When it comes to kids, they are always hungry! Keep them fueled all day long with these simple healthy snack ideas!

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. It allows children the opportunity to meet their dietary goals and needs for their growing bodies.
- 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 a while? 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 and these healthy snack ideas will help to inspire you.
Healthy 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. It is almost as good as Sweet Potato Pie!
Snack Bars
Most store-bought granola bars 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 recipes for Homemade Granola Bars and PB Oat Bars both only take 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.
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, whole grains, and gluten-free as well.
- Healthy Chocolate Chip Muffins taste like dessert, yet feature whole grains and are much lower in sugar than most muffins.

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. They are made with just fruit and plain yogurt to make your own version of this store-bought favorite.

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.
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 stovetop 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.
I would love to hear which of these healthy snacks your kids love most or a favorite of yours! Please share in the comments!
Erica Schwarz
These are such great snack ideas - making the carrot cake muffins they sound delicious!
Meagen
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!
Ellen
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
Kristen Chidsey
You are so welcome! I agree, these snacks are great for kids AND adults!
Supriya Kutty
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.
Kristen Chidsey
Thank you so much Supriya! Glad that these healthy snacks inspire you!
Dina Demarest
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!
Kristen Chidsey
Thanks Dina! I hope you find this list of snacks helpful. I have it posted on my fridge for a quick reminder to myself!!
Carie Spence
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.
Kristen Chidsey
Thanks Carrie
kristi@ishouldbemoppingthefloor
Great list of ideas, Kristen!
Miz Helen
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
Made From Pinterest
Great ideas! I need healthy snack ideas for myself, too! Thanks!
Kristen Chidsey
Thank you! These snacks are perfect for all ages!!!