*Please be aware of common food allergies such as nuts, wheat, corn, and dairy, and be informed of your school policy regarding on-campus restrictions.

Whether your children are learning at home or heading off to school, there’s something they will need throughout the day—healthy snacks. The problem is, what healthy snacks will your children actually eat?

While it’s easier to grab inexpensive, processed foods, it’s worth taking a little extra time to prepare healthier options. Sometimes, it’s how you present healthy snacks that makes them fun and enjoyable. 

Take a look at these healthy snack ideas for your school-aged child and give them the brain fuel they need to keep learning.

Whole-Grain Crackers and Cheese

While cheese and crackers might seem like a common go-to snack, there are fun ways to turn this traditional food into a healthy treat. Here are a few ideas:

• Smiley-faces: Cut cheese slices into eyes, nose, and mouth, and let your child place the pieces on top of the cracker.
• Cheese-wraps: Break the crackers into pieces and wrap them in cheese slices.
• Snack towers: Stack layers of crackers and cheese wedges to make a tower.
• Sandwiches: Dress up cheese and crackers by adding sliced apples, cucumbers, or lunch meat.

Veggie Sticks and Hummus

Kids might resist eating their vegetables, but when you get creative, this healthy option becomes fun! Try cutting veggies in unique shapes such as spirals, zig-zags, and squiggly lines. Serve with homemade hummus.

Packed with protein and potassium, hummus is not only healthy, it’s flavorful. For a kid-friendly version, mix one can drained chickpeas with 1 Tbs. lemon juice, 1 Tbs. tahini, and 3 Tbs. olive oil. Blend until smooth. Add a dash of garlic powder and a pinch of salt to taste.

Energy Bites

Kids need regular boosts of brainpower, especially when they’re learning new things for several hours a day. Try these easy energy bites as one brain-boosting option:

Mix one cup old-fashioned oats, 1/2 cup raisins, 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips, 1/3 cup honey, and 1/2 cup nut butter until blended. Let the mixture chill in the fridge for at least one hour. Roll into 1-inch balls and store in an air-tight container for up to one week. Easy peasy!

Fruit with Yogurt Dip

For kids with a sweet tooth, fruit and yogurt dip will likely become a favorite school-time snack. Simply mix one cup plain or vanilla yogurt with 1 Tbs. honey and a splash of vanilla extract. Serve with sliced apples, peaches, grapes or berries.

Not only does yogurt contain probiotics for healthy digestion, it has calcium, B vitamins, potassium and magnesium. This is one sweet snack you can feel good about!

Popcorn

Believe it or not, this timeless snack offers a healthy dose of fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins. Try it plain, buttered, kettle or in a trail mix with nuts and M-n-M’s. Yummy and nutritious!



Finding healthy snacks for your school-age children is easier than you think. Just be sure to check with your school before sending snacks that might pose a problem for classmates with allergies.