7 Healthy Back to School Snacks for Kids

If you’re like most moms, you’re looking for healthy back to school snacks for your kids. We’ve put together a list of seven delicious and nutritious snacks to keep them fueled up all day long. From whole grain bars to homemade chips, there’s something for everyone on this list. So get cooking and send your kids back to school with a belly full of goodness!

What should kids snack on?

Kids need nutrition to help them stay focused and energized throughout the day. School snacks should be nutrient-rich and easy to eat on the go.  Good options include whole grain crackers, fruits and vegetables, yogurt, and trail mix.  After school snacks can be a little more indulgent.  Good choices include frozen yogurt bars, popcorn, and pudding. Kids should avoid sugary drinks, candy, and processed snacks as much as possible.  With healthy food, parents can help their kids stay on track and perform their best at school and at home.

7 Healthy Snacks for Kids

• Mix Vegetable Sticks with Mashed Avocados

Create this colorful after school snack for kids.  They’ll love the peanuts we’ve paired with it.  Swap out veggies for their favorites as needed.  Other options are cucumbers, carrots and jicama.

Ingredients:

• 2 red bell pepper, cut into strips
• 1 celery stalk, cut into strips
• 1 cup grape tomatoes, sliced in half
• ¼ organic avocado, mashed
• 1/2 lemon, juiced
• ½ cup red onion, minced
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup dry roasted peanuts

Directions

1. Combined mashed avocado, minced red onions, and lemon juice.
2. Season the avocado with salt and ground black pepper to taste; set aside.
3. Arrange the remaining vegetables on a large plate.
4. Serve together with the mashed avocado.

2)  Air Fried Parsnip Chips

Who doesn’t love chips?  Make a big batch for in school snacks or after school on the way to soccer practice. Limit seasoning to salt for picky eaters or spice them up for more adventurous eaters.

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 3 Parsnips, sliced
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tsp smoked paprika

Directions

1. Drizzle the sliced parsnips with olive oil and season with salt.
2. Place it in the air fryer and air fry until crisp for 10 minutes at 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
3. Sprinkle with smoked paprika and transfer to a serving plate.
4. Serve immediately.

3) Crunchy Pumpkin Bars

Batch-cook a few rounds of this portable kid friendly school snack.  Freeze a bunch for busy weeks in the future.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup almond flour
• 1 tbsp almond butter
• 4 oz canned pumpkin puree
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tbsp pumpkin seeds
• 1/4 tsp pumpkin pie spic

Directions

1. Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and mix well until fully incorporated.
2. Pour the mixture into a small baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Spread out evenly.
4. Bake in a preheated oven for 10 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
5. Remove from the oven and let it cool before slicing and serving.

4) Cheesy Kale Crisps

More chips?  Yes, please!  Kids will love the cheesy flavor and you’ll love knowing they’re eating their vegetables.

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cups fresh kale greens
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp grated parmesan cheese

Directions

1. Place the olive oil, salt, and kale in a mixing bowl.
2. Mix well and transfer to a roasting pan.
3. Sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese and roast in the oven for 7 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
4. Remove and transfer to a serving plate.
5. Serve immediately.

5) Banana & Chia Pudding

Do your kids love pudding?  Banana chia pudding can be a great after school snack, breakfast or dessert.

Ingredients:

• 1 banana, sliced
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 1 tbsp chia seeds
• 2 tsp maple syrup
• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract

Directions

1. Combine all the ingredients in a large mason jar.
2. Place in the freezer and freeze for 10 minutes.
3. Serve chilled.

6) Applesauce & Nut Parfait

Applesauce is a kid’s favorite snack.  Take it up a notch with adding protein packed Greek yogurt and walnuts.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce, chilled
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 1/2 cups plain almond Greek yogurt, chilled
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts

Directions

1. Arrange the ingredients in a serving glass.
2. Serve immediately.

7) Creamy Yogurt Bars

Pack these yogurt bars in their backpack or have them waiting at home after school.  They’ll love this healthy version of ice cream bars.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup old fashioned rolled oats
• 1 tbsp chopped pecans
• 1/2 cup plain almond Greek yogurt
• 1 lime, zested & juiced
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract

Directions

1. Combine all the ingredients in a bowl.
2. Pour the mixture into a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Freeze for at least 3 hours or until solid before serving.

Now that you know what kids should snack on, sign up for 2 weeks free of DishQuo meal planning app. We’ve got 2000+ recipes to keep you and your family healthy all week long.