Every parent knows the struggle of making after school snacks for their children. Just like lunch, there are so many options to choose from … but you’re not sure which is the healthiest. Or, you can prepare healthy after school snacks for your kiddos, but that is time consuming and tedious.
We understand that finding healthy and easy after school snacks can feel overwhelming, but with a bit of patience and preparation, snack time can be a breeze.
Consider this blog post a cheat sheet the next time you get stumped about what after school snacks for kids you should give!
Best Store-Bought After School Snacks for Kids
Stock your pantry with these convenient after school snacks that require zero prep. These store-bought picks are nutritious, kid-approved, and ready the moment your little ones walk through the door.
Chomplings
Yep, these mini-sized but tasty Chomps sticks are quick after school snacks for even the pickiest of eaters! With just 40 calories and 4 grams of protein, Chomplings are fuel for everything from science homework time to play time with friends. And no added sugar!
One online reviewer said, “My kids love these little Chomplings! I love that they don’t steal my full size Chomps anymore.”
As nutritious after-school snacks, Chomplings are available in Original Beef, Original Turkey, and Italian Style Beef. Get them all in variety packs, too.
Pretzels and cheese
The saltiness of pretzels paired with the creaminess of cheese makes for some heavenly after school snacks! We love Mini Babybel products for a grab-n-go option. The best part is that this pairing fits easily in a bookbag or lunchbox!
Applesauce and crackers
Few things say after school memories like a single serving container of applesauce! And if it includes cinnamon, few after school snack ideas can compare to the tastiness.
Get no sugar added applesauce to avoid the sugar high and subsequent crash. You can also include a few whole wheat crackers on the side, which will keep children full until dinner.
Trail mix
Create a custom trail mix with nuts, seeds, dried fruits, and a few dark chocolate chips for a hint of sweetness. This portable snack is perfect for busy afternoons and provides a quick energy boost.
Trail mix is an excellent choice for healthy after school snacks. They offer a mix of protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates to keep your kids satisfied through later in the day.
Yogurt with fruit topping
As one of our favorite after school snack ideas, plain Greek yogurt is lower in lactose than many of its counterparts. Plus, the probiotics found in Greek yogurt help break down lactose sugar, which aids in digestion.
Fill a small tupperware container of greek yogurt and top with your child’s favorite sliced fruit, like banana, strawberry, or blueberry, and voila! You’ve got after school snacks for kids they won’t say no to.
While Greek yogurt is lactose friendly, for children with extreme lactose sensitivity, there are alternatives like coconut yogurt to swap.
Cottage cheese and pineapple
Some children may be leery of trying cottage cheese for the first time. However, once kids have a chance to taste this delicious dairy food, it could become one of their favorite after school snacks! Surprisingly, the sweetness of pineapple pairs well with the creamy quality of cottage cheese.
Granola bars
Not all granola bars are created equal, but the right one makes for a fantastic after school snack idea. Look for bars with whole oats, minimal added sugars, and at least 3-4 grams of protein. Brands like RXBar and Kind offer kid-friendly options that are easy to toss in a backpack for on-the-go snacking.
Fruit pouches
Fruit pouches are a perennial favorite for younger kids, and for good reason. They're mess-free, portable, and naturally sweet without added sugar. Look for options made with 100% fruit and no artificial flavors for a wholesome, fuss-free after school snack.
Healthy Homemade Snacks After School
These easy homemade after school snack ideas take just minutes to throw together. With fresh ingredients and simple prep, you can feel good about what your kids are reaching for every afternoon.
Carrots and hummus dip
Carrots are a great source of fiber, potassium, and antioxidants. When it comes to easy after school snacks, they provide a satisfying crunch and juiciness! When carrots are dipped into hummus, which is chickpea-based, a stellar after school snack is born.
Bell peppers and guacamole
For kiddos who are a little more adventurous with food, bell peppers with guacamole is a great choice among after school snack ideas! Bell peppers are rich in vitamin C, which makes them a healthy choice, and their fun red, yellow, and green colors can be appealing to kids.
Guacamole is avocado-based and often incorporates healthy veggies like onions and peppers, as well as cilantro.
Veggie roll-ups
Use whole grain tortillas to wrap up a variety of colorful veggies like bell peppers, cucumbers, and carrots, along with a spread of hummus or cream cheese. Roll-ups are fun to eat and packed with nutrients which make them great as healthy after school snacks.
Veggie roll-ups are also easy to prepare and can be customized with your child’s favorite vegetables to ensure they have something tasty to eat.
Hard-boiled eggs
Talk about easy and protein-rich after school snacks! Prepare a batch at the beginning of the week and store them in the fridge for a quick grab-and-go option.
Hard-boiled eggs provide essential nutrients like protein, vitamins, and minerals to make them one of the best healthy after school snacks for kids. They’re also versatile and can be enjoyed on their own or paired with other snacks.
Apple slices with nut butter
Few healthy after school snacks are as classic or satisfying as apple slices paired with peanut or almond butter. The natural sweetness of the apple complements the richness of the nut butter, and together they deliver a mix of fiber, healthy fats, and energy to keep kids going until dinner.
Fruit kabobs
Turn snack time into an activity! Thread grapes, strawberries, melon chunks, and banana slices onto skewers for a colorful, fun after school snack kids will actually get excited about. Serve with a side of Greek yogurt for dipping to add a nutritious protein boost.
What Makes a Great After School Snack?
Not all snacks are created equal, especially when it comes to keeping kids fueled between school and dinner. The best healthy after school snacks check a few important boxes:
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They're satisfying enough to curb hunger without spoiling appetites.
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Nutritious enough to support growing bodies.
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Easy enough that you're not spending 30 minutes in the kitchen every afternoon.
Here's what to look for when putting together after school snack ideas your kids will actually eat:
A mix of protein and carbs. Carbs give kids a quick energy boost, while protein keeps them full and focused. Think apple slices with nut butter, cheese with whole grain crackers, or a Chomps meat stick alongside some fruit.
Minimal added sugar. Sugary snacks might get eaten enthusiastically, but the energy crash that follows isn't fun for anyone. Opt for snacks with little to no added sugar to keep moods and energy levels steady.
Easy prep. Let's be real: after school snack time is hectic. The best after school snacks are ones you can throw together in under five minutes or grab straight from the pantry.
Kid-approved flavors. Nutritious after school snacks only work if kids will actually eat them! Involve your children in picking options so snack time feels less like a chore and more like something to look forward to.
How to make snack time healthy
Whether you’re making after school snacks from scratch or purchasing packaged goodies from the store, one thing is for certain, some leave children feeling cranky and lethargic while others fuel them for playtime, homework, and more.
Let’s Eat Healthy has a helpful blog post on how to make snack time healthier, and here are a few after school snack ideas to keep in mind:
Use minimally processed foods
Fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy, and nuts promote growth and development in your child’s body. Packaged treats like chips and cookies can negatively affect that process, so steer clear of these as after school snacks for teens and kids.
Combine from two food groups
When kids aren’t bored at snack time, they tend to feel more satisfied. One way to keep snack time exciting is to combine food groups. Try making healthy after school snacks like veggies with hummus, or a Chomps beef stick and string cheese.
Include kids in grocery shopping
Children are more likely to complain about after school snacks when they don’t understand the work that goes behind it. Parents may be surprised by how enthusiastic kids can be about grocery shopping! Engaging with kiddos on this tedious chore makes them feel like their opinion is heard and they’ll enjoy helping pick out snacks.
Be a role model
It’s challenging for kids to eat healthy after school snacks when their parents don’t set a good example. That’s why it’s key for parents to model healthy snack habits for children. Plus, when parents eat a few healthy after school snacks right alongside children, they reap the benefits as well!
FAQs
What is the best after school snack?
The best after school snack is one that combines protein and carbohydrates to give kids sustained energy and not just a quick sugar rush. Some go-to options include Greek yogurt with fruit, apple slices with almond butter, or a Chomps meat stick paired with cheese. The "best" snack is ultimately one your kid enjoys and that keeps them satisfied until dinner.
What are the best grab and go after school snacks for kids?
For busy families, the best grab and go after school snacks are ones that require zero prep. Chomplings are a great option since they're small, portable, and made with real ingredients. Other easy picks include individually wrapped cheese sticks, applesauce pouches, granola bars with minimal added sugar, and trail mix. Keep a designated snack basket stocked and ready so kids can help themselves the moment they walk through the door.
What are healthy after school snacks for teens?
Teens tend to need more fuel than younger kids, so heartier after school snack ideas work best. Hard-boiled eggs, Chomps beef sticks with 10g of high-quality protein, cottage cheese with fruit, or a yogurt parfait with granola are all nutritious options that satisfy bigger appetites without loading up on empty calories.
What makes Chomps meat sticks a good snack for after school?
Chomps meat sticks are a nutritious after school snack that delivers real ingredients, 0g sugar, and 10+ g protein per stick. They're Gluten-Free Certified, Paleo Certified, and Whole30 Approved, making them a snack parents can feel good about and kids actually want to eat.
The Bottom Line on Healthy After School Snacks
Providing your children with healthy snacks and meals doesn’t have to be difficult or time-consuming. These options ensure you keep your kids energized and ready for homework or playtime.
Looking for additional healthy after-school snacks? Discover a variety of dye-free snack options that are both nutritious and delicious.
Take the stress out of prep with these simple, healthy after school snack ideas! Portable, easy to prepare, and oh-so-tasty.
