31 Kid-Friendly (And Adult-Approved) Snack Ideas That Are Guaranteed To Delight Even The Pickiest Of Eaters
Without a decent snack, afternoons can be rough — for kids, especially. When hangry o'clock hits, things can go downhill pretty quickly.
But never fear, because these snacks are here to save the day! They're all easy to make, and full of vitamins, fiber, or protein (or all three!). Your kids will think they're outrageously yummy, and you'll be grateful that they won't be hungry for another snack like...two seconds after they've finished the first.
1.Peanut Butter Energy Bites
Trust me: Don't skip the step where you oil your hands before rolling these into individual bites! Your hands will thank you, and you'll be rewarded with a picture-perfect snack.
Recipe: Peanut Butter Energy Bites | Shop This Recipe
2.Mixed Berry Snack-Sized Smoothie
I don't know about you, but I always go overboard with smoothies. No matter how hard I try, I always end up making a whole blender full, and then I'm stuck. This one has the perfect proportions, so you can make just the right amount for a midday snack — no awkward leftovers in sight.
3.Carrot Fries
These turn out irresistibly crispy when baked according to the instructions, but I bet they'd be incredible in the air fryer. Someone try this and report back, please!
Recipe: Carrot Fries | Shop This Recipe
4.Low-Carb Avocado Chicken Salad
You can whip this up in no time after school, or make it the night before and let it chill in the fridge — the flavors will only become more and more delicious. If your kids are sensitive to red onion, you can try soaking it in water for a few minutes before adding it (to reduce the "bite"), or omit it entirely.
5.No-Bake Peanut Butter Coconut Cookies
Commenters recommend adding chocolate to these babies, and I cannot fault them for it. Whether it's a drizzle of melted chocolate on top, or a few chips folded in, they really take this cookie to the next level. Leave the chocolate out, and you're still left with an irresistible snack made with less than five ingredients and no added sugar.
Recipe: No-Bake Peanut Butter Coconut Cookies | Shop This Recipe
6.Broccoli Tots
These are a great make-ahead snack. First, form and freeze them, unbaked, then pop them into the oven when you're ready to nosh. They'll take a little longer in the oven than they would if they were fresh, but they'll come out just as crispy and delicious.
Recipe: Broccoli Tots | Shop This Recipe
7.Classic Party Guacamole
Don't be fooled by the name — while this crowd-pleasing dip is certainly the life of any good party, it's also a bona fide favorite when it comes to simple after-school snacks. I mean, is there any better way to shake off the school or work day than with guacamole? I think not.
Recipe: Classic Party Guacamole | Shop This Recipe
8.Banana Bread Dip
Some people are skeptical of the idea of dessert hummus, and I get it. But as a chocolate hummus convert (try it on strawberries!), the chickpeas are really just a plain base to build flavor on, and this banana bread version knocks it out of the park.
Recipe: Banana Bread Dip | Shop This Recipe
9.Baked Cinnamon Apple Chips
A mandolin or even a vegetable peeler will help you get the beautifully thin slices you'll need for these chips to be crisp AF. But even if you can't get them to an even thinness, they'll still taste amazing.
Recipe: Baked Cinnamon Apple Chips | Shop This Recipe
10.Froyo Fruit Cups
If you have a cute silicone ice cube tray, now is the time to use it. You can make these refreshing (and adorable) cups in the shape of flowers, hearts, dinosaurs...anything you can dream of, really.
Recipe: Froyo Fruit Cups | Shop This Recipe
11.Strawberry Banana Chia Seed Pudding
Who even needs a pudding cup when you have one of these? Chia pudding travels just as well, and the added protein and fiber from the chia seeds will keep you fuller for even longer (so no one gets a bad case of the hangries 30 minutes before dinner).
Recipe: Strawberry Banana Chia Seed Pudding | Shop This Recipe
12.Pesto Chickpea Snack Salad
Make a little container of this and take it along wherever you go — you and your kids will be rewarded with a way more flavorful and satisfying snack than that squished granola bar at the bottom of your bag.
Recipe: Pesto Chickpea Snack Salad | Shop This Recipe
13.Black Bean & Quinoa Snack Bowl
This salad is endlessly riffable: you could add avocado, cherry tomatoes, crumbled cotija cheese, or heck, even some chicken (if you want to make this a full lunch instead of a hearty snack).
14.Classic Hummus
My brother basically lived on hummus for his first few years of elementary school, and I can see why. It's creamy, smooth, and pretty much everybody can find a fave vessel to dip in it — mine are cucumbers, but pretzels are a very close second.
Recipe: Classic Hummus | Shop This Recipe
15.Healthier Cookie Fruit Pizza
If you've only had "cookie pizza" with a sugar cookie crust, you're in for a yummy surprise here — since the crust is made of cashews and oat flour, it's much less sweet. This actually allows the fruit flavors to shine, instead of competing with the sugary cookie.
Recipe: Healthier Cookie Fruit Pizza | Shop This Recipe
16.Cheesy Eggplant Pizza
If you think about it, this is basically just a pizza Lunchable with an added boost of veggie-goodness from the eggplant. Plus, you can add whatever toppings your heart desires, and your kids can eat them all warm and toasty from the oven. It's a win-win.
Recipe: Cheesy Eggplant Pizza | Shop This Recipe
17.After School Banana Roll-ups
Sometimes all it takes to make familiar foods exciting is a change in shape — these banana roll-ups are the perfect example. All you need for this is bananas, nut butter, and a tortilla, but the little slices make it feel like a special treat.
Recipe: After School Banana Roll-ups | Shop This Recipe
18.Garlic Parmesan Zucchini Chips
This is a great recipe to convince veggie-skeptical kids that zucchini is actually delicious. They'll be so distracted by the crispy coating and the dipping sauce that they won't even realize they're getting one of their five-a-day in.
19.Cauliflower Cheddar Fritters
We are living in the golden age of cauliflower, and I am here for it. These crispy beauties are great fresh, but also delicious at room temp, so they're a great option if snack time tends to shift around based on the day.
Recipe: Cauliflower Cheddar Fritters | Shop This Recipe
20.Banana Berry Fruit Salad
If your kids aren't huge on fruit, try this fruit salad. It's just a few ingredients, but it really punches up the natural flavors of the banana and the berries, and it feels like a lovely, bright treat instead of an obligation.
Recipe: Banana Berry Fruit Salad | Shop This Recipe
21.Chocolate Coconut Popsicles
If your kids love chocolate popsicles but you're not crazy about giving them a ton of sugar in the afternoon, these are a great alternative — you can play around with the amount of cocoa and sweetener in them to get the perfect taste for your family.
Recipe: Chocolate Coconut Popsicles | Shop This Recipe
22.Popcorn Tofu Nuggets
You could probably trick your kids into thinking these are chicken nuggets, but I wouldn't recommend it — why not help them learn that tofu is delicious, too?
Recipe: Popcorn Tofu Nuggets | Shop This Recipe
23.Strawberry Fruit Rollers
I'm a fruit leather nut, but the little packages at the store can get pricey! Luckily, it's super easy to make at home — either in the oven, or if you're ~super~ fancy, the dehydrator.
Recipe: Strawberry Fruit Rollers | Shop This Recipe
24."Ranch" Roasted Chickpeas
The herb blend in this recipe is totally delicious, and you can customize it to your tastes. However, if you're short on time, a ranch packet from the store would also be delicious.
Recipe: "Ranch" Roasted Chickpeas | Shop This Recipe
25.Hungry Apple Monsters
Apple slices and peanut butter are tasty and all, but where's the pizzazz?! It doesn't have to be spooky season to make these cute lil' mouths that kids will go ~nuts~ for. What kid wouldn't eat these any day of the year?
Recipe: Hungry Apple Monsters | Shop This Recipe
26.Mediterranean Box
This box is great if you've got a grazer. They can have little bits of everything as they please, but it's all contained in one place — not spread around the house. If you have to run to a class or a practice, just pop the lid on and bring it along!
Recipe: Mediterranean Box | Shop This Recipe
27.Finger Sandwiches
You don't have to make all four kinds of sandwiches, but even one or two makes for a great afternoon snack. Not every kid will be into this! But the ones that are will love you forever for it.
Recipe: Finger Sandwiches | Shop This Recipe
28.Quinoa Seed Crackers
These crunchy, seeded crackers are great with hummus or as a base for cheese or deli meat. Just be sure they're fully cooled before you store them; otherwise, the excess moisture can make them soggy.
Recipe: Quinoa Seed Crackers | Shop This Recipe
29.California Roll
I know, I know, sushi seems way intimidating to make at home. But I promise, it's so easy, the whole family can do it. I would recommend leaving the nori on the outside, though. It's less sticky, and that way you can do it without a bamboo mat — you can just use your hands to roll the sushi.
Recipe: California Roll | Shop This Recipe
30.Ham & Cheese Cucumber "Sushi"
If you still don't feel up to the task of classic sushi, these cucumber bites are a delicious alternative. Just make sure to get an English cucumber so you don't have to chew through any tough skin.
31.Fruit Spring Rolls With Strawberry Lemonade Dip
I love a snack that's also an activity, and this is a great one. Kids can pick whichever fruits they want in their spring roll, try their best to roll them up (maybe with a little adult help), and then dip and munch away!
Recipe: Fruit Spring Rolls With Strawberry Lemonade Dip | Shop This Recipe
