Finding snacks that are kid-friendly and healthy can seem like an endless quest for parents. As a mother of two children, I’m constantly searching for yummy yet healthy snacks for them.
Over the years, I’ve tried plenty of different snacks🥟, and I’m eager to share some of my favorite ones with you.
Best Healthy Snacks For Kids
These snacks have been put to the ultimate test of flavor by the picky palates of my children, from creative combinations to playful presentations!
Therefore, I’m confident you’ll find something here that your kids will like, whether you’re on the hunt for a quick and simple snack for them or something a little more special⤵️
Banana Slices with Almond Butter
Give your children a tasty and healthy snack with this quick and simple recipe. A good source of potassium and vitamin C are found in bananas 🍌, and protein and heart-healthy fats are found in almond butter.
🌻Pro Tip
For the best flavor and texture, consider using ripe bananas.
Sunflower seed butter or another nut-free butter can be used if you plan to make the above dish for a child who has a nut allergy.
Crispy Lentils
First, prepare lentils and then toss them with salt 🧂 and a tiny bit of oil.
On a baking sheet, spread out the lentils and bake at 400 degrees F for 15 to 20 minutes or until crispy.
I make this for my son quite frequently.
Veggie-Based Chips
Slice zucchini, sweet potatoes 🍠, and carrots very thinly. Then, combine them with olive oil, a dash of salt, and your preferred seasonings and bake for 20 to 25 minutes.
Kids can enjoy this as the ideal evening snack.
Raisin Snack Packs
Mix raisins, almonds, and whole-grain cereal in small bowls 🥣. For taste, mix in a pinch of cinnamon along with some honey. This serves as a delicious and energizing snack that kids will adore.
My son enjoys eating this when he gets home from playing.
Greek Yogurt with Honey
You only need to combine yogurt and honey 🍯. Both the Greek yogurt and the honey are excellent sources of natural sweetness as well as protein and calcium. For the best flavor and texture, use plain Greek yogurt.
My daughter loves eating this. 😊
Mini Vegetable Frittatas
Eggs 🥚, spinach, and a pinch of cheese 🧀 need to be whisked together. Bake at 375°F for 15 to 18 minutes after pouring into mini muffin tins.
I do not doubt that kids will absolutely love this. Alongside this, you can also serve milkshakes.
Fruits, Yogurt, and Spinach Smoothie
Blend a banana, some spinach, frozen mixed berries, and Greek yogurt. For more zing, add a little bit of citrus juice. Blend until smooth and creamy. Children won’t even notice the spinach in this dish, but they will love the vitamin-rich fruity goodness.
🌻Pro Tip
To increase the nutritional value, you can also include mild vegetables like cucumber or zucchini in addition to spinach.
The key is to introduce new flavors gradually. As their taste buds get used to the spinach, start with less and gradually add more.
Energy Balls
Roll the mixture of oats, peanut butter 🧈, honey, dried fruit, and nuts into balls. Serve them to kids. They are naturally sweetened and a good source of protein, fiber, and healthy fats.
To make it more mouthwatering, I also added some chocolate 🍫 chips, seeds, and other spices.
Cottage Cheese with Diced Fruit
In a bowl, mix cottage cheese with the diced fruits. Choose any fruit you want to use.
Add cinnamon and honey after that. Additionally, you can top the snack with additional ingredients like nuts, seeds, or granola.
Frozen Berries
Giving your kids this snack is an easy and fast means to provide them with a wholesome and delectable treat.
Frozen berries 🍒 are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Furthermore, they contain plenty of fiber, which can help kids feel full.
Homemade Fruit Popsicles
Blend up your favorite fruits, such as berries, mango 🥭, and kiwi 🥝. Pour them into popsicle molds and freeze for four hours. During their summer vacations, kids will adore these because they are hydrating, natural, and packed with vitamins.
Making his own popsicles would be a lot of fun for my son. 😃
Orange Segments
Sweet oranges should be peeled and segmented. Serve them out on a plate to the kids. These juicy orange 🍊 bites are an easy and nutritious nibble that kids will love at home or on the move.
Chicken Sammie
Cook and cut chicken tenders🍗 into slices and place them on mini whole-wheat buns. Add a lettuce leaf on top, followed by the melted cheddar.
To give it a zesty kick, add a dollop of honey mustard.
Trail Mix with Nuts and Dried Fruits
It only requires mixing nuts 🥜and dried fruits together in a bowl. Give your kids a tasty and nutritious snack they will love with this trail mix in just a few minutes.
It has a lot of fiber, protein, and good fats.
Popcorn
Simply pop some popcorn 🍿 and add melted white chocolate to it in a bowl.
My son and his friends enjoy watching movies and eating homemade popcorn together. It is one of the simplest yet healthiest snacks you can make for your children.
🌻Pro Tip
Allow children to mix and match different toppings for popcorn.
For kids with allergies, think about using toppings free of allergens like nutritional yeast or herbs.
Cheese Cubes or String Cheese
Use string cheese sticks or dice mild cheddar 🧀. They go well with baby carrots and bite-sized whole-wheat crackers.
This makes a great little snack platter for kids to enjoy a calcium- and protein-rich treat.
Tuna or Salmon Salad
In a bowl, mix the tuna or salmon, mayonnaise, celery, onion 🧅, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Use canned salmon or tuna that has been packed in water rather than oil.
To make the salad even more nutrient-dense, you can also include extras like hard-boiled eggs, avocado, or grapes.
Frozen Grapes
Grapes 🍇 without seeds should be washed and placed on a tray in a single layer and frozen until solid. These frozen treats resemble tiny grape sorbets.
They make an amazing munch that my son enjoys eating on hot days because they are sweet, icy, and cooling.
Sandwich
On whole wheat bread 🥪, spread cream cheese. Slices of cucumber, bell peppers, shredded carrots, and baby spinach can be laid out in layers. Add another piece of bread on top.
I pack them for my son’s school lunch by using cookie cutters to cut them into amusing shapes.
Bran Muffins
Combine in a bowl the bran cereal, whole wheat flour, baking powder, and a little cinnamon. Whisk milk 🥛, egg, and honey in a separate bowl.
After combining the dry and wet ingredients, gently fold in the fresh berries. After pouring the mixture into muffin tins, bake for 18 to 20 minutes.
Pickles
Children can enjoy pickles as a healthy and energizing snack. They are a good source of fiber and vitamins A and K. 😊
Pickles can be consumed either plain or dipped in hummus or yogurt. They can also be included in salads and sandwiches.
Berries
Berries, such as strawberries 🍓, blueberries 🫐, and raspberries, are a great source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that promote children’s overall health and growth.
They can be used in a variety of ways for your child’s snack.
Personally, I enjoy putting them in smoothies for my daughter.
Cheese and Crackers
This snack has a lot of protein and calcium. To keep things new, switch up the cheese and cracker 🍘 varieties.
You could, for instance, use mozzarella, Swiss, or cheddar cheese. You could also use pretzels, graham crackers, or saltine crackers.
Peanut Butter and Banana Quesadilla
On one tortilla half, spread the peanut butter and add freshly cut banana 🍌 slices.
The tortilla should be cooked in a pan over medium heat, folded in half, and cooked until golden brown on both sides.
Serve it to children after being cut into triangles.
Cottage Cheese with Diced Peaches
In a bowl, mix the cottage cheese, finely diced peaches, and honey. I serve this chilled to my son.
To keep things interesting ☺️, you can change the type of fruit you use. For a crunchier texture, you could also include some nuts or granola.
Steamed Broccoli Florets
For three to five minutes, or until they are tender, steam the broccoli florets in a pot of boiling water.
Before serving, drain the broccoli and give it a little time to cool.
This snack is a good source of vitamins C and K.
Greek Yogurt Ranch Dip
Combine Greek yogurt with a little dried dill, garlic powder 🧄, onion powder, and salt in a bowl. For more zing, add a little bit of lemon juice. Stir well and let cool.
Sliced Apples with Peanut Butter
Crispy apples 🍏 should be cut into wedges. Put one end in the smooth peanut butter. Add some berries or tiny chocolate chips for some added fun.
Along with protein and good fats, this combination offers a satisfying blend of crunchy, delicious, and creamy textures.
Jicama Fries
This snack is a delicious and healthy substitute for french fries. In addition, it is a good source of vitamins and fiber. To keep things exciting, switch up the seasonings.
As I season the jicama fries, my son enjoys helping me.
🌻Pro Tip
If children don’t like jicama right away, have patience. They might need a few tries before they start to enjoy it.
Try experimenting with various seasonings and ways to cook to find the flavor that your kids will enjoy the most.
Veggie Pita
Cut pockets out of pita bread. Fill with hummus, bell pepper, carrot 🥕, and cucumber slices 🥒. Sprinkle a bit of mozzarella on top.
This will be an instant hit with kids. Consider serving this with the kid’s favored dip for a little extra flavor.
Banana Oat Pancakes
In a bowl, combine two ripe bananas, 1 cup of oats, one egg, and a pinch of cinnamon. Scoop small pancakes into a hot skillet and cook them until golden.
Kids will love this tasty and nutritious snack when it is served with fresh berries and a drizzle of honey 🍯.
Sliced Bell Peppers with Guacamole
Bell peppers should be cut into strips. For a delightful dip, combine with smooth guacamole.
This is a tasty and nutritious snack full of vitamins and flavor that my son enjoys. I prepare this meal whenever his friends come over.
Chocolate Overnight Oats
Combine 1/2 cup rolled oats, one tablespoon cocoa powder, 1/2 cup milk 🥛, and one teaspoon of honey in a jar. Stir well, then chill for the night. A rich, chocolatey treat is ready to serve in the morning.
This hearty dish makes a satisfying evening snack.
Sliced Cucumbers with Yogurt Dip
Slice some fresh cucumbers 🥒. Serve with a tasty yogurt dip that you make by combining Greek yogurt, a dash of garlic powder, a pinch of dill, and a little bit of lemon 🍋 juice.
I enjoy the cooling crunch of the cucumbers in combination with the creamy dip just as much as my son does.
Baked Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potatoes 🍠should be cut into fries. Add paprika, a pinch of salt, and a drizzle of olive oil before tossing. Place in a baking pan and bake for 20 to 25 minutes.
When watching films, my son enjoys munching on them.
Whole Grain Pretzels
Take some whole-grain pretzels. To add flavor, serve with a spicy hummus or mustard dip.
These crunchy, bite-sized treats are full of fiber and enjoyable, making them the ideal anytime snack for kids.
Kale Chips
Remove the stems and tear the kale 🥬 leaves into small pieces. Add a dash of salt and sprinkle with olive oil.
Until the edges are crispy, bake for 10-15 minutes. These flavorful chips have a fulfilling crunch and are nutrient-rich.
Cottage Cheese
The ideal snack for children is cottage cheese 🧀. It is loaded with nutrients.
It can be consumed either plain or spiced with fruit or nuts. Apart from that, it can be used in dishes like smoothies, dips, and casseroles.
Strawberry Overnight Oats
1/2 cup rolled oats, 1/2 cup milk, 1/4 cup Greek yogurt, and a few sliced strawberries should all be combined in a jar. Use honey or maple syrup to sweeten. Mix well, then place in the refrigerator for the night.
This is something my daughter enjoys 😁 and I occasionally include it in her diet.
Protein Bar
Combine the chocolate chips 🍪, honey, oats, and peanut butter 🧈. Place the mixture in a tiny loaf pan and freeze. Serve kids after cutting into bars.
You can encourage your children to eat their protein and healthy fats by giving them this snack.
Kiwi Slices
Kids can enjoy kiwi 🥝 slices as a tasty and healthy snack. They are an excellent source of fiber, potassium, and vitamin C.
Slices of kiwi can be consumed plain or dipped in honey or yogurt. You can also add them in salads, smoothies, and muesli.
Frozen Mango Chunks
Kids can enjoy a cool and nutritious snack of frozen mango 🥭 chunks.
Chunks of frozen mango can be consumed straight from the freezer or added to yogurt, cereal, or smoothies. They are also an ideal way to stay refreshed on a warm day.
Pancakes
Pancakes 🥞 are a tasty and wholesome snack that kids are going to love regardless of how you prepare them.
They can be topped with a variety of healthy components, including fruit or nuts, and they are an excellent supply of carbohydrates, which can give kids energy.
🌻Pro Tip
To create a more balanced snack, serve pancakes with a protein-rich food, such as yogurt or scrambled eggs 🍳.
Try varying the textures; for instance, add a sprinkle of cereal that has been crumbed for crunch.
Rice Cakes with Nut Butter
Over rice cakes, spread your preferred nut butter, like peanut butter or almond butter. Add chunks of banana 🍌 or a drizzle of honey for some added fun.
My son adores these stacks of crunchy and creamy rice cakes, which are filling and high in protein.
Flavored Water with Slices of Citrus Fruits
Cold water should be put in a pitcher. Citrus fruits like orange 🍊, lemon 🍋, and lime slices should be added. Give it some time to infuse in the refrigerator. Pour this cool treat into colorful cups.
I don’t add ice cubes🧊 when I serve this to my daughter.
Tuna and Crackers
A traditional, tasty, and wholesome snack is tuna and crackers. While crackers offer carbs and fiber, tuna is an ideal source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids.
You can include this snack in your child’s diet after they have engaged in some physical activity.
Salsa with Veggie Sticks
Kids will enjoy 😀 this nutritious and delectable snack of salsa with vegetable sticks. Veggie sticks offer fiber and nutrients, while salsa is a great option for antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
Get children to eat their fruits and vegetables with this delicious snack.
Mini Whole Grain Muffins
Mini whole grain muffins are a tasty and nutritious snack. You can prepare them from a wide range of ingredients, such as fruits, vegetables, and nuts. They are full of fiber and nutrients.
This is one of my son’s favorite school lunches.
Frozen Yogurt Bites
Place small dollops of yogurt (flavored with strawberry, vanilla, etc.) on a baking sheet. If desired, add teeny fruit fragments and freeze. These tiny, creamy treats are ideal for a quick bite to eat or dessert. They are cool and tangy.
Mixed Fruit Salad
Kids will enjoy the healthy and delectable snack of mixed fruit salad. It can be made with a variety of fruits, including apples 🍏, bananas, grapes, strawberries 🍓, and blueberries, and is an effective source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
Pistachios
Give out a bowl of shelled pistachios. This satisfying and entertaining snack is enjoyable to crack open.
Pistachios are an excellent snack option for kids because of their all-natural goodness, which offers a balanced amount of protein and good fats.
Black Bean Dip with Carrot Sticks
Blend garlic 🧄, lime juice, a dash of cumin, and canned black beans until smooth. With carrot sticks for dipping, serve it.
A weighted and delicious snack that is high in fiber and vitamins is provided by this flavorful dip and crisp carrot sticks.
Baked Apple Slices with Cinnamon
Children are sure to love the healthy and tasty snack of baked apple 🍎 slices with cinnamon. They are an excellent source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, as well as antioxidants.
Particularly because of the cinnamon aroma, my son loves this.
Baby Carrots with Hummus
Use your preferred hummus recipe or purchase hummus from a store.
Clean and trim the baby carrots 🥕. In a bowl or on a plate, present the hummus and baby carrots. For a savory snack, you could also add some gammon or bacon.
Let the kids eat the hummus-dipped baby carrots.
Grape Tomatoes
Grape tomatoes should be cleaned and put in a bowl. Add a dash of olive oil and a pinch of salt. Kids can eat these sweet, bite-sized tomatoes by the handful.
They make a simple and wholesome snack that is bursting with flavor and vitamins.
Celery Sticks with Cream Cheese
Add soft cream cheese to celery sticks. For more flavor, add some herbs or a dash of pepper. This snack is filling, low in calories, and high in crunch, thanks to the combination of crispy and creamy ingredients. 😊
My son happily eats this treat.
Celery with Peanut Butter and Raisins
While peanut butter 🧈 is a good source of both protein and good fats, celery is a suitable source of fiber.
The raisins provide crunch and sweetness. To give it more flavor, I would even add some nuts.
Mango Spears
Kids will enjoy the healthy and delectable snack of mango 🥭 spears. Vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants are all present in mangoes in sufficient quantities.
For additional flavor and crunch, you can garnish the mango spears with chopped nuts or seeds.
Low-fat Milk or Milk Alternatives
Pour some low-fat milk or a milk substitute like almond, soy, or oat milk into a glass 🥛. It’s a traditional and healthy choice to keep kids healthy and strong because it’s packed with vital vitamins and minerals like calcium and vitamin D.
My son likes milk and cocoa together.
🌻Pro Tip
Milk can be frothed to create a creamy texture that children might find appealing. To make it more enticing to the eye, serve in vibrant cups or mugs. Milk can even be enjoyed as a calming snack while reading a book or a story.
No Bake Granola Bites
These tasty, high-energy snacks feature chewy oats, sweet honey 🍯, smooth nut butter, and a little bit of chocolate in a delightful combination of flavors and textures.
They are ideal as a lunchbox surprise or for quick snacks while traveling.
Hard-Boiled Eggs
A quick and simple way to encourage kids to eat their protein is with this snack. It is also a good source of minerals and vitamins. You can serve the eggs 🥚with mustard dipping sauce.
Guacamole with Whole Wheat Tortilla Chips
In a bowl, mix the avocados 🥑 with the onion, tomato, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Let the kids assist you in chopping the vegetables and mashing the avocados.
Serve the snack with various shapes of whole wheat tortilla chips, including triangles, scoops, and sticks.
Pineapple Chunks
Slice up some chunks of fresh pineapple 🍍. For an entertaining presentation, skewer them onto toothpicks or tiny sticks. These succulent pineapple bites offer a taste of the tropics with each bite and are bursting with natural sweetness and vitamins.
This is a quick treat that my son enjoys while playing. 😌
Whole Wheat Pita with Hummus
A whole wheat pita should be cut in half. Put a thick, creamy layer of hummus inside. Cucumber slices 🥒, bell pepper strips, and fresh spinach leaves should all be added.
Kids will surely enjoy a tasty, fiber-rich snack that is also satisfying by stuffing it like a pocket.
Conclusion
Kids can be very picky when it comes to their favorite foods. There are numerous ways to enrich their diet with nutrients while still making the food scrumptious.
These were a few snacks I’ve tried with my kids. Which snacks will you try with your children? Share your thoughts 💭 in the comments section.
I’m a former teacher (and mother of Two Childs) with a background in child development. Here to help you with play-based learning activities for kids. ( Check my Next startup Cledemy.Com)