With school back in session, kids are bound to come home hungry. Lunch was hours ago and dinner is not quite ready, which means your kids need healthy after school snacks that will keep them satisfied and provide some solid nutrition for study and play.
Milk and cookies may be a classic, but you can encourage kids to skip the usual empty-calorie after school snacks by offering great-tasting alternatives that put a new and healthier spin on snack time.
We’ve compiled some healthy snack ideas that you can feel good about feeding your kids. The choices here will fill them up and might even make them smarter.
Healthy snacks for kids
- Sneakz Milkshakes: Sneakz chocolate, vanilla and strawberry milks have a taste kids love and effectively deliver key nutrients that they need, along with more fiber and less sugar than other leading flavored milks in the marketplace and many smoothie and juice drinks. Each 8 ounce box contains a nutrient-rich mix of five vegetables — carrot, cauliflower, sweet potato, spinach and beets — making it a delicious snack with nutritional benefits for a balanced diet. Learn more about why Sneakz is good for kids.
- Zucchini Muffins with Sunflower Seed Topping: Like with Sneakz, kids won't notice the vegetables in these yummy zucchini muffins. Skip the topping for kids under 5.
- Homemade Potato Chips: Prepare to have your mind blown. Did you know that you can make crispy chips in your microwave without a smidgen of grease?!?!
- Homemade Hummus and Pita Chips: Hummus is so good that kids don’t even realize they are eating beans. Pair it with baked pita chips or fresh veggies for nutritious dipping.
- Avocado Boat: Avocados are a “brain food” with heart healthy fats, fiber, antioxidants, and essential nutrients that help memory and concentration, and this serving idea is an easy and fun way to spark kids’ imaginations.
- Toast with Toppings: These 20 great toast topping options ensure that kids will never get bored of this sandwich staple.
- Honey-Roasted Nuts and Fruit: This excellent on-the-go snack combines dried fruit, which is rich in vitamins and antioxidants, and nuts, which add healthy fats and protein.
- Juice Jelly Cubes: These are fun, jiggly treats are healthier than the powdered stuff but just as easy to make using 100% fruit juice and plain gelatin.
- Homemade Whole Wheat Goldfish Crackers: These crackers can be made in a big batch and stored in an airtight container for quick snacking when kids are hungry after school.
- Baked Sweet Potato Fries: These soft, yummy sweet potato fries are healthier than regular french fries.