Snacks play an important role in growing children, offering nutrient boosts and helping to avoid dips in energy and hunger.
Would you like to upgrade your family’s snacking game? You can elevate your family’s snacks by choosing ones that are nutrient dense AND kid approved. Plan ahead and pre-pack snacks to avoid the grab-and-go syndrome or the “10 Plus ingredient club”. Whether you’re an expert snack packer or new to the snack-packing game, we’ve got you covered! These fresh and healthy snack ideas for your family, with some special occasion snack ideas, will be your new go-to choices.
Everyday Go-To Snacks
Fresh fruit – So conveniently packaged! Frozen fruit is another healthy option for hot summer days.
100% whole grain crackers – Who wants that white stuff anyway? They wash out all the good nutrients, like fiber, vitamins and minerals!
Low-fat yogurt – Choose plain yogurt and sweeten it yourself with fresh or frozen fruit, apple butter, or mashed fruit.
Low-fat cheese – Pair with golden raisins or an apple.
DIY trail mix – Combine Cheerios or another whole-grain cereal that has minimal added sugar. For a bite of something sweet, add dried fruit. Choose nuts and seeds to top off the mix for a boost of healthy fats.
Carrots or celery – Pair with nut butter, low-fat cream cheese, or a homemade dip. Add raisins for a hint of natural sweetness – ever heard of ants on a log?
Jicama – Serve with chopped cilantro splashed with orange juice. This one is a major hit among kids. I made it for a recent party and the kids polished off the entire bowl!
Homemade baked sweet potato fries – Top with herbs and dip in low-fat sour cream. This is the perfect after-school snack for those times when your kid (or you!) feel extra hungry and need something more substantial before dinner.
Thinly sliced apples or pears – Sprinkle with cinnamon or nutmeg for a super simple flavor boost!
Colorful sweet peppers – Serve with hummus or guacamole.
Homemade popcorn – Check out these amazing popcorn topping ideas! Which one
does your kid like best?
Seaweed snacks – Crisp and satisfying, seaweed snacks are easy and crowd pleasing! For an extra kick, look for wasabi flavored.
Kale chips – Kids LOVE to help make this quick homemade kale chip recipe! Experiment with different seasonings to find the ones your kids like best.
Fruit smoothie – Smoothies provide the perfect opportunity to boost your child’s fruit (and even veggie!) intake. Try out this delicious Apple Kale Lime Smoothie!
Hard-boiled egg – Eggs make the perfect, nutrient-dense and protein-filled snack. Learn more about the benefits of eggs here.
Homemade muffins – These bran muffins, while they may taste like a treat, are loaded with fiber and sweetened with honey and apple, so they are also super healthy!
Whole-grain toast with nut butter – Top with banana, honey, or sliced fresh strawberries for a little sweetness, or swap the whole-grain toast for rice cakes for extra crunch.
Avocado toast – Packed with heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, avocados make another great toast topping. Add a splash of lemon or lime juice or fresh herbs to make bring your avocado toast to the next level!
Homemade popsicles – Especially on hot summer days, popsicles are the perfect way to cool down, and if you make your own, you can be in charge of the ingredients. Try out these ten perfect popsicle recipes.
Granola bars – Granola bars can be a convenient snack, but not all granola bars are equal. Learn how to be a granola bar guru and choose the healthiest granola bars here!
Chia seed pudding – Full of fiber, omega-3s, and protein, try this Cocoa Chia Seed Pudding recipe for a satisfying snack to tide your child over until dinnertime!
Easy bruschetta – For a savory snack loaded with fresh flavors, try this delightful bruschetta recipe.
Snacks for Special Occasions
- 1. Veggie chips
- 2. Fruit roll-ups
- 3. Alphabet cookies
- 4. Squeezable yogurts
- 5. Trail mix with chocolate chips
- 6. Chips
- 7. Freeze dried snacks
- 8. Chocolate chip oat protein bites
For more on healthy snacking see Saving the Snack Emergency.
