12 Healthy After-School Snacks

If you’ve got hungry kids walking in the door after school, you have two choices. You can let them raid the pantry, munching on any food they find. Or you can take a few minutes to prepare a healthy and satisfying snack that will power them through after-school activities and homework.

Filling up on salty or sugary snacks does no one any good. But the good news is that it doesn’t take much effort to make these delicious snacks for or with your kids.

1. 1. 1. Fruit and Yogurt Dip: Most kids will gladly eat a serving of fruit when they can dip it in something tasty! Combine 1 cup non-fat vanilla yogurt, 1 tsp cinnamon and 1 tsp fresh lemon juice. Slice some fruit and start dipping!
      2. Elvis Sandwich: Cover a rice cake or slice of whole grain toast with a thin layer of peanut butter. Top with sliced banana for an open-faced sandwich.
      3. Crispy Kale Chips: Make this healthy alternative to potato chips that’s full of calcium and big on crunch. Cut and rinse kale leaves, then dry thoroughly. Mix leaves with 1 Tbsp olive oil and ¼ tsp salt. Bake at 400^oF for 8 to 12 minutes until crisp.
      4. Protein Rolls: Roll up slices of turkey and cheese for a simple low-carb snack. For an added treat, wrap around a pickle spear.
      5. Popcorn: Use an air popper to pop your own popcorn without oil and give it a light sprinkling of seasoning. This is an inexpensive whole grain snack that’s high on fiber.
      6. Veggies and Greek Yogurt Dip: Carrots, cucumber and tomato pair well with a dip made from 1¼ cup low-fat Greek yogurt, 2 tsp fresh dill, 4 Tbsp lemon juice, 2 minced garlic cloves, ½ cup grated cucumber, 1 tsp olive oil and a dash of salt and pepper.
      7. Cheese Quesadilla: All you need are corn tortillas and some low-fat shredded cheese for this easy snack. Heat in a skillet for a few minutes on each side and you’re done!
      8. Hummus: Made from chickpeas, fiber-filled hummus comes in a variety of flavors, including chocolate! Serve with whole grain crackers or vegetables.
      9. Homemade Trail Mix: Combine whole grain cereal, nuts, seeds, raisins and dark chocolate chips for a deliciously satisfying snack that costs less than pre-made varieties.
      10. Fruit with Nut Butter: Spread apple, pear or banana slices with any kind of nut butter. Top with low-sugar granola for some added crunch.
      11. Smoothie: Combine fresh or frozen berries with plain yogurt, low-fat milk and ice in a blender. To add natural sweetness, toss in a frozen banana.
      12. Avocado Toast: Pit, peel and smash an avocado, then combine with 1 tsp lemon juice and a dash of salt and pepper. Spread over whole grain toast. For a boost of protein, add slices of hard-boiled egg on top.

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Date Last Reviewed: July 22, 2022

Editorial Review: Andrea Cohen, Editorial Director, Baldwin Publishing, Inc. Contact Editor

Medical Review: Jane Schwartz, RDN, CLT

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