Healthy After School Snacks: Want your kids to make healthier choices? These are snacks that kids actually WANT to eat, yet are healthy enough parents feel good about serving them up to their children.
“What’s for snack? I’m hungry!!”
This is typically the first statement out of my children’s mouths as they rush into my arms after school. Well, at least they are hugging me when they say it, right?!
But really, come on guys, I know you are hungry, and I promise to feed you a snack but can we at least say “Hi” to each other? I will wait to question you on the details of your day until you are at least a few bites into your snack, I just want a genuine smile and if it is truly my lucky day an “I missed you Mommy.”
Guess what? It isn’t going to happen. I have come to that realization. I am blessed with children who have huge hearts who love to snuggle me, hug me, and share with me. But when they get home from school it is their bellies that begin growling at me through their words!
Healthy After School Snacks
I have learned to be prepared with an arsenal of healthy snacks ready and waiting for them to welcome them home from the day, I also aimed with conversation topics–so I can actually find out about their school day too!
How to Choose a Healthy After School Snack
My number one piece of advice when selecting a snack, is to try to keep it balanced. Pair a whole grain carb with protein and healthy fat.
But snack time is also an opportunity to reach dietary goals for the day.
No veggies at lunch time? 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 freshly baked cookies.
Don’t think of snacks as just fillers, think of it as an opportunity to nourish your growing child. After all, most children eat better at snack time than at meal time.
Smoothies
Smoothies are a huge favorite at this house. I can stuff them full of nutrients, yet make them taste like a decadent dessert.
- Blueberry Smoothie
- Cherry Pie Smoothie
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Smoothie
- Sweet Potato Smoothie
- Dairy Free Berry Smoothie
- Strawberry Kiwi Smoothie
- Healthy Homemade Orange Julius
Muffins
Muffins are not only a great choice for breakfast or packed into lunch, but also make a wholesome after school treat, especially when paired with a glass of milk and some fruit.
- Skinny Double Chocolate Zucchini Muffins
- Healthy Carrot Cake Muffins
- Whole Wheat Pumpkin Muffins
- Whole Wheat Pumpkin Muffins
- Easy Paleo Lemon Chia Seed Muffins
- Peanut Butter and Jelly Baked Oatmeal Muffins
Snack/Granola Bars
- Gluten Free No Bake Granola Bars
- No Bake Apple Pie Granola Bars
- Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Banana Bars
- Homemade Larabars
- Gluten-Free Trail Mix Bars
Healthy Desserts
Nothing makes my kids happier than a dessert after school. But these are not laden in processed sugars, these desserts are made with healthier swaps and
- DIY Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Blizzard
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Sushi
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats
- Healthy Banana Split Sundae
- Healthy Banana Oatmeal Cookies
- Blueberry Chia Pudding
- Healthy Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
- No Bake Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Energy Balls
More Fun After School Snacks
In case your child is not in the mood for a bar, muffin, or smoothie, here are some more great options that are proven to be great choices for kids.
- Whole grain crackers with cheese slices
- Hummus with vegetable slices
- A sliced apple with 1 tablespoon nut butter or Peanut Butter Yogurt Dip or Caramel Apple Dip
- Dried Fruit with 1 tablespoon nuts
- Trail Mix: Whole grain cereal with raisins and nuts
- Guacamole/Salsa with serving of whole grain crackers or simple corn tortilla chips (limit to 1 serving of chips)
- Yogurt with fresh fruit and granola
- Nitrate-free lunch meat rolled up with cheese and lettuce
- 100% Whole Wheat toast with nut spread and raisins
- Blueberry chia seed pudding
- DIY Butterfly Snack Bags
- Popcorn
Kristen Chidsey
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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.
Thank you so much Supriya! Glad that these healthy snacks inspire you!
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!
Thanks Dina! I hope you find this list of snacks helpful. I have it posted on my fridge for a quick reminder to myself!!
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.
Thanks Carrie
Great list of ideas, Kristen!
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
Great ideas! I need healthy snack ideas for myself, too! Thanks!
Thank you! These snacks are perfect for all ages!!!