This roundup of sweet and savory treats will arm you with the best healthy snacks for kids that you can feel good about serving up after school, on the way to practice, in a lunchbox, or any time! And for even more inspiration, be sure to check out my School Lunch Ideas for Kids Guide.
Every mom I know has the same quest: To find healthy kids’ snacks that they’ll actually eat and enjoy. Well, I’ve got good news for you, fellow moms! I’ve assembled a round-up of crave-worthy snack ideas for kids that you can feel good about serving. Whether you’re looking for school snacks, something to bring when it’s your turn for the soccer team’s snack duty, lunchbox goodies, or just grab-and-go bites for the fridge or pantry, I’ve got you covered.
Table of Contents
High Protein Snacks for Kids
When they’re on the run all day, kids need protein to keep their energy levels high. These high-protein snacks will keep them full and satisfied for hours.
No-Bake Peanut Butter Protein Balls: With chocolate and peanut butter, these balls are almost like candy, but so much better for you, thanks to a healthy dose of fiber-rich rolled oats. Rolling the no-bake “dough” is a good kid-friendly kitchen activity.
Greek Yogurt Banana Muffins: Banana bread in handheld form! Greek yogurt moistens and enriches these banana muffins. Add chopped nuts for crunch.
Air Fryer Peanut Butter and Jelly: This warm and toasty pocket of gooey peanut butter and jelly is a total game-changer! Made with wholesome ingredients and my favorite sandwich cutter, these snacks are perfect for kids.
5-Ingredient Pizza Dip: This recipe features a surprising ingredient—cottage cheese! Loaded with protein and creamy goodness, it’s perfect for dipping and snacking. A fun and nutritious twist on traditional pizza dip that’s sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike!
Peanut Butter Frozen Yogurt Pops: Peanut butter and yogurt provide a double whammy of protein for these tasty treats that are the perfect healthy snack on a hot day.
Creamy Edamame and Pea Hummus: A creamy, bright-green puree of edamame and peas is seasoned with tahini, lemon juice and cumin for a flavorful dip that can be scooped up with veggie sticks, pita chips or rice crackers.
Freezer-Friendly Egg White Muffins: I love having a stash of veggie-packed mini egg muffins in my freezer. Not only are they good for a quick on-the-run breakfast, but they’re a satisfying snack after school or on the way to sports practices.
Healthy Green Smoothies: Mild cottage cheese blends into fruit and leafy greens for a nutrition-packed green smoothie that’s kid-approved.
Savory Snacks
These satisfying snack ideas for kids are great for after school, lunchtime or anytime.
Cheesy Baked Zucchini Tots: Baked in a mini muffin pan, these crispy morsels are a great way to sneak in some veggies. They reheat great in an air fryer for anytime snacking.
Quick and Crispy Vegetable Fritters: A dollop of yogurt or ranch dressing is the perfect accompaniment for flavor-packed fritters that can be ready in less than 30 minutes.
Guacamole Deviled Eggs: You don’t need a party as an occasion to whip up a batch of deviled eggs. I love this Tex-Mex version that includes creamy avocado and zesty taco seasoning.
Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets: Quick and easy homemade nuggets make great snacks for school lunches — just wrap them in aluminum foil or a Thermos to stay warm and include a little cup of your kid’s favorite dipping sauce.
Green Goddess Avocado Hummus: Fresh herbs and avocado give hummus an upgrade. Serve this with baked tortilla chips or vegetables.
Tortilla Wraps: Put your own spin on the viral TikTok trend and fold up fillings into a layered wedge of goodness. Whether you go with quesadilla ingredients like beans and cheese, pizza fixings like tomato sauce, pepperoni and mozzarella, or even a sweet version with sliced apples, cheddar and sliced almonds, the possibilities are endless.
Sweet Snacks
What kid doesn’t have a sweet tooth? Indulging it isn’t a problem with these recipes that include protein, nuts, fruit and other good-for-you ingredients to balance out the sweetness.
Chocolate Banana Bread: A loaf of this moist, fudgy bread doesn’t last long in my household. It’s like dessert, but better for you!
Homemade Chocolate Chip Granola Bars: Skip the packaging and whip up a batch of homemade granola bars for lunchboxes and after-school snacking. This recipe is fortified with oats, flaxseed meal and nuts.
Frozen Chocolate Covered Bananas: These easy-to-make treats are a fun, healthy snack for kids. Just dip bananas in chocolate, add your favorite toppings, and freeze for a cool, creamy, and sweet treat. Packed with potassium, they’re perfect for summer snacking and a hit with little ones!
5-Minute Healthy Greek Frozen Yogurt: A food processor and a few ingredients is all you’ll need to whip up this chilly treat. Use your favorite frozen fruit, or try a medley.
Healthy Breakfast Cookies: The ultimate grab-and-go breakfast or a substantial after-school snack, these cookies are made with mashed banana, oats, nuts and more.
Mini Zucchini Chocolate Chip Muffins: Packed with hidden veggies, these mini muffins are a sneaky way to get kids to eat their greens. Light, fluffy, and studded with chocolate chips, they’re a delicious and healthy snack option for school lunches or after-school treats!
My Favorite Snack Carrier
It’s no secret that I’m a kitchen gadget and gear guru. I’ve tried and tested countless snack carriers on the market, and my absolute favorite for crowd-friendly snacking on-the-go is the Snapware Slap N’ Stack 2-Layer Storage Container (with lid!).
Just as the name implies, this dishwasher-safe duo features two levels of ample open space for stacking, dividing and sectioning off all of your favorite snacks. Best of all, this multi-use carrier is tall enough to stack and carry cupcakes, brownies, cookies and more.
Healthy Lunchbox Snacks
Skip the packaged stuff — it’s easy to whip up easy and quick goodies that can be tucked into a lunchbox for nourishing school lunches. For even more lunchbox inspiration, check out my Ultimate School Lunch Guide, which includes my go-to gear, tips and tricks, kid-approved recipes and so much more!
Homemade Peanut Butter Granola Bars: Soft and chewy granola bars are easy to make. Wrap them in waxed paper for portability.
Homemade Chex Mix: A savory alternative to trail mix, this Chex Mix recipe can be baked in the oven or cooked up in a slow cooker. A little container of Chex mix is a satisfying option to accompany a sandwich, instead of chips.
Baked Butternut Squash Tots: Fall flavors unite in baked, bite-sized nuggets. Butternut squash tots are a tasty and kid-friendly snack to tuck into a lunchbox.
Healthy Homemade Mango Fruit Roll-Ups: The most fun way to eat fruit! There is just one ingredient in this simple recipe: fresh, ripe mango.
Baked Chicken and Cheese Taquitos: Make a batch of these savory roll-ups on the weekend and refrigerate or freeze. In the morning, they take just 8 minutes to crisp up in the air fryer for an easy and delicious lunchbox meal.
Baked Turkey Meatballs: Versatile and full of protein, meatballs can be tossed in marinara sauce or served on skewers with ketchup or barbecue sauce for dipping.
More Recipes To Try
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They all look amazing and easy, but also DELICIOUS!
Thank you! I hope you enjoy the recipes!
easy recipes
Yes, indeed!
wow, It looks so good and so healthy. I’ll definitely try it out!
I hope you enjoy the recipes!
Should be more easy simply snacks kids can make !!!!!
sharing on my facebook page today!