11. Veggie chips
If you’re looking for a tasty way to get veggies into your kiddos, veggie chips might be a fun option to try as a school snack. Not all the nutrients from fresh vegetables are necessarily going to be maintained in chip form, but it presents veggies in a very kid-friendly way. I personally think the more kids see and experience veggies, the better.
12. Bean Puffs
A more nutritious option for puffed chips is bean-based puffs. You’ll find them made from a variety of types of beans that may be new to you, but that familiar satisfying crunch is absolutely there. Because they have more protein than your average puff, you’ll find kids are satisfied more quickly too.
13. Dry Cereal
Cereal is a perfect bite-size snack that offers endless options. Cereals shaped like O’s and mini whole-wheat or rice squares are perfect for snacking. Kids can get involved by making their own unique snack mix with several options. Look for whole-grain cereals with a lower added sugar content.
14. Hard-Boiled Egg
For a very affordable, nutritious school snack, look no further than hard-boiled eggs. They are a good source of complete protein and important nutrients for growing kids. They are also easy to prep ahead on the weekend and peel for easy snack packing throughout the week. For a little added flavor, sprinkle halved eggs with a dash of salt or sweet paprika.
15. Chips and Guacamole
Chips and guac are now portable enough to take as a school snack thanks to single-serve guacamole options. Pair them with whole-grain chips and you have a downright delightful and nutritious snack for kids.
16. Olives
Not only do kids love to stuff their fingers in the holes of olives, but they also love the flavor. Olives are a source of unsaturated fat and a wholesome school snack option. You can find them in single-serve cups or pouches, but the most affordable option is to portion them out yourself from a can.
17. Crunchy Chickpeas
Chickpeas take on a whole new personality when they are roasted and flavored. I personally love a good ranch-flavored crunchy chickpea. Look for store-bought brands, or you can easily make them yourself in the oven or air fryer.
18. Cucumber Slices and Hummus
When all other veggies are failing with my kids, cucumbers always come to the rescue! Crunchy, refreshing, and light in flavor, cucumbers are a great gateway veggie to use as a school snack. Pair them with single-serve hummus cups or even some ranch dressing for a snack win!
19. Cashews and Dried Cranberries
Not all kids like nuts, but many will be open to the delicious cashew nut. It’s a great way to build their base for whole-food snack options. Pair with dried cranberries for a sweet, salty, and tart combo that’s sure to please. A half ounce of nuts paired with 1-2 tablespoons of cranberries is a good starting point.
20. Jerky
Jerky is a great source of portable protein. It can help satisfy wild hunger at snack time. Some jerky can be pretty tough for little eaters, so look for brands with softer texture. You can also cut up strips into bite-size pieces that are easier to chew.
Now you are armed with ample school snack ideas and hopefully ready to continue strong throughout the school year.
References
- Gavin ML. “Snacks.” Nemours Kids Health. Available at: https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/snacking.html. Accessed on June 1, 2022.
- Shield JE. “When Should My Kids Snack?” Kids Eat Right. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Available at: https://www.eatright.org/food/nutrition/dietary-guidelines-and-myplate/when-should-my-kids-snack#:~:text=Snacks%20are%20good%20for%20kids,of%20snacks%20as%20mini%2Dmeals. Accessed on June 1, 2022.
