10 After-School Snacks Kids Ate In The 80s & 10 They Eat Today
The Evolution Of After-School Snacks
After-school snacks have always been a small but memorable part of childhood, and many of us still fondly remember what we ate as we rushed home from school. But over the years, the options have changed to match the times, so what you once ate might not be what's offered to the children of today. Here are 10 snacks kids from the 80s ate compared to 10 that they eat now.
1. Bagel Bites
Coming out in the 1980s, Bagel Bites quickly became a freezer favorite for many kids. And what's not to love? They were quick, cheesy, and satisfying to eat. Best of all, they were hassle-free for parents to whip up, and their kids would never complain about seeing this on the dining table when they came home.
2. Fruit Roll-Ups
For something sweet and fruity, Fruit Roll-Ups were just one of those snacks that made lunchboxes and after-school snacking much more entertaining. Not only did they taste like candy, they were interactive too, which kept kids distracted and happy during snack time.
3. Peanut Butter Crackers
Things used to be a lot more simple and straightforward. Take peanut butter crackers for instance; they were a beloved kid's snack, and all it took was saltines, packaged orange crackers, or Ritz crackers and some peanut butter spread between them. Parents loved how affordable this one was!
4. Jell-O Pudding Pops
For a refreshing cold treat during warmer days, Jell-O Pudding Pops were a freezer snack that many look back fondly on. These had a creamy texture that set them apart from regular ice pops, and came in delicious flavors like chocolate and vanilla.
5. Cheese Balls
Not Cheetos but cheese balls! These crunchy, brightly orange snacks were the perfect treat for munching in front of the television. Adults today still remember how hard it was to get all that orange dust off their fingers, which is really just part of the whole experience.
6. Microwave Popcorn
As more homes in the 80s began to embrace microwave cooking, microwave popcorn grew in popularity with it. That smell of butter and popcorn is deeply nostalgic for many adults today, and parents appreciated it because it was healthier than a big bag of chips and could be popped fresh.
7. Hostess CupCakes
Hostess CupCakes were a classic packaged dessert that many kids loved seeing after school. It felt like a reward! The chocolate cake, cream filling, and white icing swirl together definitely didn't make it the healthiest snack, and while they weren’t an everyday item in every home, they were a treat kids rarely turned down.
8. Celery With Peanut Butter
For something a bit healthier and a bit more filling, celery with peanut butter was a common go-to for parents. And to make it even fancier, they sometimes put raisins on top to make "ants on a log." The crunch of the celery was satisfying, and no kid could turn away from the creamy, nuttiness of peanut butter.
Joshua Wickerham from The Americas, China on Wikimedia
9. Little Debbie Oatmeal Creme Pies
Another beloved packaged treat, Little Debbie's Oatmeal Creme Pies were soft, sweet, and easily packable. Everything about it made it perfect for kids! They weren't the fanciest of treats, and even though they were simple, they had a strong place in 80s snack culture.
10. Tang And Crackers
Tang was a familiar drink in many households, and some kids had it with crackers or another quick snack after school. The bright orange flavor felt cheerful and different from regular juice, which was the perfect pick-me-up snack.
Chris Radcliff from San Diego, CA, USA on Wikimedia
1. Yogurt Tubes
For parents who care about convenience and want a healthier option, yogurt tubes are the perfect kid's snack. Not only are they portable and easy to store, but they aren't very messy and come in a variety of flavors that your kid will love. They’re especially useful when heading straight from school to practice or another activity.
2. Veggie Straws
Veggie straws have become a popular pantry snack for kids who want something crunchy and are a lighter alternative to regular chips. The colorful pieces also make the snack feel a little more fun and enticing, which are exactly what kids want.
3. Apple Slices With Nut Butter
After discovering the deliciousness that is apple mixed with nut butter, parents have turned it into one of the most common household snacks for kids. The sweetness of the apple pairs well with the creamy spread, and it gives kids something fresh and healthy after school.
4. Granola Bars
Granola bars are one of today’s most convenient after-school snacks because they come in so many flavors and styles. Some are chewy, some are crunchy, and many include chocolate chips, fruit, or oats. Kids can eat them on the way to sports, music lessons, or tutoring without needing a plate, which keeps things simple.
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5. Smoothies
A more refreshing and filling option that requires no biting, smoothies have grown to become a popular after-school treat. Parents can mix a variety of different add-ins for their kids, from fruit to yogurt, milk, and even spinach for some added health, which makes the snack feel extra personal.
6. Hummus And Pita Chips
It might sound a bit more mature and refined, but that's how much snack habits have changed over the years! Hummus and pita is a crowd favorite, and clearly among kids, too. It's crunchy, savory, and so filling for when they want something a bit more substantial.
7. String Cheese
It's been popular for years, but string cheese still remains a favorite because it doesn't just taste good, it's fun to play with too. It’s individually wrapped, easy to pack, and doesn’t create much mess, and parents like that it offers protein and calcium without needing any cooking.
Chris Hsia from United States on Wikimedia
8. Mini Muffins
Small, soft, and easy to eat, mini muffins remain a popular pick today. They come in a wide variety of flavors, like blueberry, chocolate chip, and banana, and can be easily picked up in store or made at home for the entire week.
9. Seaweed Snacks
Today, plenty of Asian snacks have grown in popularity. One such snack are seaweed ones that are thin, crisp, and salty. Kids are being introduced to different foods at an earlier age nowadays, which explains how a snack like this has become a staple in modern households.
10. Snackable Bento Boxes
Snackable bento boxes are a very modern after-school option that are perfect for picky kids because they let them have a little bit of everything. Parents often fill them with crackers, fruit, cheese, veggies, dips, and a small sweet treat.
