ingredients: cooked macaroni, milk, and the ever-reliable Cheez Whiz.

Fresh from last year’s win, Cheez Whiz Spread Original comes back with another win in 2025! This go-to rich, creamy, and savory cheese spread makes everything taste better. Everyone loves its smooth texture and bold, cheesy flavor, making this pantry must-have a perfect dip for carrot sticks or an irresistible topping for your favorite baons. For Mommy Ar Lene Dob Dob, “It is worth the price and really tasty.” She added, “It gives kids added nutrients.”

When it comes to back-to-school baon, Lemon Square Cheese Cake is a real winner. Moms especially love it because it's made with fresh eggs and real milk, creating a deliciously dense cupcake that's packed with milky cheese sarap. Plus, it’s so easy and convenient to pack because they come in single-serve pouches!  It's the perfect treat to help keep kids full and happy all day! 

“As a busy stay-at-home mom with a 5-year-old daughter who’s on the spectrum, I’m always looking for affordable and sensory-friendly snacks—and Lemon Square Cheese Cake Original is a lifesaver,” says Kaye Relativo, another Smart Parenting Village mom. “For the price, you get more than what you pay for. It’s soft, moist, and has that subtle cheesy sweetness that my daughter loves. The texture is gentle enough for her sensitive mouth, and it’s one of the very few ready-to-eat snacks she always asks for. Why we love it: It’s our comfort snack — laging handa, laging masarap, and most importantly, it makes my daughter smile!”

Imagine a perfect cookie sandwich: that's Presto Creams Peanut Butter, with its crispy biscuit and smooth, dreamy, and creamy peanut butter inside. Such a delicious treat for your kids who love peanut butter!

"My kindergarten son can't keep his hands off these cream sandwiches," said Ronna. "I appreciate that it comes in different sizes, individual packs for daily baon, and in bigger amounts for sharing with the siblings. I like that it's not too sweet."