{"id":1346317,"date":"2019-12-16T14:13:47","date_gmt":"2019-12-16T20:13:47","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/?p=1346317"},"modified":"2024-04-29T03:50:48","modified_gmt":"2024-04-29T08:50:48","slug":"healthy-snacks-for-kids-at-school","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/article\/healthy-snacks-for-kids-at-school\/","title":{"rendered":"50 Healthy Snacks for Kids at School"},"content":{"rendered":"Nothing makes me feel more like I have my life together than those weeks when our fridge is stocked with our favorite healthy snacks for kids<\/a> to bring to school. A little prep time over the weekend is well worth the saved time and mental energy throughout the week. And having all of our kids' snacks\u00a0planned and prepped also prevents those afterschool meltdowns when I'm frantically searching our pantry for something that's not deep-fried or expired.\r\n\r\nCreating healthy meals and snacks for our kids<\/a> is certainly daunting but not impossible. Start with classic kid-favorites like yogurt pouches or Goldfish crackers<\/a> and health-ify where you can. Here are 50 of our favorite ideas to get you started.\r\nOur Ultimate List of Healthy Snacks for Kids at School<\/h4>\r\n\r\n \tLunch Box Pizzas<\/a><\/strong> are easy to pack, and your child will actually eat them!<\/li>\r\n \tCut out the artificial ingredients by making your own Homemade Honey Grahams<\/a><\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n \tAvocado Egg Salad Toast<\/strong><\/a> is creamy and delicious; the healthy fats and protein will fill your child up until after school.<\/li>\r\n \tWhole-wheat pretzels with a Mini Babybel Wheel<\/strong> is quick, simple and filling.<\/li>\r\n \tMake a batch of Double Berry Quick Bread<\/a><\/strong> for easy snacking a serving of fruit.<\/li>\r\n \tHealthy Greek Bean Dip<\/a><\/strong> is packed with plant-based protein and perfect with whole wheat pita chips or fresh veggies.<\/li>\r\n \tA Berry Smoothie Bowl<\/a><\/strong> can be frozen ahead of time and packed in an insulated thermos.<\/li>\r\n \tYou can never go wrong with apple slices and Whole Grain Goldfish Cracker<\/strong>s.<\/li>\r\n \tAsian Wraps<\/a><\/strong> have a satisfying crunch and sneak in a variety of veggies.<\/li>\r\n \tGarbanzo Stuffed Mini Peppers<\/a><\/strong> may take a little convincing but once your child tries them she'll be hooked.<\/li>\r\n \tSurprise your child with Orange Berry Yogurt Muffins<\/a><\/strong>; they definitely don't taste healthy!<\/li>\r\n \tWhole-wheat pretzels and raisins<\/strong> are a quick snack with a hint of sweetness.<\/li>\r\n \tSpinach and Turkey Pinwheels<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\r\n \tGive your child some afternoon energy with the fruit and whole grains from these Rhubarb Oat Bars<\/a><\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n \tFreeze individual servings of Peach Smoothie<\/a><\/strong> and allow them to thaw during the school day.<\/li>\r\n \tCombining pear slices and string cheese<\/strong> is the perfect blend of carbs, protein and fat to give your child the energy he needs.<\/li>\r\n \tFor a heartier snack to satisfy serious afternoon hunger pangs, pack a couple of Turkey Ranch Wraps<\/a><\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n \tYogurt Honey Fruit Cups<\/a><\/strong> taste like dessert and are packed with protein and vitamins.<\/li>\r\n \tApple Spice Muffins<\/a><\/strong> are quick to prepare and way healthier than grabbing a muffin at the coffee shop.<\/li>\r\n \tStir together no-sugar-added applesauce and greek yogurt<\/strong> for a yummy and healthy parfait.<\/li>\r\n \tThere will be no more complaining about boring snacks with these Muffin Tin Tamale Cakes<\/a><\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n \tGranola Blueberry Muffins<\/strong><\/a> can be made ahead of time and frozen individually.<\/li>\r\n \tIf your child doesn't love trying new foods, ease in with sweet Fruited Turkey Wraps<\/a><\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n \tA small cup of cottage cheese with fresh berries<\/strong> will provide your child with a healthy serving of protein, fiber and antioxidants.<\/li>\r\n \tStrawberry Pasta Salad<\/strong><\/a> is a yummy and original way to break out of the PBJ rut.<\/li>\r\n \tCookies for a snack? Your child won't trade away these Carrot Cookie Bites<\/a><\/strong>!<\/li>\r\n \tTo encourage more veggies, add a creamy dip like Yogurt Dill Dip<\/strong><\/a>.<\/li>\r\n \tToss a clementine orange with a nut-free trail mix<\/strong> in a reusable bag for a simple snack that satisfies.<\/li>\r\n \tVeggies have never been so fun; become the fun parent when you pack these Guac Crocs Veggie<\/strong>s<\/a>.<\/li>\r\n \tCan you say Parent of the Year? Chocolate Chocolate Chip Muffins<\/a><\/strong>; enough said.<\/li>\r\n \tToss some fresh spinach in these Mango Peach Smoothies<\/a><\/strong> for a nutrient-packed snack.<\/li>\r\n \tApple slices with SunButter<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0($7)<\/em> are sweet and salty while being safe for any nut-free classroom.<\/li>\r\n \tCannellini Bean Hummus<\/a><\/strong> tastes like a creamy dip but is rich in protein and fiber.<\/li>\r\n \tPacking a bento box with Fresh Fruit Salsa with Cinnamon Chips<\/a><\/strong> is a fun way to sneak more fruits into your child's diet.<\/li>\r\n \tSkip the hot lunch option and make your own Mini Mac and Cheese Bites<\/a><\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n \tPacking plantain chips and salsa<\/strong> is a great way to try new flavors and textures.<\/li>\r\n \tLight Creamy Chocolate Pudding<\/strong> is a healthier version of your child's favorite snack.<\/li>\r\n \tEveryone in your house will enjoy this quick and easy Lunch Box Chicken Wrap<\/a><\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n \tThis creamy Yogurt Grape Salad<\/a> <\/strong>is light and sweet; perfect for even the pickiest eater!<\/li>\r\n \tShort on time? Toss dried mango slices and a yogurt pouch<\/strong> in your child's backpack for an easy win.<\/li>\r\n \tNo child is going to turn down delicious and colorful Fruit Kabobs with Cream Cheese Dip<\/a><\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n \tA Hummus Veggie Wrap Up<\/a><\/strong> is a yummy way to introduce more veggies at snack time.<\/li>\r\n \tTry filling a small container or mason jar (for the older kids) with a cup of Wheely Good Pasta Salad<\/a><\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n \tWhole-wheat pita with red pepper hummus<\/strong> is a filling snack that's easy to share.<\/li>\r\n \tThe beautiful purple color of Roasted Beetroot and Garlic Hummus<\/a><\/strong> will entice just about any bean-averse child.<\/li>\r\n \tIf your child likes a little heat, pack a couple of Mini Corn Muffins with Spicy Cheddar Filling<\/a><\/strong> for a fun surprise.<\/li>\r\n \tQuick Taco Wraps<\/strong><\/a> are great for a hearty snack or easy kids lunch idea<\/a>.<\/li>\r\n \tIf your household needs a break from ants on a log, try celery with cream cheese<\/strong> for a savory new option.<\/li>\r\n \tMediterranean Chips & Dip<\/strong><\/a> feel like a treat while providing healthy nutrients to keep your child satisfied until dinner.<\/li>\r\n \tBlack Bean Brownies<\/strong><\/a> are loaded with healthy protein and fiber.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\nHow to Pack School Snacks<\/h3>\r\nNow that you've got your list of healthy snacks that your child will actually eat, it's time to make a packing plan. Rather than blowing through an entire bag of Ziploc bags in a week, here are some reusable (and less expensive) options.\r\n\r\nReusable snack bags are a great place to start. They can hold sandwiches and dry snacks and most are dishwasher-safe. We love the fun patterns on these sandwich bags<\/a> ($14<\/em>). A variety pack of different sizes<\/a> ($15<\/em>) is also a great investment.\r\n\r\nBento boxes are another easy way to pack snacks or school lunches for kids<\/a>. The small compartments prevent the snack components from mixing together, and kids love having a variety of small snacks. Grab this unicorn one<\/a> ($30<\/em>) for a fun lunch surprise or this pack of three<\/a> ($22<\/em>) for the entire family. Search Bento Box lunches on Pinterest for some fun, new kids lunch ideas<\/a>!\r\n\r\nFinally, invest in a great insulated thermos (like this one<\/a>) to pack cold smoothies and pasta salads or warm mac and cheese.\r\nSmart Tips for School Snacking<\/h3>\r\nSo you've got your back-to-school recipes ready to go<\/a>; here are a few final tips for the easiest snacking ever.\r\n\r\n \tGo nut-free<\/strong>: Even if your school allows nuts, it's a good idea to skip them. This way, if your child trades or shares, you know everyone will be safe.<\/li>\r\n \tInclude your kids<\/strong>: Our kids are more likely to try new things when they're involved in the preparation. Add snack-packing to your child's chore list and give them a few healthy options to choose from.<\/li>\r\n \tPrevent waste<\/strong>: If your child consistently brings her uneaten snack home, explain that it will then become her afterschool snack. This usually has a way of motivating kids to eat it at school!<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nLooking for meals your kids will love? These kid-friendly dinners<\/a> are perfect for weeknights.\r\n\r\nTired of cooking? Don't miss these healthy snack box subscriptions<\/a> that deliver to your door.\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tGet More Snack Recipes for Kids<\/div>\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/i>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t1 \/ 38<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/i>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/div>Zucchini Pizza Bites<\/a>Zucchini pizza bites are the ideal low-carb snack when the pizza craving strikes, or the delicious way to get more vegetables into diets of all ages.Go to Recipe<\/a><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/div>Double-Berry Quick Bread<\/a>Healthy, fast and easy! This bread is a favorite of mine when prep time is tight and I have small amounts of different kinds of berries to use up. \u2014 Jennifer Coduto, Kent, OhioGo to Recipe<\/a><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/div>Homemade Peanut Butter<\/a>Learning how to make homemade peanut butter has never been easier! It's way faster than a trip to the store.Go to Recipe<\/a><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/div>Smoothie Bowl<\/a>Ever wonder how to make a healthy, gorgeous, Instagram-worthy breakfast? We'll teach you how to make a smoothie bowl!Go to Recipe<\/a><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/div>Cauliflower Breadsticks<\/a>These cheesy cauliflower breadsticks are made with vegetables rather than grains but deliver all the savory, garlicky goodness of classic breadsticks.Go to Recipe<\/a><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/div>Garlic-Herb Mini Quiches<\/a>Looking for a wonderful way to impress guests? You\u2019ve got it\u2014and you need only five ingredients to make these tasty apps! \u2014Josephine Piro, Easton, PennsylvaniaGo to Recipe<\/a><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/div>Garbanzo-Stuffed Mini Peppers<\/a>Mini peppers are so colorful and are the perfect size for a two-bite appetizer. They have all the crunch of pita chips but without the extra calories. \u2014Christine Hanover, Lewiston, CaliforniaGo to Recipe<\/a><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/div>Cranberry Orange Muffins<\/a>These cranberry orange muffins are quick to make and packed with fresh, citrusy flavor. They use whole wheat flour for a healthier snack or as part of your brunch spread.Go to Recipe<\/a><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/div>Watermelon Cups<\/a>This lovely appetizer is almost too pretty to eat! Sweet watermelon cubes hold a refreshing topping that showcases cucumber, red onion and fresh herbs. \u2014Taste Recipes Test KitchenGo to Recipe<\/a><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/div>Mango Avocado Salsa<\/a>When serving a crowd, double or quadruple this guacamole. The onion, tomato and mango can be chopped in advance. Add avocado just before serving. \u2014Diana Nienberg, McComb, Ohio Go to Recipe<\/a><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/div>Chicken & Bacon Roll-Ups<\/a>My children like these roll-ups so much that they ask for them every day for lunch during the summer. Whenever I have leftover chicken or turkey breast, this is a delicious way to use it up. \u2014Patricia Nieh, Portola Valley, CaliforniaGo to Recipe<\/a><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/div>Homemade Breadsticks<\/a>Soft and tender homemade breadsticks are the all-star side. They\u2019re ideal for dunking in sauce, serving with cheese or plating alongside a pasta dinner or savory salad.Go to Recipe<\/a><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/div>Air-Fryer Tortilla Chips<\/a>My air fryer can turn corn tortillas into crispy cantina-style chips in minutes! I serve them with my homemade salsa. \u2014Julie Andrews, Rockford, MichiganGo to Recipe<\/a><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/div>Sweet Pea Pesto<\/a>I made a healthier spin on pea pesto by subbing in vegetable broth for some of the oil and going easy on the cheese. For use on pasta, add more broth for a saucelike consistency. \u2014Amber Massey, Argyle, Texas