As many kids around the country are headed back to school, we are sharing over 60 healthy snacks for kids to recharge their bodies and brains after a long day at school. Everything from frozen treats, to homemade cereal bars, to delicious muffins.
After School Snack Season
School season is upon us and that means in addition to packing lunches, many kids are going to come home requesting an after school snack.
We love using the same “snack equation” that we shared in this Mediterranean Diet Snack Idea collection to create a balanced snack = fiber + protein + healthy fat
In addition to the healthy snack recipes below, there are also a lot of “snacks” that would be great after school that don’t really require a recipe.
- Apples with Peanut Butter and Cinnamon
- String Cheese and Fruit
- Trail Mix
- Yogurt topped with mini chocolate chips and slivered almonds
- Hardboiled Egg
- Cheese and Crackers
- Graham Crackers with Peanut Butter and Sliced Strawberries
Love this collection of “Healthy Snacks Kids Can Make” from The Nutrition Adventure. Some great, simple recipes that kids can pull together themselves with ease.
Air Fryer Snacks
The air fryer can be a fun way to whip up a quick, crispy snack for kids and adults alike.
- The Best Veggie Nuggets by MJ and Hungryman
- Air Fryer Chickpeas from Summer Yule
- Air Fryer Crispy Pasta Chips
- Parmesan Zucchini Chips from Nutrition Starring YOU
- Air Fryer Apple Chips with Chocolate Tahini Dip from Craving Something Healthy
Finger Foods
Creating a healthy snack for kids can be a great way to work in a little bit more fruit and veggies as well. Or just creating mini version of sandwiches and wraps would be great after school to hold kids over until dinner time.
- Kid Friendly Cheese Plates
- Rainbow Veggie Pinwheels from The Healthy Epicurean
- Kid Friendly Tuna Melt
Muffins and Bites
Muffins can make a great after school snack. A quick and delicious way to work in some more fiber and fruits as well. Best part is, they can be made in batches in advance for a grab and go option after school.
- Gluten Free Blueberry Muffins with Almond Chia Topping
- High Fiber Vegan Oatmeal Banana Muffins by Jackie Silver Nutrition
- Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Bites by Dietitian Debbie Dishes
- Cereal Bars from Cheerful Choices
- Cranberry Pistachio Granola Bar Squares from Nutrition Starring YOU
- Peanut Butter Energy Bites from Your Choice Nutrition
- No Bake Oatmeal Protein Balls (without peanut butter) by Haute & Healthy Living
- Healthy Whole Wheat Chex Mix by Rachael Hartley Nutrition
- Simple Oatmeal Protein Cookies from The Oregon Dietitian
- Coconut Cherry Energy Oat Balls from Champagne Nutrition
- Banana Blueberry Oatmeal Muffins from The Oregon Dietitian
- Chocolate Hazelnut Balls from The Oregon Dietitian
- Gluten Free Power Balls from Plant Based with Amy
- No Bake Protein Energy Balls with Chickpeas by Full Plate Nutrition
- Homemade Vegan Apple Cinnamon Bread with Walnuts from Melissa Traub
- Fiber One White Chocolate Haystacks from Nutrition Starring YOU
- Peanut Butter Cherrio Cereal Bars from MJ and Hungryman
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Muffins from Summer Yule
- Homemade Trail Mix Bars from Bucket List Tummy
- Pumpkin No Bake Cookies from Bucket List Tummy
- Homemade Baked Honey Nut Clusters from Craving Something Healthy
- Coconut Seed Clusters from Live Best
- Pumpkin Cookie Dough Bites from The Healthy Epicurean
- One Bowl Banana Bread Oatmeal Cups from Nourished by Nic
- Baked Almond Cherry Bars by Toby Amidor Nutrition
- Cashew Date Bars with Chocolate Drizzle by Toby Amidor Nutrition
- Healthy Pumpkin Muffins with Chocolate Chips by Christina Laboni
Fruits and Dips
There is nothing wrong with simply serving just regular fruit, but sometimes it’s fun to turn them into fun little snacks.
- Banana Sushi
- Apricot Walnut Clusters – A Brain Boosting Snack
- Cheddar Apple Sandwiches with Broccoli Sprinkles
- Easy Greek Yogurt Fruit Dip by Haute & Healthy Living
- Strawberry Walnut Lollipops by Jackie Newgent
- Cheddar Apple Toast Recipe by Rachael Hartley Nutrition
- Sweet Potato Vegan Edible Cookie Dough from Bucket List Tummy
Yogurt Based Snacks
Yogurt is a great way to add a little protein into your child’s snack. Below are some creative ways to turn yogurt into a fun snack.
- Blueberry Yogurt Popsicles
- Greek Yogurt Protein Bark by Jackie Silver Nutrition
- Mini Fruit Pizzas
- Chai Yogurt Fruit Dip by Laurel Ann Nutrition
Frozen Treats
Just because kids are back to school doesn’t mean that it’s fall. Many of the first weeks of school are right in the heat of summer. Cool off with one of these frozen, healthy snacks for kids.
- Banana Split Popsicles
- Summer Strawberry Popsicles
- 26 Healthy Popsicle Recipes
- Healthy “Ice Cream” Sandwiches by Your Choice Nutrition
- Creamy Mango Popsicles from The Oregon Dietitian
Smoothies
One of my personal favorites for an after school snack because you can work in some fruit and it’s easy to whip up.
- Thick and Creamy Date & Peanut Butter Smoothie
- Brain Boosting Smoothie – Perfect for a Balanced After School Snack
- Yogurt Peanut Butter Cup Smoothie by Jackie Silver Nutrition
- Vegan Berry Peanut Butter Smoothie by Melissa Traub
- Banana Nutmeg Smoothie from Plant Based with Amy
- Brain Boosting Smoothie from Malina Malkani
- Berry Chocolate Smoothie from Plant Based with Amy
- Island Green Tropical Smoothie by Carrots & Cookies
