The school bell is about to ring again, and with back-to-school season just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to plan some healthy and delicious snacks for our kids. A good snack isn’t just about being sweet—it should provide a balance of carbs, protein, vitamins, and minerals, while still tasting great so even the pickiest eaters will enjoy it.
Sure, store-bought snacks may seem convenient, but they’re not always the healthiest choice. And while preparing wholesome options at home might sound challenging when life gets busy, with a little planning and a few smart ideas, it’s absolutely doable!
Plus, making snacks at home—and even involving your kids in the process—is a wonderful way to teach them healthy eating habits they’ll carry with them for life.
Fun and Easy Snack Ideas
Here are some sweet and savory options that are simple to make, kid-approved, and packed with energy for school days, homework, and playtime.
- Fresh seasonal fruit: colorful, sweet, and full of vitamins. Make it extra fun by serving it on skewers and adding a splash of lemon juice to keep it from browning. If it’s organic, leave the peel on for extra nutrients.
- Yogurt with fruit or granola: packed with probiotics and protein, yogurt is great for gut health. Choose low-sugar varieties and top with fresh fruit or homemade granola.
- Savory sandwiches: whole grain bread with lean deli meats (like turkey or chicken) and veggies makes a filling but light option. Pro tip: buy bread in bulk, slice it, and freeze portions—you’ll always have fresh bread on hand.
- Sweet sandwiches: simple yet satisfying—whole wheat bread with fruit jam or a light hazelnut spread.
- Homemade snack bars: blend dates with almonds, coconut, and dried fruit like figs or prunes. Flatten the mixture and cut into bars—perfect for school lunchboxes.
- Mini homemade pizzas: a fun, savory snack that kids love and a great alternative to packaged treats.
- Veggie sticks with cheese: pair crisp seasonal veggies with small cubes of Parmesan or cheddar for a crunchy, nutritious combo.
- Homemade cookies with nuts: bake a batch of wholesome cookies and pair with a handful of nuts for lasting energy.
- Chocolate and Hazelnut Muffins: a wholesome, homemade treat that your kids won’t miss store-bought snacks for. Try making it with our recipe!
- Apple chips: slice apples thin (no need to peel), dip in a light lemon syrup, and bake at 175°F for about 6 hours. They’re crunchy, naturally sweet, and kid-approved!
- Nuts and trail mix: almonds, walnuts, or hazelnuts are easy to pack and full of healthy fats, protein, and fiber to keep kids energized all day.
How to Pick Store-Bought Snacks
If you really need to buy pre-packaged snacks, be label-smart: ingredients are listed in order of quantity, so avoid products where sugar (or corn syrup, glucose, or fructose) is at the top of the list.
With just a bit of organization and some creative ideas, preparing school snacks can be easy, fun, and way healthier than relying on packaged foods. This way, our kids will head into each school day fueled with energy, good moods, and tasty bites they’ll actually enjoy!