25 Easy And Healthy Snacks For Kids
Snacks are quick bites that kids love more than any other food. But for a mom, making a variety of snacks is a daily challenge.
Whether you are looking for healthy snacks, gluten free, vegan, high protein, low cal, low carb, sweet, savoury, fruit fudge, low sugar or more snacks, we have them covered here. Read on as we share some really creative, easy and quick to prepare, and healthy snacks for kids.
In This Article
25 Easy And Healthy Snacks For Children
School Snacks For Kids
Most kids hate eating in school. Pack such irresistible snacks that even the pickiest child can’t refuse to eat.
1. Pizza toast bread
This is one of the easiest ways to make pizza bread snack for the little one. You may pack these up as the perfect school snack.
You will need:
- 6 slices of bread
- 1 cup of pizza sauce
- 1tbsp of parsley
- ½ a cup of mini pepperonis
How to cook:
1. Preheat your oven to 350oF.
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the bread slices on it. Spread the pizza sauce on the slices.
3. Top it with mini pepperonis and mozzarella and put it in the oven.
4. Bake until the cheese melts and the pepperoni becomes slightly crispy.
5. Garnish the awesome pizza bread with some freshly chopped parsley and parmesan.
Prep time: 1min
Cooking time: 5min
Servings: 4 to 6
Nutritional value: Calories – 242, protein – 24g, fat – 25g, carbs – 60
2. Apple cinnamon roll-ups
Bring a twist to everyone’s favorite snack in a homely style. These soft and fluffy tasty rolls make a great feast for the eyes.
You will need:
- 4 cups of apples nicely peeled and chopped
- 2tbsp of granulated sugar
- 1tsp cinnamon
- 1tbsp lemon juice
- 2tbsp granulated sugar
How to cook:
- Preheat the oven to 350oF. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and grease it lightly using cooking spray.
- Take a saucepan and put in the apples, lemon juice, sugar, cinnamon, and water.
- Let it come to a boil and then simmer it for about 15 minutes until the apples start breaking and the water is almost evaporated.
- Transfer it to a food processor and blend it to a smooth mixture.
- Spread this mixture on the prepared baking sheet and bake it for about 3 to 4 hours until it has dried out and the stickiness is gone.
- Take a paring knife and cut the strips vertically and then roll them up.
Prep time: 10min
Cooking time: 3 to 4hr
Servings: 4 to 6
Nutritional value: Calories – 592, fat – 10g, cholesterol – 0mg, carbs – 90g, protein – 34g
[ Read: High Protein Snacks For Kids ]
3. Peanut butter fox toast
Here’s the most delicious and good-looking toast of peanut butter.
You will need:
- 4 slices of toasted wheat bread
- 1 cup of whipped cream cheese
- 1 banana, sliced round
- 1 cup of peanut butter
- 1tbsp honey
- 8 strawberries, sliced
- 4 fresh blueberries
- 8 almonds, sliced
- 10 chocolate chips
How to cook:
- Take a bowl and mix the cream cheese and honey.
- Spread the mixture on the toasts evenly while leaving a V shape in the top part.
- Spread the peanut butter in that part.
- Place two bananas slices (for the fox eyes) on the top of each toast. Put the chocolate chips on top of the bananas. Put a slice of almond over each eye (for the eyebrows).
- Put a blueberry on the center to make the nose. Put a strawberry on each side of the top part of the toast to make the ears.
Prep time: 1min
Cooking time: 5 to 6min
Servings: 4
Nutritional value: Calories – 441, fat – 9g, cholesterol – 5mg, protein – 28g
4. Banana penguins
These penguins are just yum! Your kids are not going to leave any back home. This recipe can be a fun food craft, which your kid will love to make and then eat it too.
You will need:
- 6 bananas, peeled
- 1 cup of melted chocolate
- 25 candy eyes
- 36 orange M&Ms
- 1tbsp of melted coconut oil
How to cook:
- Mix the melted chocolate and coconut oil in a bowl.
- Take a clean food brush and apply the chocolate-oil mix on the top part of the banana. Then apply a bit of it in the bottom part too.
- Put some melted chocolate as dots on the bananas to make the eyes. Place the candy eyes.
- Use orange M&Ms for feet and nose. Give it a healthier twist by substituting with dried carrots or apricots
- Freeze them for 20 minutes.
Prep time: 1min
Cooking time: 30min
Servings: 12
Nutritional value: Calories – 140, fat – 5g, cholesterol – 25mg, carbs – 22g, protein – 2g
5. Ham-cheese pinwheels
This beautifully styled pinwheels will make your child dive into them any day. The tasty soft rolls will bring your child back for more, we bet.
You will need:
- 1 tube crescent roll dough of 8oz
- 2tbsp of dijon mustard
- ½ lb deli sliced ham
- 8oz Swiss cheese, sliced
- 4tbsp melted butter
- 1tsp poppy seeds
- 2tbsp freshly chopped parsley
- ¼tsp garlic powder
How to cook:
- Preheat the oven to 350oF.
- Grease a baking pan with some cooking spray.
- Use a lightly floured surface to unroll the dough and cut them into rectangles.
- Pinch the perforations to seal them.
- Spread mustard in each of the rectangles and top with cheese and ham.
- Start with the short side and roll the rectangles up. Pinch the edges again to seal.
- Cut the rolls into five to six slices. Place the cut side up in the baking pan.
- Whisk melted butter, parsley and garlic powder in a bowl.
- Brush over the pinwheels and sprinkle some poppy seeds on the top.
- Now, bake your pinwheels for about 15 minutes until they are nice and golden.
Prep time: 1min
Cooking time: 20min
Servings: 6
Nutritional value: Calories – 694, fat – 24g, cholesterol – 40mg, protein – 29g, carbs – 100g
[ Read: Bread Recipes For Kids ]
Evening And Afternoon Snacks
Afternoon snacks or evening bites must not be too filling but satisfy an immediate hunger. We suggest that a small nutritious snack to be eaten few hours before the dinner to manage the sudden hunger pangs and at the same time help in eating the dinner on time. Try our splendid snack recipes for kids.
6. Peanut butter apple nachos
Apple nachos with a combination of yum peanut butter make the perfect snack for kids. This can be a quick breakfast snack too. Apples with peanut butter is not only a tasty snack and keeps you feel full for longer but also packs fiber, protein, and other nutrients for the body.
You will need:
- 2 apples (preferably Granny Smith) cut and deseeded
- 1tbsp dried cranberries
- 2tbsp granola
- ¼ cup warm peanut butter
How to cook:
- Slice the apples.
- Spread warm peanut butter on the slices.
- Sprinkle dried cranberries and granola.
Prep time: 1min
Cooking time: 1min
Servings: 2
Nutritional value: Calories – 87, fat – 6g, cholesterol – 0mg, carbs – 8g, protein – 2g
7. Peanut candy bars
Candy bars with salty peanut make the perfect crunchy snack. To munch on, these are healthy, easy to make and store.
You will need:
- 3 cups cereal (Cap’n Crunch)
- 1 ½ cups pretzel sticks
- One bag 11oz caramel candies
- ¾ cup cocktail peanuts
- ¼ cup peanut butter
- 2tbsp cream
- 1 cup melted dark chocolate chips
How to cook:
1. Grease a baking pan and line up using parchment paper.
2. Mix crushed pretzel sticks, cereal, and chopped peanuts in a bowl.
3. Add caramel candies, peanut butter and cream, and cook them on medium-low temperature.
4. Heat it for about 15 minutes until the mixture is smooth. Keep stirring occasionally.
5. Pour in the cereal mixture and mix.
6. Transfer the mixture into a prepared pan and chill it for about one hour to let it set.
7. Cut the set into 12 bars.
8. Sprinkle the bar with warm melted chocolate.
9. Let them stand for an hour until the chocolate is nicely set.
Prep time: 3min
Cooking time: 15-17min
Servings: 12
Nutritional value: Calories – 440, fat – 220g, protein – 12g, carbs – 50g, cholesterol – 0mg
8. Choco chia shake
Chia seeds are energy boosters, and chocolate shake is an all-time favorite for kids. This one is loaded with taste, fiber, omega 3 fatty acids, antioxidants and energy.
You will need:
- 100g Greek yogurt
- 1 banana
- 500ml milk
- 1tbsp cocoa powder (unsweetened)
- 1tsp honey
- 1tbsp chia seeds
- 1/2tsp vanilla extract
How to cook:
- Blend all the ingredients in a food processor and blitz them until it is fine and smooth.
- Put it in the refrigerator and wait until it’s slightly chilled.
- Serve immediately.
Prep time: 2min
Cooking time: 2min
Servings: 1
Nutritional value: Calories – 114, fat – 10g, cholesterol – 0mg, carbs – 12g
(For a dairy free version, substitute with almond/soy/oats/coconut milk and dairy free yogurt )
9. Coconut cashew butter bonbons
These no-bake coconut bonbons are creamy, healthy and delicious.
You will need:
- 1 cup rice cereal
- 2tbsp maple syrup
- ¼tsp sea salt
- ½ cup cashew butter
- ¼ cup coconut, shredded
- Cocoa powder (optional)
How to cook:
- Mix the cashew butter, salt, cereal and pure maple syrup in a bowl.
- Make 12 balls of 1½ in from the mixture.
- Roll these balls in shredded coconut.
- You may sprinkle some cocoa powder too.
- Take an airtight container and refrigerate them for 5-6 days.
Prep time: 5min
Cooking time: 15min
Servings: 12
Nutritional value: Calories – 86, cholesterol – 0mg, carbs – 9g, fat – 6g, protein – 3g
10. Sweet potato hummus
Hummus with a twist and the right balance of flavors is sure to appeal your kid’s taste buds.
You will need:
- 2 cups sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 cup chickpeas, cooked
- 2tbsp tahini paste
- 2tbsp extra-virgin oil
- 1 garlic clove
- 2tbsp lemon juice
How to cook:
- Preheat your oven to 350oF.
- Take a flat glass pan and spread the sweet potato evenly.
- Bake it for 25 minutes.
- Once done, take it out and let it cool.
- Once it’s cool, blend the sweet potato and the other ingredients in a food processor.
- Your kid can spread it on bread or crispbread, or pita wedges or veggies.
Prep time: 10min
Cooking time: 25min
Servings: 4
Nutritional value: Calories – 220, fat – 15g, cholesterol – 10mg, carbs – 21g, protein – 5g
Though it looks simple, it is packed with vitamins B, A and C and minerals.
Vegan Snacks For Kids
Your kid’s vegan diet can go the right way with these easy, healthy, nutritious, and creative snack recipes.
11. Vinegar and sea salt crackers
It’s a simple vegan recipe with a burst of flavors for your kid.
You will need:
- 3tbsp aquafaba
- Salt
- 1½ tbsp white vinegar
- 2 cups of almond or wheat flour
How to cook:
- Preheat the oven to 350oF.
- Place parchment paper on a baking pan.
- Mix aquafaba, vinegar and flour in a bowl to make the dough.
- The mixture will look dry initially, so continue stirring.
- Use a floured surface, take the dough and roll it. Keep it as thin as possible. It will add to the crispiness. (take care to put more flour so that you can peel the thin cracker away from the parchment paper).
- Cut them into round or square shapes and transfer into the baking sheet.
- Using a fork, poke the crackers to make small holes. It gives a rustic look too.
- Sprinkle some sea salt for seasoning.
- Bake it for 10 to 15 minutes until both sides are crispy and nice light brown (while baking, keep turning them halfway for evenness on each side).
Prep time: 15min
Cooking time: 20min
Servings: 2
Nutritional value: In 30g crackers: calories – 130, fat – 4.5g, carbs – 21g, protein – 2g
This easy pizza toast bread is the ultimate 5-minute treat and you may use any toppings of your kid’s choice to make it irresitble for them.
12. Strawberry coconut popsicles
These creamy and refreshing strawberry snacks burst with flavors.
You will need:
- 1 cup strawberries
- 2 bananas, sliced
- 1 can full-fat coconut milk
- 3tbsp maple syrup
How to cook:
- Blend the bananas, strawberries, pure maple syrup and coconut milk in a blender until it is smooth.
- Pour the mixture into popsicle molds.
- Put popsicle sticks carefully in the molds.
- Freeze the mixture for about 8 hours.
- If required, thaw it a little before you serve.
Prep time: 10min
Cooking time: Half a day
Servings: 10
Nutritional value: Calories – 40, fat – 0g, carbs – 10g, cholesterol – 0mg, sugars – 10g
13. Smoked vegetable sushi rolls
If your kid has chucked rice for lunch, they can have yum sushis for snacks.
You will need:
- 1oz baked and smoked tofu
- 4 red bell peppers
- 1 sheet toasted nori
- 1/4 ripe avocado, sliced
For sushi rice:
- 2/3 cup of sushi rice
- 3/4 cup of water
- 3/4tsp salt
- 1tbsp rice vinegar
How to cook:
- Rinse the rice under cold water for 2 minutes.
- Put it in a saucepan with the other ingredients and heat it to a simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Remove it from heat and allow it to sit for some more minutes.
- Keep the noris with its non-shiny side up.
- Place the rice, avocado, bell pepper, tofu and cucumber pieces across the noris and roll them up.
- Wet the end inch of noris to make a good seal for the sushi roll.
- Cut them into eight pieces.
Prep time: 10min
Cooking time: 10min
Servings: 3
Nutritional value: Calories – 144, fat – 7g, carbs – 8g, protein – 7g
14. Avocado crackers
This is a zesty, salty and refreshing snack bringing instant happiness on a plate.
You will need:
- Avocadoes
- 1tbsp cilantro
- 2tbsp low-sodium salsa
- 1 crispbread, large
How to cook:
- Mash avocado in a bowl and spread it evenly on top of the crispbread.
- Top it up with some salsa.
- Sprinkle some fresh cilantro and serve.
Prep time: 10min
Cooking time: 10min
Servings: 2
Nutritional value: Calories – 76, fat – 4g, carbs – 10g, cholesterol – 0mg, protein – 1g
15. Citrus infused strawberries
A little acidity with strawberries is an inviting snack idea. It is an appropriate heart-healthy, low-cal, low-carb, low-cholesterol, low-sodium recipe.
You will need:
- 1lb strawberries
- 1tsp lemon juice
- 2tbsp sugar
- 1tbsp orange liqueur, like Grand Marnier
How to cook:
- Mix the sugar, lemon juice, strawberries and liqueur in a bowl.
- Let it stand for about 15 minutes.
- Stir it once in between.
Prep time: 5min
Cooking time: 20min
Servings: 1
Nutritional value: Calories – 73, carbs – 17g, cholesterol – 0mg, protein – 1g
[ Read: Finger Foods For Kids ]
Fruit Snacks For Kids
If you want to give your kiddo their daily dose of fruits as a snack, here are the perfect recipes to try.
16. Fruit fudge
An all-time favorite finger food, fruit fudge is healthy, refreshing, attractive and tasty. It is packed with a lot of energy too.
You will need:
- 1 banana
- 1 avocado
- 4/5 strawberries
- Vanilla essence
- 1tsp powdered cinnamon
- Pistachios (optional) or some more variety of nuts to make it into a fruit & nut fudge.
How to cook:
- Blend all these ingredients in a food processor.
- Freeze them for about 2 to 3 hours and let it sit.
- Add popsicle sticks in them before freezing, if you do not want to cut them into pieces.
- Top up with chopped pistachios (optional).
- Alternatively, you can also serve it as a puree.
Prep time: 5min
Cooking time: 5min
Servings: 6
Nutritional value: Calories – 115, carbs – 14.5g, fat – 6g, protein – 1g
17. Grape parfait
Parfaits are refreshing, and an instant healthy snack for kids. The yogurt gives sweetness and grapes add to the sour taste and the crunch comes from the muesli.
You will need:
- 3/4th cup Greek yogurt
- 1tbsp honey
- 1/2 cup red grapes
- 50g muesli
- 1/2 cup green grapes
- Mint sprigs
- Cherries
How to cook:
- Take six 250ml glasses and put fresh Greek yogurt first.
- Then, add 3 quarters of muesli.
- Layer the green grapes, add a dollop of yogurt, red grapes, yogurt and remaining muesli.
- Garnish it with fresh mint leaves and cherries.
- Drizzle a little bit of honey on top and serve.
Prep time: 5min
Cooking time: 5min
Servings: 2
Nutritional value: Per serving: Calories – 135, fat – 0.9g, cholesterol – 7.5mg, carbs – 35g, proteins -11g
18. Mango coconut granita
Mango granita is a perfect treat for your kids. It is a delightful and healthy sweet snack.
You will need:
- 1/2tsp coconut essence
- 500ml mango nectar or 500g canned mango
- 60ml coconut milk
How to cook:
- Combine the ingredients and pour into a metal pan.
- Refrigerate it for 2 to 3 hours.
- Take it out and break the mixture with a fork.
- After scraping, put it back in the fridge for one more hour.
- Break the mixture again after an hour.
- Repeat this process every 30 minutes until the granita is frozen and crystal-like.
- Once done, put a plastic wrap cover.
- Scrape or fluff it before serving.
Prep time: 10min
Cooking time: 4-5hrs
Servings: 6
Nutritional value: Per serving: Calorie – 8, fat – 0.09g, carbs – 1.58g, protein – 0.27
[ Read: Egg Recipes For Kids ]
Low-carb Snacks For Kids
Low carb snacks taste fantastic, cook in a jiffy and involve no complex ingredients.
19. Peanut butter cookies
No-bake cookies are easy and yummy for an everyday snack. Kids relish chocolate and love the peanut butter, so these soft and tasty cookies make a perfect choice for them.
You will need:
- 1/2 cup chocolate cookies
- 3/4 cup peanut butter
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup low-fat milk
- 1 3/4 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- 1tsp vanilla extract
How to cook:
- In a pan, heat peanut butter, sugar, milk, and butter over medium-high heat.
- Keep stirring until the sugar granules and butter melt.
- Add in the oats and vanilla essence.
- Put some chocolate chips after the mixture cools down to room temperature.
- Pour the dough in a baking sheet and press them into small balls.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes until they are firm.
Prep time: 25min
Cooking time: 1hr
Servings: 4
Nutritional value: Calories – 105, fat – 6g, carbs – 9g, protein – 3g
20. Sausage balls
Homemade sausage balls are delicious, savory, low in carbs and a high fiber snack. You can give it a sweet or spicy flavor by serving them with creamy, savury dips or sweet dips.
You will need:
- 1/2 pound pork sausage
- 1 cup wheat flour
- 2 cups cauliflower rice
- 1 1/4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
How to cook:
- Preheat the oven to 350oF. Prepare a baking sheet with cooking spray.
- Mix cauliflower rice, whole wheat flour, sausage and cheese in a large bowl. Do not over mix, just let it combine.
- Roll them up into 36 ball shapes and put them on the baking sheet.
- Let them bake for about 25 minutes. When the tops are brownish you will know they are done. Poke an instant thermometer in the center of each ball, registering 165oF.
Prep time: 25min
Cooking time: 50min
Servings: 18
Nutritional value: Calories – 79, fat – 4g, carbs – 6g, protein – 4g
Low-calorie Nutritious Snacks
Some quick snacks can leave your kid with unnecessary calories. Check out our healthy and delicious low-calorie snacks for kids.
21. Garlic mushrooms
Considered vegetarian meat, mushrooms are loaded with vitamin B and taste great as a snack or a full meal.
You will need:
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin oil
- 500g thinly sliced mushrooms
- 3 finely chopped garlic cloves
- 1/4 cup dry sherry
- 1tbsp lemon juice
- 1tsp dried chili flakes
- 1tbsp chopped parsley
- Salt
How to cook:
- Pour oil in a frying pan and add garlic and mushrooms.
- Stir and cook them for two minutes.
- Reduce the heat to medium and add the chilies, sherry and lemon juice.
- Add salt and pepper to season and stir well. Let it cook for two minutes until the mushrooms are soft.
- Add in the parsley before serving.
Prep time: 5min
Cooking time: 5min
Servings: 4
Nutritional value: Calories – 5, carbs – 0g, protein – 1g, fat – 2g
22. Crustless mini quiches
These crustless quiches are high in protein, packed with nutrients and low in calories.
You will need:
- 8 slices ham
- Olive oil
- 150ml milk
- 8 eggs
- 6 halved cherry tomatoes
- 150g mushroom, sliced
- 150g peppers, sliced
- 100g cheddar cheese, grated
How to cook:
- Preheat the oven to 350oF. Grease your muffin tray with olive oil.
- Cut the ham slices lengthwise and line them in the muffin case.
- Top each muffin case with half a tomato and cheese.
- Beat the eggs and milk, and pour the batter on the cases.
- Bake them for 30 minutes until the quiches are nice golden in color.
Prep time: 10min
Cooking time: 30min
Servings: 8
Nutritional value: Calories – 200, fat – 24g, protein – 20g, carbs – 4.5g
You can serve this with a side dish of green peas or asparagus.
23. Cucumber roll-ups
Looks great, tastes great, and is a healthy snack.
You will need:
- 2oz goat cheese
- 2tsp dill
- ⅛tsp salt
- 1 cucumber, cut into thin strips
- 1 red bell pepper
How to cook:
- In a bowl, mix freshly chopped dill, salt, and goat cheese.
- One each cucumber strip, apply ¼ teaspoon of the mix and put a slice of red bell pepper and roll them up.
- Dab some cheese to secure the ends.
Prep time: 5min
Cooking time: 15min
Servings: 12 roll-ups
Nutritional value: Calorie – 33, fat – 1.2g, cholesterol – 8mg, carbs – 2g, protein – 3.6g
Chinese Snacks
These delicious Chinese snacks are easier to cook than eating with chopsticks.
24. Chicken stir-fry
Easy to make, a delight to see and mouthwatering to taste chicken stir is a brilliant protein snack to eat.
You will need:
- 1/2 pound boneless chicken breast
- 1 egg white
- 1/2tbsp cornstarch
- 1/2 cup sugar peas
- 1/2tbsp rice wine
- 1/2 cup shredded carrot
- 1tbsp teriyaki sauce
How to cook:
- Whisk the egg whites, cornstarch and rice wine in a bowl.
- Once blended, add in the chicken. Cut chicken into uniform pieces, marinate to make it tender, to make sure it cooks evenly. Keep it aside for at least 10 to 15 minutes.
- Heat some oil in a pan and stir-fry the chicken until it is a nice brown.
- Add in the veggies and stir fry them too.
- Pour in the teriyaki sauce once the vegetables are soft.
- Serve it hot.
Prep time: 15min
Cooking time: 10min
Servings: 4
Nutritional value: 1 plate: calories -186, fat – 10g, carbs – 6.45g, protein – 17g
[ Read: Gluten-Free Recipes For Kids ]
25. Chinese golden shrimps
Your kids will love this beautiful and tasty dry snack, not once but every time they eat.
You will need:
- Vegetable oil
- 1/2lb shrimp, peeled
- 6 sandwich slices
- 1 chopped onion
- 1/4tsp salt
- 1 egg white
- 1/4tsp pepper
- 1/4in ginger, peeled
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs, dried
How to cook:
- Slice the bread into four triangle shapes.
- Peel the shrimps with care.
- Add onion, pepper, salt, and ginger in a processor and blend them until it is smooth.
- Coat the breadcrumbs in this batter and set it aside for at least one hour.
- Pour oil into a skillet and fry them until they are nicely brown.
- You may serve them with sweet chilli sauce.
Prep time: 15min
Cooking time: 15min
Servings: 4
Nutritional value: Per 100g – calories – 277, cholesterol – 81mg, fat – 17g, carbs – 20g
Snacks are fillers in between the main meals. Therefore, don’t make them so heavy that your child would feel full and want to skip the next meal. While you can be a little generous with carbs and calories for kids with normal weight, make sure you are not making the snacks unhealthy with too much fat and sugar. So snack mindfully.
Do you have any unique recipes that your child loves? Share them with us in the comment section below.
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