Healthy Swaps Kids Will Love
Choosing what snacks to pack for your kid can sometimes feel like a never-ending challenge. If you're pressed for time in the morning, you might feel like you have no choice but to pick unhealthy treats, like Fruit Roll-Ups and potato chips. But it's easier than you think to choose nutritious options, and we're here with a list that's guaranteed to keep your kid full, energetic, and happy. From veggies and dip to crunchy chickpeas and everything in between, here are 20 healthy school snacks to pack for your kid.
1. Veggies & Dip
One of the easiest and healthiest snacks you can pack for your kid is veggies with a side dip. Carrots, bell peppers, celery, cucumbers, and broccoli are just some of the veggie choices you can choose from. For the dip, hummus usually makes a delicious pairing.
2. Chia Pudding
The best thing about chia pudding isn't just that it's easy to make yourself—it's that it's loaded with nutrients and protein. Plus, the jello-like consistency makes it enjoyable for kids, and you can customize the flavor with fruit juice and yogurt.
3. Fruit & Dip
If your kid won't go near veggies even if they're offered with dip, try cutting up some fruit instead, like kiwis, bananas, strawberries, honeydew, cantaloupe, and oranges. Since these fruits are already naturally sweet, you don't have to prepare a dip with them, but cottage cheese, cream cheese, and Greek yogurt make great pairings.
4. Apple Slices with Nut Butter
If you're running short on time (or just don't have that many fruit varieties in your fridge), apple slices also make a great school snack to pack for your kid. Pair them with a peanut-free nut butter (think cashew or almond), but remember to double-check the specific rules and policies, as some schools may be completely nut-free.
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5. DIY Trail Mix
Instead of buying a bag of trail mix (which is often high in fat, sodium, and added sugars), make a healthier version yourself! Simply throw dry whole grain cereal, granola, seeds, and dried fruit together into a sandwich bag, and it's good to go.
6. Mini PB&Js
Instead of using peanut butter, make a nut-free version (using sunflower seed butter, for example) so that it's school-safe. Cut up into tiny triangles to pack in a container so that they're easy to snack on during recess. If your kid is a big PB&J fan, they'll definitely love finding this in their lunch bag.
7. Dry Whole Grain Cereal
Is your kid a fan of cereal? Instead of packing them handfuls of Lucky Charms or Froot Loops (which are loaded with added sugars and artificial colorings), choose healthy, whole-grain varieties, and make sure to scan the nutrition facts and ingredient list before buying.
8. Crunchy Chickpeas
Chickpeas might not be the first thing that comes to your (or your kid's) mind when thinking of a recess snack to pack, but these crunchy, protein-filled legumes make the perfect treat to nibble on. Plus, they're easy to make—just season and air-fry them at home yourself!
9. Nuts & Dried Cranberries
You'll need to check with the school policies first before making this snack, but if it's okay, make sure to leave out peanuts to err on the safer side. Then simply throw together cashews, almonds, walnuts, and dried cranberries.
10. Homemade Muffins
If you've got the time, make some delicious homemade muffins! Whether it's carrot, banana, blueberry, or chocolate chip, your kid will surely love munching on these cakes during recess. You can even make an extra batch so they can share with their friends and classmates.
11. Homemade Cookies
If your kid is more of a cookies kind of person, bake some at home instead of buying packaged varieties, which are often loaded with excess sugar. You can make healthier versions at home that still hit the spot, and they'll last for a couple of days if you store them correctly.
12. Cheese & Crackers
For something simpler, cube up some cheese and pack it alongside a stack of whole-grain crackers. After all, there's a reason why you'll often see this snack pre-packaged at the grocery store, and it's because it's such a popular pairing.
13. Drinkable or Squeezable Yogurt
Yogurt cups are great, but drinkable and squeezable versions might be more preferred by your kid. Just make sure to peek at the nutrition facts beforehand to make sure you're not choosing flavors and varieties that contain a lot of added sugar or other additives.
14. Hard-Boiled Eggs
For an even easier-to-prepare snack, it can't get simpler than hard-boiled eggs. Simply throw them in the pot in the morning, then let cool, peel, and store in a container before your kid heads off to school.
15. Applesauce Cups
You can either buy applesauce cups at the supermarket—just make sure to choose varieties that aren't loaded with sugar and additives—or make them at home yourself. Simply cube apples and boil them down, sweeten to taste, then let cool and store in the fridge.
16. Celery Sticks with Nut Butter & Raisins
Celery usually isn't the veggie of choice for most kids, but a way to make it more palatable is to make ants on a log. Opt for a school-safe nut butter or cream cheese, then fill the stalk with your choice of spread and dot raisins or dried cranberries throughout.
17. Grapes & Cheese Cubes
Have no crackers at home to make cheese and crackers? Don't worry—if you've got grapes (or other fruits), you can pair them with your cheese cubes, too. Make sure to halve the grapes for safety, then mix together into a container with cheese of choice.
18. Cheese Stick
Or, for an even simpler snack, throw some cheese sticks into your kid's lunch box. String cheese is a healthy—and playful—choice that most kids love: it gives them a boost of calcium and protein, which are two essential nutrients for growing bodies.
19. Fruit Leather
Instead of letting your kid snack on Fruit Roll-Ups, which are loaded with sugar and artificial flavors, choose fruit leather. These are often made with real fruit puree and contain little to no added sugar, which makes them a much healthier alternative. You can also try making them at home.
Firm Foundations Duhok on Wikimedia
20. Veggie Chips
Another method to get your kid to eat their veggies? Try veggie chips; you can either find some at the store or make them at home in the oven or air-fryer. These crisps are much lower in calories and fat than regular potato chips, but they're just as tasty! Win-win.
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