5 Healthy School Snacks for Kids
You want the best for your kids when it comes to school snacks—treats that are both tasty and nutritious. But what if you’re tired of finding the wholesome snacks you packed left untouched at the end of the school day?
If you’re looking to keep your child energized, focused, and well-behaved throughout the school day, you’re in the right place. Today I’m sharing 5 nutritious school snacks that will nourish your little one and satisfy their snack-time cravings.
In our house we homeschooled, but whether you homeschool or your children are headed back to traditional school soon, I know you want to give them healthy options that they are sure to enjoy!
It’s time to say goodbye to the same old boring snacks and introduce some exciting flavors. Here’s a handpicked selection of the best school snacks for kidsthat strike the perfect balance between healthiness and tastiness.
Many of these snacks can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge, making them perfect grab-and-go options when you’re short on ideas.
Importance of Healthy Snacks for Kids
Opting for healthy school snacks for kids offers many benefits. First, these snacks provide essential nutrients for growth and development, including vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
Unlike sugary snacks and drinks that cause energy spikes and crashes, healthy options offer a steady stream of energy, preventing mid-afternoon slumps and lack of focus in class. Additionally, studies show that good nutrition enhances brainpower, improving learning, concentration, and memory.
And let’s not overlook the long-term benefits. By introducing wholesome snacks early, you’re helping your child develop healthy habits and reducing the risk of future health issues.
So, at snack time, I want to encourage you to be the parent who prioritizes nutritious choices and shows kids that eating well can be both tasty and enjoyable.
Top 5 School Snacks for Kids
These snacks are easy to prepare and packed with nutritious ingredients.
Veggies with a dip
Kids are more likely to eat their veggies when they come with a dip. Dips add flavor and make snacking more fun. There are plenty of tasty and healthy options to choose from, like classic hummus, guacamole (check out this homemade guacamole seasoning), salsa, Greek yogurt-based dips, and more.
Discover which dips your child enjoys and rotate them to keep snack time interesting. It’s also a great idea to introduce new flavors and spices to help develop their taste for a variety of foods and encourage adventurous eating.
“When we have to send snacks to school for my kids, if my kids can dip it, they’ll eat it. That means we do a lot of veggies with hummus where they dip more than just crackers. They love dipping grape tomatoes, broccoli florets, and especially sugar snap peas into it. Marinara sauce is another favorite dip and my kids love it with jicama sticks and red bell pepper strips especially. It’s easy to have one container for the dip that seals well but they can open and another one to hold the dippers.”
— Michelle Price, Honest and Truly
Crunchy pickles
Fermented foods are an excellent source of natural probiotics, , and pickles made through fermentation are both tasty and beneficial for gut health. Most kids enjoy pickles, and you can experiment with a variety of vegetables like cucumbers, cauliflower, carrots, asparagus, and even eggplant. The best part is you can make large batches and store them in the fridge for months.
Incorporating fermented foods into your child’s snack routine will help support their gut health and boost their immune system. According to digestive disease researcher and registered dietitian Gail Cresci, PhD, RD, a healthy gut is the foundation for overall well-being. Having an unhealthy gut microbiome can lead to certain diseases and affect your mental health.
Mini vegetable quiches
For active kids who need a protein-packed snack to stay full and energized, eggs are a great choice. They offer high-quality protein and can be used in a variety of snacks, such as mini vegetable quiches.
Tip: Overcooking boiled eggs can cause the yolks to turn green, resulting from a reaction between sulfur in the egg white and iron in the yolk. This reaction creates ferrous sulfide, which not only changes the egg’s appearance but can also lead to a stronger, sometimes off-putting smell. To prevent this, cook the eggs just until they’re firm and then cool them quickly in cold water.
Mini quiches are a fun way to incorporate vegetables and herbs into your meals, and they’re very easy to make. Simply whisk eggs in a bowl, then mix in chopped veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes. Add some grated cheese for extra creaminess and a boost of calcium. Pour the mixture into greased muffin cups and bake until golden. They also freeze well for later!
“Soft-boiled eggs are great on-the-go as are baked egg cups. Plus, they are quick to meal prep ahead of time, too. I notice a big difference when kids fuel with healthy fats and proteins compared to carb-based granola bars and bread. We have much better behavior and more stable energy and emotions throughout the day after by prioritizing these ingredients.”
— Jessica Haggard, Primal Edge Health
Fruit kabobs
Is there a better snack than fruit? Fruits are not only incredibly convenient—no preparation or cooking required—but they also offer a wealth of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. With their endless variety of colors and flavors, fruits make snack time both vibrant and exciting. Not to mention, kids tend to really enjoy eating fruits from a young age.
Make snack time more fun by arranging fruit on skewers. For younger kids, use cookie cutters to create fruit in various shapes. They’ll enjoy discovering bunny-shaped apple slices or heart-shaped pineapple pieces in their lunchbox. Be sure to use child safe skwers. Opt for plastic or blunt-end skewers instead of sharp metal ones. Some skewers are designed specifically for kids and have rounded tips for safety.
Yogurt jello parfaits
Yogurt jello parfaits can elevate your child’s snacking to a whole new level, all while keeping it healthy and fun. Jello is a fun and healthy snack that kids always love. But when combined with plain Greek yogurt and fresh berries, it becomes the epitome of nutritious goodness. On hot summer days, make sure to pack the parfait in an insulated lunch bag with ice packs to keep it cold and fresh. Your children will love this one!
Prioritizing healthy school snacks supports your child’s overall health and long-term well-being. With these fun and nutritious snack ideas, you can make their school snacks more exciting and appealing. By encouraging smart food choices early on, you’re setting the foundation for a lifetime of good health. There’s nothing more rewarding than finding an empty lunchbox after school!
More Ideas for Back to School
- After School Rules for Kids
- 35 Lunch Box Hacks for Busy Moms: Quick & Easy Tips
- 125+ Healthy Lunch Box Ideas + Free Printable
This article originally appeared on Food Drink Life.
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