Do your kids ask you “what can I eat for snack?” as soon as they come home from school? Are you tired of trying to come up with a snack that is both healthy and easy (and one that your kids will eat)? Check out this list of 40 quick and healthy after school snacks that your kids will want to eat.
My kids come home from school starving. As soon as they walk in the door, they are asking for something to eat. They eat lunch and a snack at school and yes, they are starving and acting like they haven’t eaten all day.
As parents, we know how important it is to provide healthy options that also taste good and are convenient. Finding the right balance between what kids love to eat and what’s good for them can sometimes feel like a challenge.
We’ve compiled a list of 40 tasty after school snacks that are not only nutritious but also simple to prepare. From fruit and veggie snacks to protein-packed bites, we’ve got you covered. Discover wholesome snacks that will keep your kids satisfied and energized after a long day at school.
What should after school snacks provide?
Snacks should be a healthy part of your child’s meal plan.
Snacks should:
- Provide energy.
- Supply fluids for hydration.
- Provide nutrients for growth and development.
Plan ahead for snacks. When you are planning your breakfast, lunch and dinner meal plan, also plan for snacks.
Involve your child in the snack choice. Explain to your child why he needs a healthy snack. Then, ask him what he thinks is a healthy after school snack for him to eat.
Healthy and Easy After School Snacks
1. Fruit Kabobs
Skewer small pieces of colorful fruits like strawberries, melon, grapes, and pineapple. Kids often enjoy eating foods that are visually appealing.
2. Healthy Banana Split
Cut a banana lengthwise and top with yogurt and add granola. My daughter’s favorite snack.
3. Apple Slices with Peanut Butter
Slice an apple. Then, add a scoop of peanut butter to the plate. Let your kids have fun dipping the apple slices into the peanut butter.
4. Cheese and Crackers and Grapes
Serve whole grain crackers with sliced cheddar cheese and grapes.
5. Frozen Yogurt Popsicle
Blend yogurt with fruit, honey, and a touch of vanilla extract, then freeze in popsicle molds for a refreshing treat.
6. Apple Nachos
Slice apples and drizzle them with peanut or almond butter. Sprinkle with granola, raisins, and a touch of honey.
7. Applesauce with Graham Crackers
My kids like to dip the graham crackers into applesauce.
8. Veggie Sticks with Hummus
Serve sliced carrots, cucumber, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes with a side of hummus for dipping.
9. Bowl of Cereal and Milk
A simple bowl of a low sugar cereal with milk makes an easy after school snack.
10. Mini Sandwiches
Make small, whole-grain sandwiches with lean protein (such as turkey or chicken), cheese, and veggies. Then, cut them into fun shapes using cookie cutters.
11. Homemade Trail Mix
Mix your favorite low sugar cereal (we used Chex), granola, dried bananas, raisins and dark chocolate chips together. Enjoy!
12. Vanilla Wafers and Sliced Bananas
Serve vanilla wafers with sliced bananas. Your kids will enjoy making a “banana sandwich” with the vanilla wafers and banana slices. You can even add peanut butter.
13. Mini Pita Pizzas
Spread tomato sauce or pesto on mini whole-wheat pita rounds, sprinkle with shredded cheese, and add diced veggies or lean protein like grilled chicken. Cook until the cheese melts.
14. Frozen Yogurt Bites
Drop spoonfuls of yogurt onto a baking sheet and freeze. You can also add small pieces of fruit before freezing for added flavor.
15. Hard Boiled Eggs
Hard-boiled eggs are a great source of protein and can be seasoned with a pinch of salt and pepper.
16. English Muffin with Cheese
Toast an English muffin and add 1 slice of cheese.
17. Smoothies
Blend together frozen fruits, Greek yogurt, and add some spinach or kale for added nutrition.
18. Carrot Sticks with Their Favorite Salad Dressing
Serve carrot sticks with a small serving of salad dressing.
19. Popcorn
Choose a light microwave popcorn or an even better choice is air popped popcorn.
20. Cherry Tomatoes with Mozzarella
Serve cherry tomatoes and mini mozzarella balls on toothpicks.
21. Cottage Cheese with Fruit
Top cottage cheese with fresh or canned (in its own juice) fruit, such as peaches.
22. Apple Slices or Other Fresh Fruit Dipped in Yogurt
Serve sliced fresh fruit and yogurt. Have your kids dip the sliced fresh fruit into the yogurt. Fun!
23. Banana Bites
Slice bananas into rounds, spread a thin layer of peanut butter between two slices,
24. 6 oz Carton of Yogurt or Yogurt in a Tube
I keep the yogurt in a tube in the freezer and pack it in my son’s snack bag frozen. It is thawed when it is time for snack.
25. Sliced Turkey Wrapped Around a Cheese Stick
Wrap a slice of turkey around a cheese stick. Serve with whole grain crackers. A favorite snack of my son.
26. Bagel with Peanut Butter
Spread a toasted bagel with peanut butter.
27. Edamame
Steamed edamame pods are a fun and a protein-rich snack.
28. Rice Cakes with Nut Butter and Banana Slices
Spread nut butter on mini rice cakes and top with banana slices.
29. Peanut Butter and Crackers
Spread peanut butter on whole grain crackers.
30. Apple or Pear Slices with Cheese
Serve apple or pear slices with sliced cheddar cheese. Let your kids have fun layering the fruit and cheese together.
31. Make Your Own Yogurt Parfaits
Layer yogurt with granola or low sugar cereal and fresh berries for a delicious and nutritious treat. Greek yogurt is an excellent choice due to its high protein content.
32. Cheese Stick with Crackers
Serve a cheese stick with crackers. It is fun for your kids to pull apart the string cheese and place it on a cracker.
33. Fruit and Cheese Skewers
Thread chunks of fruit (like grapes, apple slices, and pear slices) with cubes of cheese onto skewers.
34. Mini Quesadillas
Make mini quesadillas with whole-wheat tortillas, cheese, and thinly sliced veggies like bell peppers and zucchini.
35. Rice Cakes with Avocado
Spread mashed avocado on whole-grain rice cakes.
36. Graham Crackers with Peanut Butter
Spread a thin layer of peanut butter on a graham cracker.
37. Toast with Jam
Toast whole grain bread and add your favorite jam. Another favorite snack of my son.
38. Ants on A Log
Cut a banana in half lengthwise and spread with peanut butter. Sprinkle with raisins.
39. 1/2 of a PB&J Sandwich
One half of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich is a simple after school snack.
40. Fruit and Cheese Plate
Serve slices of cheese, whole-grain crackers, and a variety of fruit, such as apple slices, grapes, and berries on a plate.
Key Points to Remember
Involving kids in choosing healthy snacks can make a big difference. When they have a say, they’re more likely to eat what’s offered. This helps them develop good eating habits. Plus, it’s a chance to teach them about nutrition and making smart choices. So, next time, let them pick their snackāit’s a win-win for everyone!
What is your favorite quick and healthy snack? I would love to read it in the comments below.
