Whether your toddler is off to daycare or your big kid needs a snack at school, giving them snacks for school is key. Making your own healthy snack options like muffins and bars is a great idea. It’s a way to add extra energy-boosting snacks to their day. Plus, homemade snacks can be frozen and packed easily for school.
Key Takeaways
- Homemade snacks offer more nutrition and customization for your child’s dietary needs.
- Freezing and storing homemade snacks makes it easy to have healthy options on hand.
- Mini muffins and easy-to-pack snacks are perfect for kids’ lunchboxes and after-school.
- Involving kids in snack preparation can be educational and fun.
- A variety of flavors and ingredients can prevent snack boredom.
Table of Contents
Homemade School Snacks: Muffins
Kids love muffins, and they can be a healthy choice for school snacks. By cutting down on sugar and adding good stuff like veggies, seeds, and protein, you can make tasty muffins. Try making savory muffins, healthy corndog muffins, and savory 3-veggie muffins for a fun snack or meal.
Savory Muffins
Savory muffins are great for school snacks, lunch boxes, or breakfast. Mix up flavors like cheddar and chives or sun-dried tomato and basil. It keeps things exciting.
Healthy Corndog Muffins
These Healthy Corndog Muffins are perfect for lunch boxes, snacks, or quick meals. Use vegetarian hot dogs, turkey dogs, or salmon dogs. They’re a hit with kids!
Savory 3-Veggie Muffins
These Savory 3-Veggie Muffins are packed with carrot, broccoli, and zucchini. They’re great for breakfast, lunch boxes, or as a snack or side. They’re a tasty way to get more veggies in your diet.
“Muffins are a great option for school snacks because they can be made ahead of time, are easy to pack, and provide a balance of nutrients to keep kids energized throughout the day.”
Snacks for School: Cookies and Bars
Looking for healthy cookies for school, lunchbox cookies, or toddler snack cookies? You want them to taste great and be good for you. Try our Mini Chocolate Chip Snack Cookies and Oatmeal To-Go Bars for a tasty, nutritious choice.
Mini Chocolate Chip Snack Cookies
These healthy cookies for school are great for lunchbox cookies or toddler snack cookies. They’re easy to make in one bowl. They’re nut-free, whole grain, and have hemp seeds for extra protein.
The mini size lets kids enjoy chocolate chips without too much sugar.
Oatmeal To-Go Bars
Want the taste of portable oatmeal but in a bar? Our oatmeal snack bars are perfect. They’re made quickly in one bowl. They’re full of fiber, protein, and good stuff like rolled oats and almond butter.
They’re great for breakfast bars for school or a quick toddler snack cookies.
Both snacks are easy to make and loved by kids. Whether for lunchbox cookies or a quick snack, these treats are a hit.
Homemade School Snacks: No-Bake Bites and Balls
Snack time becomes exciting with these no-bake energy bites. They’re simple to make and fun to customize. Kids can easily make these homemade energy balls again and again. Use sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option.
Monster Cookies Energy Balls
These no-bake energy bites are full of good stuff like oats, nuts, seeds, and dried fruit. Just mix together:
- 1/2 cup peanut butter or sunbutter
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 cup oats
- 2/3 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
- 1/2 cup flax seeds or chopped walnuts
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (regular or mini)
- 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
Chill the mix for 30 minutes, then shape into balls. Keep these homemade energy balls in the fridge for up to 7 days. For a nut-free option, use sunflower seed butter and skip the nuts.
These kid-friendly snack balls are a great choice for school snacks. They’re packed with protein, healthy fats, and complex carbs. This keeps kids energized until lunchtime.
Quick and Healthy Packaged Snacks for School
Packing healthy snacks for school can be overwhelming. But, there are many nutritious and tasty options. From protein bars to whole grain crackers, these healthy store-bought snacks will keep your child energized all day.
Larabars
Larabars are loved for their simple ingredients like nuts, dates, and dried fruit. They come in many flavors, making them a great healthy pre-packaged school snack. Add a few to your child’s lunchbox for a quick, healthy choice.
Whole Grain Goldfish
The Whole Grain Goldfish are a must-have for school snacks. They’re made with whole grains and offer a fun crunch. Serve them with hummus or cheese for a complete pre-packaged school snack.
| Healthy Packaged Snack | Protein (g) | Fiber (g) | Added Sugar (g) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mozzarella String Cheese | 7 | 0 | 0 |
| Siete Tortilla Chips | 2 | 3 | 0 |
| MadeGood Granola Minis | 2 | 2 | 5 |
| Stonyfield Yogurt Pouches | 5 | 0 | 12 |
These are just a few examples of healthy store-bought snacks and pre-packaged school snacks out there. Choose snacks with protein, fiber, and little sugar. With a bit of creativity, you can fill your child’s lunchbox with tasty and healthy options like Larabars, whole grain crackers, and more!
Tips for Packing Snacks for School
Packing homemade snacks for your kids’ school lunches can be a game-changer. You control the ingredients and ensure they get the nutrition they need. Using the right containers and choosing easy snacks makes packing a breeze.
Use the Right Containers
Investing in quality, leak-proof containers is crucial. Use reusable silicone bags or snack boxes with compartments. These keep different items separate and prevent spills. They’re durable and eco-friendly, reducing single-use plastics.
Easy-to-Pack Snacks
When packing snacks, the easier the better. Choose grab-and-go options like crackers with peanut butter, chopped veggies and fruit, and pre-portioned muffins or energy balls. These snacks are simple to pack and mess-free.
Remember, finding a balance between nutrition and convenience is key. With the right containers and easy-to-pack options, your kids will have healthy and delicious snacks for school.
After-School Snack Ideas by Timing
The timing of your child’s dinner affects the snacks you choose. For an early dinner, snacks like veggies with hummus or apple slices with peanut butter are good. Hard-boiled eggs with raisins and healthy muffins or bars also work well.
Early Dinner
For an early dinner, pick healthy pre-dinner snacks that are filling but won’t make them too full. Here are some ideas:
- Veggie sticks with creamy hummus
- Apple slices with all-natural peanut butter
- Hard-boiled eggs paired with dried fruit like raisins
- Nutrient-dense muffins or energy bars
Late Dinner
For kids with a late dinner, try store-bought snack ideas like smoothies or egg sandwiches. Oatmeal, mini pizzas, and waffles with peanut butter are also good. These snacks are more filling to last until dinner.
| Snack Idea | Nutrition Info | Prep Time |
|---|---|---|
| Creamy Hummus with Veggie Sticks | 100 calories, 5g fat, 3g protein | 5 minutes |
| Apple Slices with Peanut Butter | 200 calories, 12g fat, 7g protein | 2 minutes |
| Hard-Boiled Eggs with Raisins | 150 calories, 10g fat, 12g protein | 10 minutes |
The NHS suggests 100 calorie snacks and no more than two a day. Watch your kids’ salt, sugar, and fat intake, especially with homemade snacks.
Snacks for School: Car-Friendly Ideas
Snack time doesn’t have to be messy, even when you’re on the go. When packing car snacks or portable snacks for your kids, focus on mess-free school snacks and no-spill car snacks. These snacks are easy to enjoy during the ride.
Keep a Trash Can Handy
Always keep a small trash can or bag in the car. This is to contain any wrappers or packaging from your easy grab-and-go snacks. It helps prevent a sticky, cluttered car interior. And ensures a mess-free school snack experience.
Portable, Low-Mess Snack Ideas
- Yogurt tube + banana
- Cheese stick + That’s It fruit bar
- Egg wrap + apple
These snack pairings are car-friendly and portable. They let your kids enjoy a nutritious treat without making a mess in the car. The mix of protein, healthy fats, and carbs gives them energy for the drive.
Remember, when snacking in the car, choose options that are easy to eat. They shouldn’t make a sticky mess. With a little planning, you can give your kids mess-free school snacks for on-the-go adventures.
Non-Perishable Snacks for School
Non-perishable snacks are a great choice for school lunches. They don’t need to be refrigerated and stay fresh all day. You can find many types, from crunchy to chewy, and sweet to savory.
Pantry-Friendly Snack Ideas
- Trail mix – A mix of nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and sometimes chocolate chips or pretzels. It’s a protein-rich snack that’s easy to take on the go.
- Popcorn – Choose pre-popped or individual bags for a tasty, whole grain snack.
- Granola or protein bars – Look for ones with less sugar and a good mix of carbs, protein, and fats.
- Dried fruit – Options like apricots, mango, and raisins are great for a quick, healthy snack.
- Crackers – Pair whole grain crackers with nut butter or cheese for a filling snack.
- Nut butter pouches – Single-serve packets of peanut, almond, or sunflower seed butter are easy to pack and enjoy.
These snacks are not only easy to pack, but they also give your child the energy they need for a busy day. Having a variety of shelf-stable snacks ensures your child always has a healthy option.
| Snack | Nutrition Info | Shelf Life |
|---|---|---|
| Welch’s® Fruit ‘n Yogurt™ Snacks | 60-70 calories, 7-8g sugar per pack | 6-12 months |
| Beef Jerky Sticks | 70-100 calories, 6-12g protein per stick | 6-12 months |
| Roasted Seaweed Snacks | 30-50 calories, 3-5g protein per pack | 6-12 months |
| Veggie Chips | 100-140 calories, 2-4g fiber per serving | 6-12 months |
With so many tasty and healthy options, you can easily find shelf-stable snacks that your kids will enjoy.
Snacks for School: Teens and Older Kids
As teenagers and older kids grow, their snack needs change. They need more substantial, nutrient-dense snacks to fuel their active lifestyles. Options like tuna salad, sandwiches, smoothies, oatmeal, and yogurt parfaits are great. These high school snacks and snacks for older kids are perfect for teen-friendly school snacks.
Protein-Packed Bites
Protein is key for teens, as they need 20-60% more than adults. Deviled eggs, Greek yogurt parfaits, and tuna and cheddar bites are great high school snacks for a protein boost. Edamame, chickpea, and feta salad is also a good choice, offering plant-based protein and calcium.
Wholesome Homemade Snacks
Homemade snacks are quick and easy to make. They provide essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients for growing teens. Nut-free banana oatmeal muffins and cheese, apple, and grape skewers are tasty and healthy snacks for older kids.
Convenient Packaged Options
When time is tight, teen-friendly school snacks can be pre-made. Trail mix, granola bars, cheese sticks, and turkey sticks are protein-rich high school snacks that are easy to grab. Brands like Thunderbird, RXBAR, and Lärabar offer bars with low added sugar, making them good for teens.
By focusing on protein, healthy fats, complex carbs, and essential vitamins and minerals, parents can provide snacks for older kids that support their growth. With a bit of creativity, it’s simple to make or pack high school snacks that teens will enjoy.
Conclusion
It’s key to give kids healthy snacks that are easy to pack. Options like homemade muffins and energy balls are great. So are store-bought items like Larabars and whole grain crackers. These snacks keep kids energized and focused.
When packing snacks, whether for little kids or teens, there are many good choices. This article has lots of school snack ideas, healthy snacks for kids, and lunchbox snacks. Mixing homemade and store-bought snacks ensures your child stays energized all day.
Offering nutritious snacks is crucial for student success. With a bit of creativity and planning, your child will stay energized and ready to learn.
