As a parent, it can be tough to balance your kids’ cravings for tasty snacks against what’s healthiest for them. Don’t worry, you’re in the right place for healthy after-school snack ideas!
A lot of after-school snacks on the market today are packed with fillers and unnecessary sugars. While these can be a good treat from time to time, having other snacks on hand is vital!
This list is packed with twenty-five delicious after-school snack ideas for kids (that also happen to be good for them). Let’s figure out your snacks for the week together.
1. Carrot Cake Energy Bites
First thing’s first: energy bites. These are my personal go-to for a midday pick-me-up, but they’re great for kids too! These taste like carrot cake, so they’re a little sweet.
You can whip up a big batch of these healthy snacks at the start of a week and have them waiting in the pantry for when your kids get home.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 34
- Fats: 3g
- Protein: 1g
- Carbs: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
2. Flourless Pumpkin Bars
This is by far one of my favorite high-protein sweet snacks. It’s sweet enough but not too sweet.
On top of it, I’ve made it with absolutely no flour and with protein powder. Which makes it for an awesome protein source with all the satisfaction.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 133
- Fats: 5.8g
- Protein: 7g
- Carbs: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 11g
3. Goat Cheese Stuffed Dates
Looking for something filling yet tasty? These goat cheese stuffed dates will do the trick. They’re sweet like candy and have a lot of great texture to keep the kids interested.
You can even teach your kids how to make these for themselves (depending on how old they are).
Per Serving:
- Calories: 123
- Fats: 3.7g
- Protein: 2.8g
- Carbs: 22g
- Fiber: 2.3g
- Sugar: 19g
4. Cheddar Cheese Bites
Looking for something savory to get your kids through the afternoon slump? These cheddar cheese bites work great as lunchbox snacks or after-school treats.
One batch will last for a few days in an airtight container, so it’s easy to prepare these ahead of time.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 103
- Fats: 8.3g
- Protein: 5.6g
- Carbs: 1.9g
- Fiber: 0.8g
- Sugar: 0.4g
5. Banana Oatmeal Cookies
I haven’t met a kid who didn’t love a great chocolate chip cookie, but what if you could make a healthier version? This banana and oatmeal version is much better for them (and more filling).
These effortlessly add fiber, potassium, and essential vitamins to your kids’ diets under the guise of a chocolate chip cookie.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 167
- Fats: 3.3g
- Protein: 4.1g
- Carbs: 26g
- Fiber: 3.9g
- Sugar: 12g
6. 5-Ingredient Cashew Energy Balls
Looking for something quick and easy your kids will love? These healthy cashew energy balls only need five ingredients. You can make a batch in about ten minutes.
Best of all, one batch makes about thirty energy balls, so it will last you for a while!
Per Serving:
- Calories: 58
- Fats: 1.6g
- Protein: 1.2g
- Carbs: 6.1g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 3.9g
7. Baked Apple Chips
Chips are a go-to after-school snack for many parents, but they’re not the healthiest choice every day. Why not switch things up with some baked apple chips?
These are a healthy snack both you and the kids will love. Plus, they’re super easy to make at home.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 6.5
- Fats: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Carbs: 1.7g
- Fiber: 0.3g
- Sugar: 1.3g
8. Spicy Roasted Chickpeas
The more protein in a snack, the more likely it will keep your kids fuller for longer. That’s why these spicy roasted chickpeas are a great choice for the little ones.
You can whip up a big batch of these ahead of time to keep in the pantry. When your kids want something salty and crunchy, this is the solution!
Per Serving:
- Calories: 183
- Fats: 4.9g
- Protein: 9g
- Carbs: 27g
- Fiber: 5.5g
- Sugar: 4.6g
9. Broccoli Cheese Bites
Why not help your kids eat their vegetables while feeding them a mouthwatering snack? These broccoli and cheese bites are the perfect way to sneak some extra greens into their diets.
Serve with a side of tomato sauce, and they’ll chow down in no time.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 43
- Fats: 0.3g
- Protein: 2.2g
- Carbs: 4.8g
- Fiber: 1.2g
- Sugar: 0.2g
10. Applesauce Oatmeal Cookies
Source: theroastedroot.net
Oatmeal cookies are already a great afterschool snack, but these applesauce versions are even better for your little ones! This recipe uses no processed sugar, relying on applesauce instead.
The result is a batch of chewy, fragrant cookies that won’t spike their blood sugar. This is one of the best healthy snacks for picky eaters!
Per Serving:
- Calories: 111
- Fats: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbs: 17g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
11. Cinnamon Raisin Tortilla Pinwheels
Source: foodmeanderings.com
Keep snack time interesting with these adorable tortilla pinwheels! These are a quick and healthy snack for kids that will hit on everything they love.
While there are vegetables in this recipe, the main focus is the delicious trio of cinnamon, cream cheese, and raisins. Sweet, creamy, and super quick to make.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 81
- Fats: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Carbs: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 1g
12. Chocolate Bliss Bites
Source: goodiegoodielunchbox.com.au
Bliss bites are another go-to after-school snack, but many bliss bite recipes contain nuts. If one of your little ones has a nut allergy, then this healthy sweet snack recipe is for you.
These are chocolate bliss bites that are basically like little chocolate truffles (that just so happen to be healthy).
Per Serving:
- Calories: 103
- Fats: 2.4g
- Protein: 2.3g
- Carbs: 19.4g
- Fiber: 2.6g
- Sugar: 12.1g
13. Spinach Muffins for Toddlers
Source: mykidslickthebowl.com
Get your toddlers to eat their spinach with these adorable spinach muffins! Bright green, fluffy, and absolutely delicious, these muffins are an easy sell for hungry tots.
A batch of these muffins comes together in no time at all. So, you won’t be stuck in the kitchen when you could be hanging out with your little ones.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 173
- Fats: 7g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbs: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 5g
14. Microwave Cinnamon Apples
Source: gingercasa.com
That’s right, sometimes making a great snack is as easy as switching on the microwave. These microwave cinnamon apples taste like apple pie filling (without the extra sugar.
During Fall, when apple picking season is at its highest, this is a great way to get the little ones excited to eat something healthy.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 187
- Fats: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Carbs: 50g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 43g
15. Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars
Source: inspiringsavings.com
Kids love snack bars, especially when they’re a little sweet. But the ones you can buy from the store are typically full of sugar and other fillers that aren’t great for growing tots.
In that case, why not try these peanut butter cheerio bars? Nutty, sweet, and homemade, these will get your kids excited for snack time. You might even sneak a couple of these.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 249
- Fats: 13g
- Protein: 6g
- Carbs: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 21g
16. Oatmeal Date Bars
Source: hellospoonful.com
If you don’t want to use Cheerios, these oatmeal date bars are another great option. With no added sugar, no gluten, and no dairy, these bars are a delicious treat any kid can eat.
Not only that, but you can make a full batch of them and have them waiting at home for when your kids arrive. Easy, quick, and super healthy.
This is an easy on-the-go healthy snack to grab on your way out the door on a busy day with your family!
Per Serving:
- Calories: 284
- Fats: 15g
- Protein: 8g
- Carbs: 32g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 15g
17. Vegetable Chips
Source: nutriciously.com
Potato chips are delicious, but they’re generally high in sodium and a little too addictive to be an every day after-school snack. That’s why I love these vegetable chips!
They’re just as crunchy and delicious, but they offer an easy way to incorporate some nutrients into your little ones’ diets.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 92
- Fats: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Carbs: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 9g
18. Banana Protein Muffins
Source: hauteandhealthyliving.com
Whether you’re serving afterschool snacks or need a quick breakfast for the little ones, these banana protein muffins are perfect. Rich, satisfying, and low in sugar.
Not to mention, you can whip up a batch in just half an hour!
Per Serving:
- Calories: 174
- Fats: 5g
- Protein: 9g
- Carbs: 23g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 7g
19. Banana Bliss Balls
Source: seasonalcravings.com
When it comes to snacking, nothing beats a chocolate-drizzled bliss ball. These are a sweet yet wholesome snack that will satisfying your kids’ sweet cravings.
If you’re struggling to get your little ones to enjoy wholesome snacks, this is a great place to start.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 303
- Fats: 23g
- Protein: 5g
- Carbs: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 12g
20. Banana and Pear Muffins
Source: thelittlestcrumb.com
Banana and pear is an unbeatable combination. Refreshing, fragrant, and super filling, these muffins are everything you need to satisfy your kids’ appetites.
Send these muffins along to school, serve them after school, or even use them to kick off the day.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 252
- Fats: 14.3g
- Protein: 4.2g
- Carbs: 29g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 9g
21. No-Bake Oatmeal Bites
Source: thefoodblog.net
No-bake snacks are some of the best after school snacks because they come together so quickly. That’s why I love these no-bake oatmeal bites.
Customize them to suit what your kids love, but make sure to include some protein like a nut butter to keep them wholesome!
Check out these healthy bedtime snacks as well!
Per Serving:
- Calories: 141
- Fats: 10g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbs: 11g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 6g
22. Date Bars
Source: kitchenathoskins.com
Dates are one of the best dried fruits you can rely on when feeding little ones. They’re sweet, filling, and easy to incorporate into a variety of snacks.
These date bars are a great example of how to nail snack time!
Per Serving:
- Calories: 263
- Fats: 17g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbs: 35g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 27g
23. Strawberry Popsicles
Source: thefoodblog.net
When summer rolls around and all your kids want is a sugar-filled popsicle, these might be your saving grace. Delicious strawberry popsicles you can whip up in mere minutes.
One batch will make about six popsicles, all without any ultra-processed ingredients!
Per Serving:
- Calories: 21
- Fats: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Carbs: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
24. Homemade Kind Nut Bars
Source: hungryhealthyhappy.com
While nut bars are a great source of healthy fats and protein, the ones from the store are usually sugar-packed. These wholesome nut bars are easy to make at home and kind to your kids’ blood sugar.
By choosing this recipe, you can adjust it over time to suit what your kids like. That way, you’ll always have the perfect snack waiting.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 184
- Fats: 14g
- Protein: 5g
- Carbs: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 7g
25. Baked Za’atar Pita Chips
Source: dancingthroughtherain.com
Finally, I’ll never get enough of baked pita chips! These are a wonderful alternative to bagel bites or potato chips. They’re wholesome and full of fiber, but your kids will also love the taste.
Serve them with a side of a healthy dip like guacamole for a balanced after school snack.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 118
- Fats: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Carbs: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 0g