12 simple school snacks for kids they’ll actually eat
Coming up with ideas for school snacks for kids isn’t easy, especially thinking of snack ideas that your kids will eat.
If thinking of school snack ideas is something you struggle with, then this article is here to help.
Here you’ll find school snack ideas that will make meal planning easier, and if you’re also looking for school lunch ideas, here are some easy school lunch ideas for kids as well.
This article also covers what to look for when choosing snacks, and how to pack snacks once you’ve chosen some.
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What to look for when choosing school snacks
When choosing snacks for school lunches, snacks that are quick and easy, tasty, not messy, and nutritious, will have the best chances of being eaten by your kids.
How to pack snacks for school lunches
Here are some tips you can try when packing kid’s school snacks, to further increase the chances they’ll get eaten.
- Let your kids help choose their snacks
- Use reusable snack boxes or silicone cups to separate snacks from other food items
- Rotate the snacks you choose each week
- Purchase extra snacks so you’ve always got some on hand
School snack ideas for kids
Here are some fantastic school snack ideas that you can add to your kid’s lunchboxes.
Fruit kebabs
Fruit kebabs are a healthy snack for school that you can try.
To make a fruit kebab, simply cut a selection of fruit into bite sized pieces, and thread them on to a small skewer or straw.
Some fruit that’s perfect for this school snack includes:
- Apples
- Bananas
- Grapes
- Melons
- Oranges
- Strawberries
Sweetened apples
Another healthy school snack is to slice an apple, drizzle it with sunflower seed butter, and then sprinkle it with granola or raisins.
Mini muffins
Mini muffins are one of my favourite school snacks for kids, and one that I often include in my kid’s lunchboxes.
You can buy premade mini muffins, or if you’d prefer to make your own here are some mini muffin recipes:
Cheese and crackers
Cheese and crackers are a super easy school snack.
All you need to do is to add a few cubes or slices of cheese and wholegrain crackers to your kid’s lunchbox, and you’re done.
Trail mix
Another easy school snack idea is a trail mix, which you can buy premade, or make your own by mixing together:
- Pumpkin or sunflower seeds
- Dried fruit like raisins, mangos, apricots, coconut flakes, banana chips, strawberries, or cranberries
- Some treats like dark chocolate chips, popcorn, pretzels, or dried cereal
Yoghurt
Yoghurt tubes or yoghurt pouches are a mess free way to include yoghurt in your kid’s lunchboxes.
Smoothie pouches
Another pouch idea are smoothie pouches, which you can buy premade, or make yourself and place in a reusable pouch.
Vegetable sticks
Vegetable sticks with hummus or cream cheese is another healthy school snack idea, and can include carrots, cucumbers, peppers, or celery.
Rice cakes
Rice cakes with cream cheese or plain are a great addition to kid’s school snacks.
Pancakes and waffles
Pancakes and waffles are a favourite snack amongst many kids, and can be made ahead of time and frozen, so you have a supply for future school snacks.
Mini sandwiches
This is a great school snack idea, as it can also double up as your kid’s school lunch.
You can use wraps or bread for this school snack, and fill it with:
- Ham and cheese
- Turkey and cream cheese
- Hummus and grated carrot
- Any other filling your kids love
Once you’ve placed the filling inside, slice it into pinwheels and pack them into your kid’s lunchbox.
Oat bars and energy balls
Oat bars and energy balls can be store bought, or homemade.
If you’d like to make your own oat bars or energy balls, here are some great recipes you can try:
School snacks for kids – a recap
With a little meal planning, some variety, and a focus on quick, easy, and tasty school snacks, thinking of snacks for school will no longer be a struggle.
Whether you choose a colourful fruit kebab, mini muffins, yoghurt or smoothie pouches, cheese and crackers, or mini sandwiches, there’s bound to be a school snack idea in this article that your kid’s will love.
When it comes to choosing school snacks, letting your kids help choose them, offering different snacks throughout the week, and making snacks look appealing by packing them separately from other food items, may be just what it takes for your kids to finally eat everything in their lunchboxes.
I hope this list of school snacks for kids inspires you to mix and match different types of school snacks, until you find a combination that’s a winner.
Want a simple checklist to make this even easier? Be sure to download this FREE back to school checklist to stay on track and feel in control.
Which of the snack ideas from this list are you most excited to try?
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