Providing healthy after school snacks for kids may seem like an Olympian feat. After a long day of work and school, it can be oh-so-easy to hand out handfuls of goldfish crackers to your kids and call it a day. While there’s nothing wrong with doing that every once in a while, healthy after school snacks for kids will help balance blood sugar and provide fuel for their bodies minus the carb and sugar overload.
10 Make Ahead After School Snacks
If your home is like most other households, it’s pure chaos when your kids arrive home from school. Instead of scrambling to provide healthy after school snacks for kids right then and there, try these make-ahead versions instead so you always have something on hand.
Peanut Butter Yogurt Dip | Skinny Ms.
Greek yogurt plus crunchy peanut butter is a high-protein snack that your kids will love consuming. Make the dip in the morning when there’s less chaos, then serve it with sliced fruit like apples or bananas for a smart way to up their fruit and fiber intake.
Frozen Yogurt Shapes | Momables
Here’s another great option with greek yogurt. Mix yogurt along with your choice of pureed berries then freeze. You can make these into regular popsicles, but I love the cute heart-shaped version in this post as well.
Baked Zucchini Sticks | Thirty Handmade Days
Okay, your kid may not be super excited about the idea of chomping down on some zucchini. Add in some breading, parmesan cheese and fun dipping sauces and even the pickiest of eaters will find it hard to resist!
Southwest Chicken Salad Cups | Show Me the Yummy
These baked wonton salad cups are packed with flavor AND vegetables—exactly what you want in healthy after school snacks for kids, right? I won’t tell if you sneak a few of these for yourself, either.
Veggie Box | Bless This Mess Please
Looking for the easiest way to have your child consume plenty of veggies? This is it. Make sure your veggies are washed and chopped into child-friendly sizes, then serve them as they are or with a healthy dip such as hummus.
Spiced Almond Date Balls | Healthy Recipe Ecstasy
This easy, gluten-free snack has tons of flavor while also providing an enormous amount of nutrients. These can easily be made ahead and frozen—they’ll take about 10 minutes or so to defrost and thaw on the counter.
Silly Apple Bites | Fork And Beans
These apples are way too cute! They have a silly face with homemade googly eyes and teeth from sunflower seeds. This would be one of the especially cute healthy after school snacks for kids around Halloween.
Asparagus Fries | Real House Moms
Can’t get your kids to break away from french fries? Let ’em have it—as long as the fries are made with asparagus like in this tasty recipe. They’ll know the difference but they may not mind the switch too much.
Peanut Butter and Chocolate Dipped Pretzels | My Recipes
Looking for a fun, somewhat healthy-ish after school treat? Peanut butter and chocolate are coated over salty pretzels for a tasty snack that everyone will love.
Mini Egg Frittatas | I Heart Nap Time
Anyone else love breakfast foods all day long? If so, your kids will love these mini frittatas. They are completely customizable but are basically packed with veggies and protein. You can make them about 5 days ahead of time and keep them in the fridge all week long.
10 On The Go After School Snacks
If your after-school hours are filled with shuttling kids between activities and you can’t even imagine a leisurely snack time around the kitchen table, you are certainly not alone. Just because you are mobile doesn’t mean you have to skip healthy after school snacks for kids. Instead of giving into the drive-through, pack one (or several) of these easy snacks instead.
- Trail Mix – a handful of trail mix can provide fiber, protein and a bit of chocolate—the perfect combination, in my opinion! These are great for dividing up into bags and taking them with you on the go. Use varieties without chocolate to withstand hot temperatures outside if you’ll be in the car awhile.
- Dried Fruit – looking for healthy after school snacks for kids that won’t leave your child’s whole face and hands sticky? Try the freeze-dried version of fruit instead.
- Granola Bars – another mobile-friendly snack are granola bars. If you have kids with allergies, try this allergen-friendly granola bar that is free from gluten, dairy and nuts.
- Applesauce – anyone else feel like applesauce is the perfect food? These handy pouches are easy to eat—literally everyone age 1 and up can feed themselves. Plus they are sweet enough for your kid to enjoy but give you peace of mind because they are only filled with fruit. Yum.
- Baked Chips – when your kid doesn’t want anything sweet, offer a low calorie, crisp snack in a package instead. Yes, it’s still chips, but at least they are baked and not fried.
- Nutella to Go – I wouldn’t recommend you feed your kids Nutella every day, but if you need to make sure your kids eat a snack, offering this handy dip combo may be the easiest option available.
- Chicken Noodle Soup – a lot of thought isn’t given to snacks in cold weather, but if you’re on your way to the last football game of the season and it’s cold outside, spread the warmth with on-the-go Chicken Noodle Soup by Campbells.
- Veggie Sticks – a lot of quick, go-to snacks aren’t necessarily healthy. While these gluten free veggie sticks may not be the exact same as a veggie tray, they are the next best thing you can buy in a bag.
- Veggies and Dip – if you can find the time, a handful of baby carrots along with a squirt of ranch or scoop of hummus will become a super easy after school snack in one of these containers.
- Omega-3 Snack Pack – These healthy after school snacks for kids are similar to trail mix, but with an Omega-3 twist. Omega-3’s are absolutely vital to a healthy body, and if your child doesn’t love fish they may not be getting enough. A lack of omega-3’s can lead to more inflammation in the body. Counter that by giving your child these snack packs.
7 Self-Serve After School Snack Ideas
If you really want to make the after-school routine simple, set up a self-serve station where healthy after school snacks for kids abound. If done correctly, you set up the snacks and then your work is done—it’s up to the kids to choose their food and feed themselves. Here are some options to consider:
- Cheese sticks – this is a great way to fill up your child without giving them a sugar rush.
- Boiled eggs – similar to cheese sticks, they only have fat and protein. Cut them in half and sprinkle your choice of salt or pepper on top for the kids to enjoy after school.
- Fruit – pre-wash all of these, slice (if needed) and place them into individual containers:
- Apples
- Peaches
- Pears
- Grapes (seedless)
- Bananas
- Nuts – store these in the pantry, separated into serving size baggies or containers.
- Carrots (baby or sliced) – with pre-portioned ranch or other dipping sauce (if they’re not old enough to get the dip themselves).
- Sliced up melon – cantaloupe cubes, slices of watermelon, watermelon cubes—have them pre-chopped and ready to go as healthy after school snacks for kids.
- Waffles or pancakes – if you’ve made pancakes or waffles for breakfast, make a few extra and have your child (if he or she is old enough) pop them in the toaster for a light snack.
8 Gluten-Free After School Snacks for Kids with Allergies
Just because you have a child with a gluten allergy doesn’t mean you need to forego snacks. Here are some of our favorite gluten-free snacks for kids!
Chocolate Banana Muffins | Show Me The Yummy
These chocolate muffins are moist and chocolately. Your child will never know that they are also gluten and dairy free!
Mint Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding | What The Fork Food Blog
This creamy pudding is another gluten and dairy-free treat. It’s full of healthy fats thanks to full-fat coconut milk—so good!
Fried Almonds with Thyme | What The Fork Food Blog
These almonds are reminiscent of the ones from the state fair that always smell incredible. I think they taste best fresh, but if you can’t consume them right away, store them in an airtight container.
Banana Sushi | Fit Foodie Finds
Although this recipe is called sushi, you can rest easy that it is incredibly simple to put together—no special technique required.
Healthy Peanut Butter Bites | The Healthy Family And Home
This is basically a healthy version of a peanut butter cup. Your kids (and you!) will absolutely love these. Plus, they are packed with healthy fats and protein thanks to peanuts.
Orange Fruit Snacks | Allergy Free Alaska
Gelatin powder is surprisingly healthy. To get your kids to eat it, mix it up in a yummy homemade gummy candy that is sure to be a family favorite.
Chewy Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Granola Bar | Well Floured
If you are intimidated by a homemade granola bar, don’t be! These bars are simple to make and taste way better than their store-bought counterparts.
Oven Dried Strawberries | Real Housemoms
These oven-dried strawberries are so tasty! You’ll be pleasantly surprised at just how good they are—as will your kids.
So, there you have it—dozens of easy healthy after school snacks for kids. Yum!
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