10 Simple After-School Snack Ideas

Check out these 10 Simple After-School Snack Ideas for hangry kids who have worked up an appetite with their studies… 

 

1. Smoothies! 

On a hot day, an icy, delicious smoothie is a great solution to combat after-school hangries! Experiment with fruits and veggies to make the perfect palette pleasing recipe for your crew. We like to use vanilla greek yogurt, ice, frozen berry blend and some spinach, too! Even adding some red pepper is a fun option, too. A squeeze of local honey can boost immune systems and the fruits and veggies are full of good stuff and vitamins. Measure with your heart, there is no right or wrong when it comes to making smoothies. If mix is too thick, you can add water, milk or a splash of juice.

 

 

2. Snack Mix 

One thing that will get kids excited about eating a snack is when they play a role in creating it! Head to the pantry and check out what goodies you have on hand. Goldfish, popcorn, pretzels, chex, crackers, mini cookies, marshmallows, raisins, nuts and more. If you like it, add it to the mix and enjoy!

3. Childish Charcuterie Board

If your kids are anything like mine, they are snacky grazers. They take a few bites, run around, come back to the snack and repeat. An assortment of fruits, veggies, cheese and proteins like turkey, salami, pepperoni and crackers are a great dinner table go-to for pre-dinner noshing. 

4. Ants on a Log 

A classic! Celery slices with your favorite nut or seed butter, plus some raisins (or chocolate chips or m&m’s!!!) on top. 

5. Hummus OR Guacamole

These highly nutritious snacks contains a wide variety of vitamins and minerals. Plus, kids love to dip their foods! Try a variety of hummus or guacamole toppings to broaden their taste profiles like roasted red peppers, garlic, olives… there are even dessert hummus options that taste like chocolate! Grab some graham crackers and get to dipping. YUM!

6. Fancy ‘nanas

A banana split is a fun dessert treat! Opt out of ice cream and try healthier toppings for a banana split like nut or seed butter, hazelnut spread, greek yogurt, honey and more. Sweet. 

7. Pint-sized Pizzas

Pre-made cauliflower crust, sauce, cheese, toppings. Simple, delicious, nutritious. 

8. Protein Bites

There are a million and one different recipes for these online, and this is one of our favorites: https://www.thehealthymaven.com/no-bake-oatmeal-protein-energy-balls/

Oats, nut or seed butter, honey, chia seeds and add-ins. Delicious. Easy to make. Poppable (easy to eat!). 

9. Frozen Yogurt Treats

Keep it simple. Mix your child’s favorite fruit with greek vanilla yogurt and then plop a heaping tablespoon onto an aluminum foil lined plate or pan. Now take some chocolate chips with a tiny bit of coconut oil into the microwave and heat for 30 seconds, mix, heat another 30 seconds. Pour the chocolate mix onto the yogurt plops and freeze! Now you have an amazing frozen yogurt treat as a yummy after school snack. 

 

10. Healthier Packaged Snacks for Busy Days!  

We recently had a chance to try Harvest Snaps at our annual Kidchella event. They were deeeeee-licious and all of the kids loved them. 

We also really love Once Again’s Sunflower Butter Graham Cracker Sandwiches!

Other favorites include Made Good granola bars, Veggie Straws, parmesan crisps, Smartfood popcorn, on-the-go nuts, belvita cookies, fruit leather, Annies snacks and more.

 

 

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