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    Home » Real Food » Snacks » Healthy Snacks for Kids

    Healthy Snacks for Kids

    By Kristen Chidsey | 14 Comments | Published September 17, 2020 | Updated January 24, 2022 *This post may include amazon links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

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    Keep it simple, healthy, fun, and delicious with these wholesome snacks that kids actually WANT to eat! And while they are great all day long, they are especially suited to after-school snack time. 

    When it comes to kids, they are always hungry! Especially after coming home from school. Keep it simple, healthy, fun, and delicious with these snacks. These wholesome treats are snacks that kids actually WANT to eat, and while they are great all day long, they are especially suited to after-school snack time. 

    Banana topped with Greek yogurt, fresh pineapple, strawberries and chocolate chips

    The Importance of Snack Time

    Children have smaller stomachs that fill up FAST and they are also burning through energy really quickly.  This means they are often more suited to eating 3 small meals with 2-3 snacks throughout the day.

    According to physicians, snacking is considered a crucial role in a healthy diet.

    But just like anything, it all comes down to WHAT you select as a snack. My number one piece of advice when selecting a snack is to try to keep it balanced and serve whole grain with both a bit of protein and some healthy fat.

    Snack time is also an opportunity to reach dietary goals for the day.

    • No veggies at lunchtime?  What about a slice of Zucchini bread or fresh veggie sticks with hummus?
    • Need a dose of dairy? Try yogurt topped with fresh fruit or nut butter.  Or maybe sliced cheese with fresh fruit.
    • Haven’t had a treat in awhile?  Surprise your children with some Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies.

    Don’t think of snacks as just fillers, think of them as an opportunity to nourish your growing child. After all, most children eat better at snack time than at mealtime.

    Snack Ideas for Kids

    Smoothies

    Smoothies are a huge favorite for kids. And they are super easy to pump full of nutrients while still tasting like a decadent dessert.

    Craving chocolate? Try a Peanut Butter Cup Protein Smoothie. Need extra veggies? Get in a serving of greens with a Tropical Kale Smoothie. Low on Vitamin A? Try a Sweet Potato Smoothie--almost as good as Sweet Potato Pie!

    Glass of Tropical Kale Smoothie with pineapple and banana in the bathroom

    Snack Bars

    Most store-bought granola or snack bars are high in sugar--sometimes more than a candy bar!

    Instead of relying on these overly-processed or high-priced snack bars, try making your own. My recipe for Homemade Granola Bars only takes 5 minutes to make and requires NO baking!

    If you love Larabars, save money and make your own with my recipe for Homemade Larabars. Again this recipe is simple to make and there is no baking required.

    4 Chewy Gluten Free Granola Bars on parchment paper with oats and dates to the side

    Muffins

    When muffins are made with whole grains and without refined sugars, they make a perfectly balanced snack. And of course, kids LOVE muffins of all varieties.

    These are our favorite healthy muffins that are perfect for snacking on.

    • Whole Wheat Blueberry Muffins are packed with fruit and whole grains.
    • Carrot Cake Muffins taste like a decadent cake but are 100% healthy--and even feature some additional vegetables.
    • Your kids will guess Double Chocolate Zucchini Muffins: are loaded with whole grains, calcium, and veggies.
    • Pumpkin Muffins are rich and moist, but naturally sweetened, made with whole wheat flour, and are dairy-free.
    • A cross between oatmeal and a muffin, Peanut Butter and Jelly Muffins are full of protein, fiber, and whole grains--while being gluten-free as well.
    Close up of Blueberry Muffin in sliver muffin tin

    Yogurt

    Yogurt is full of calcium, protein and when you opt for plain yogurt instead of sweetened flavored yogurt, it is a perfect base for a healthy snack.

    And while serving plain yogurt with fresh fruit and homemade granola is always a favorite of kids, get a little creative with the yogurt! Prepare Peanut Butter Yogurt Dip and pair with fruit or whole-grain pretzels. Or top bananas with yogurt, chocolate chips, and fresh strawberries for a healthy take on a Banana Split? Or try my kids' favorite--Homemade Gogurts--you only need fruit and plain yogurt to make your own version of a store-bought favorite.

    Fruit and Yogurt Tubes on white counter

    Bananas

    Bananas are a kid-favorite. They are naturally sweet and happen to be packed full of nutrients, vitamins, and fiber. While bananas can be served alone, they make a much more balanced snack when paired with whole grains and natural fats. Try out a fun take on Sushi with Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Sushi or if you have brown bananas, try making Healthy Banana Cookies or Healthy Banana Bread.

    Baked Banana Bread in glass loaf pan

    Popcorn

    When your child is in the mood for a salty treat, Homemade Popcorn is the way to go! Popcorn gets a bad rap because we most often think of movie theater popcorn that is super high in sodium and fat. But when made at home, either on the stove-top or in the microwave, popcorn is 100% healthy. It is whole grain, gluten-free, and has no added sugars. I love to add roasted nuts and raisins to popped popcorn for a tasty, wholesome trail mix.

    Popcorn in white bowl labeled popcorn

    I would love to hear which of these healthy snacks your kids love most or a favorite of yours! Please share in the comments!

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    About Kristen Chidsey

    Hi, I am Kristen, creator of A Mind "Full" Mom. I believe that making a wholesome family meal does not need to be hard or expensive! I love nothing more than to share with you delicious solutions for your hungry family.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Erica Schwarz

      September 21, 2020 at 11:29 am

      These are such great snack ideas - making the carrot cake muffins they sound delicious!

      Reply
    2. Meagen

      September 21, 2020 at 11:14 am

      This is so helpful. A great way to keep some awesome and easy ideas on hand so that everyone has a healthy snack that they'll enjoy!

      Reply
      • Ellen

        May 31, 2022 at 4:54 pm

        Hi Kirsten! I think you have some great snack recipes and other recipes also! My kids are grown, but have a type 2 diabetic husband. I love these recipes for him, as he is a real snacker and I'm trying to make changes to his diet! Thanks so much for the great recipes! Ellen

        Reply
        • Kristen Chidsey

          June 01, 2022 at 7:06 am

          You are so welcome! I agree, these snacks are great for kids AND adults!

          Reply
    3. Supriya Kutty

      August 27, 2018 at 7:37 am

      Awesome post. Thanks for sharing these delicious and tempting recipes as my daughter always demand a different type of snacks after coming from school and with the help of your post I can make various recipes for my daughter and family. Keep sharing such great recipe ideas.

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        August 27, 2018 at 8:00 am

        Thank you so much Supriya! Glad that these healthy snacks inspire you!

        Reply
    4. Dina Demarest

      August 17, 2014 at 9:12 pm

      I'm always looking for great snacks. Your post is pinned to our pinterest board. Thanks for linking up at Creative K Kids Tasty Tuesday!

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        August 18, 2014 at 7:48 am

        Thanks Dina! I hope you find this list of snacks helpful. I have it posted on my fridge for a quick reminder to myself!!

        Reply
    5. Carie Spence

      August 12, 2014 at 10:15 am

      Perfect list, so many ideas, I love it! Thank you for linking up to the Bloggers Brags Pinterest Party. I have pinned your post to the Bloggers Brags Pinterest board.

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        August 12, 2014 at 10:27 am

        Thanks Carrie

        Reply
    6. kristi@ishouldbemoppingthefloor

      August 11, 2014 at 10:09 pm

      Great list of ideas, Kristen!

      Reply
    7. Miz Helen

      August 09, 2014 at 10:57 am

      What a great roundup of snacks, just in time for the start of school! Thanks so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday and have a great weekend!
      Come Back Soon!
      Miz Helen

      Reply
    8. Made From Pinterest

      August 07, 2014 at 4:19 pm

      Great ideas! I need healthy snack ideas for myself, too! Thanks!

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        August 07, 2014 at 6:54 pm

        Thank you! These snacks are perfect for all ages!!!

        Reply

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