10 Healthy Snacks For Kids After School
The typical grade school day is long and hard. Even with a decent lunch in the middle of their school day, kids’ busy bodies seem to need near constant energy. Whether your kids are homeschooled, virtual learning or going to in person school, the days can be long and exhausting. When my kids are finished with their school day, they are tired little zombie bodies and are in desperate need of a nutritional boost to help get them through the rest of the day. In an effort to combat the after-school kid zombie bodies, I have relied on these 10 healthy snacks for kids after school recipes that are listed below.
Nutrition for kids: A quick guideline
Every person, whether they are young or old, needs the same types of nutrients every day. These nutrients are vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, protein and fat. Since children’s bodies are still actively growing, it is important that they receive their daily nutrient requirements. But that is easier said than done! As parents, we each do our best to serve our children healthy and nutritious meals. However, sometimes a child’s picky palette will hinder our healthy eating efforts. That’s why supplying healthy snacks after school is a great opportunity to fill in those nutritional need gaps.
- Protein
Lean meats, chicken, eggs, beans, peas, seafood, and nuts are each a great source of protein. - Fruit
Encourage your children to eat fresh fruit, however canned, frozen and dried fruit is a great alternative. Also, try and limit fruit juices because of the added sugar. - Vegetables
It is true that kids seem to have a natural inclination to hate vegetables, however, offer vegetables with every meal. Eventually they will find one they like. - Grain
Choose whole grains whenever possible such as whole wheat bread, oatmeal, popcorn, quinoa and brown rice. - Dairy
Encourage eating and drinking fat-free or low-fat dairy products.
1. The World’s Tastiest After School Smoothie Recipe
This delicious smoothie recipe has a hidden ingredient that will boost the protein up without your kids ever noticing.
INGREDIENTS: Makes 2-3 smoothies
1 cup of Strawberries (frozen or fresh)
½ a banana, fresh or frozen
1 teaspoon of peanut butter (or any nut butter substitute)1 cup of Almond Milk (or any non-dairy milk)
Optional: ¼ cup of vegetables such as spinach, carrots, or roasted butternut squash
DIRECTIONS:
Add all ingredients to blender and blend it well. Add more milk to create the consistency you would like. Serve in a fun glass with a fun reusable straw.
2. Irresistible Fruity Pizza Recipe
INGREDIENTS: Makes 6
3 graham crackers
A small dollop of low fat cream cheese for each cracker
Your favorite fruits such as sliced strawberries, bananas, blueberries, sliced kiwi and raspberries
A drizzle of honey
DIRECTIONS:
Snap each of the graham crackers in half (you will have 6 fruit pizza squares). Smear the low-fat cream cheese over one side of the graham cracker. Place fruit on top and lightly drizzle with honey.
3. ZINGY FRUIT POPSICLES
This fruit popsicle recipe is always a kid crowd pleaser and with just a little bit of ingredients.
INGREDIENTS: Makes 6 popsicles
Small popsicle molds
2 cups of orange juice
1 cup of diced strawberries
1 cup of blueberries
Optional: Add sliced kiwi, blackberries or even raspberries
DIRECTIONS:
Fill each popsicle mold ½ full of orange juice. Add fruit and using a spoon, push the fruit into the mold. Freeze for at least 3 hours, if not overnight.
4. TERRIFIC APPLE DIPPERS RECIPE
This super easy and healthy afterschool snack is a perfect choice for kids that like to have loads of options.
INGREDIENTS: Makes 20 apple slices
Lollipop sticks (available at your local grocery or craft store)
2-3 apples such as honey crisp or granny smith
chopped nuts such as walnuts, peanuts or almonds
Shaved coconut
plain yogurt
mini chocolate chips
Peanut butter (or any nut butter alternative)
Crumbled graham crackers
Rainbow sprinkles
DIRECTIONS:
Use an apple slicer to slice your apples. Stick one lollipop stick into one of the apple ends. Push the stick to the center of the apple slice. Place all your toppings and dips into separate small bowls. Dip the apples in yogurt or peanut butter to cover, then softly dip into toppings of your choice. Serve family style and have fun.
5. EGGcellent Egg In A Hole Recipe
INGREDIENTS: Makes one
1 slice of whole wheat bread
1 egg
1 Tablespoon of butter
DIRECTIONS:
Using a biscuit cutter, cookie cutter or even the rim of a small drinking glass, cut out a circle in the middle of your whole wheat bread. Melt your butter in a frying pan at medium high heat. Add your bread (save the circle insert aside for now), coat the entire bread on both sides with butter. Crack open your egg and place in hole in your bread. Add circle insert to pan and slather in remaining butter. Cook until the egg is cooked through, and bread is toasted. Add a dash of salt and pepper if desired. Serve warm.
6. ‘ROLLING WITH THE PUNCHES’ SANDWICH ROLLUPS RECIPE
INGREDIENTS: Makes 4 sandwich rollups
Medium sized thick flour tortillas
2 Teaspoons Chive and Onion Cream Cheese Spread
2-3 slices of your child’s favorite sliced deli meat such as Salami, Turkey or Ham
Romaine Lettuce
Sliced tomato
DIRECTIONS:
Spread a thin layer of cream cheese spread on one entire side of the flour tortilla. All the way to the edges. Place 4-5 pieces of Salami down in the center and on top of the cream cheese. Then layer 1-2 pieces of turkey on top of the salami. Then layer 1 piece of washed romaine lettuce on top of the meat. Roll the tortilla from one side to the other, the cream cheese will act like glue. Place on a plate or plastic container seam side down to keep from unrolling.
7. SUPERPOWERS MUFFIN RECIPE
This recipe is very easy to make with ingredients you probably already have in stock. These superpower muffins are fluffy and delicious and great for breakfast or as after school snacks.
INGREDIENTS: Makes 12 muffins
1 Cup of Flour
1/2 Cup of Whole Wheat Flour
1 1/2 Teaspoons of Baking Soda
1/4 Cup of Sugar
1/4 Cup of Dark Brown Sugar (packed)
1/4 Teaspoon of Salt
1/8 Teaspoon of Nutmeg
1/4 Teaspoon of Cinnamon
1/8 Teaspoon Allspice
3 Ripe Bananas (smashed)
1 Large Egg
1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
1/2 Cup of Chopped Walnuts
1/4 Cup of Golden Raisins
DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix white flour, whole wheat flour, baking soda, salt, allspice, nutmeg and cinnamon in a bowl. In a separate bowl, puree your extra ripe bananas with a fork or a masher, add white sugar, dark brown sugar, egg, and vanilla and stir. Pour wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir just until mixed. Gently mix in 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts and 1/4 cup of golden raisins. Pour into muffin cups and sprinkle remaining chopped walnuts on top. Bake for 20 minutes. Enjoy!
8. ‘OUT OF THIS WORLD’ KID-FRIENDLY CHARCUTERIE BOARD
The latest entertaining craze is perfect for hungry kids after school. Made for grazing, charcuterie boards can be filled with all your kids’ favorite healthy fruits and vegetables. Do not forget that the food variety options are endless, and you can totally prepare a board to your child’s specific tastes.
INGREDIENTS: Makes one board
Baby carrots
Cucumber sliced
Apple slices
Whole wheat crackers
Pita cut into triangles
Plain hummus for dipping
Cheddar cheese cut into cubes
Dried fruits such as apricots, raisins or plums
Fresh grapes
Avocado sliced
DIRECTIONS:
Arrange the snacks on the board in any way you would like. Scoop hummus into small bowl and place it in the center of the fruit and vegetables.
9. TIKTOK’S BERRY GOOD NATURE CEREAL
You may have seen this recent trend on TikTok that was started by @natures_food and made viral by @lizzo with the addition of adding ice cubes to her bowl. Nature’s cereal has two basic ingredients, coconut water and berries. With no added sugar and absolutely no processed foods, nature’s cereal is the perfect opportunity to obtain healthy nutrients after school.
INGREDIENTS: Makes one bowl
½ cup of coconut water
Fresh berries such as strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries
Pomegranate seeds
Ice cubes
DIRECTIONS:
Place fruit in bowl, add coconut water and ice cubes. Eat with a spoon and enjoy the berry good trend.
Add nuts on top. Bake for 20 minutes. Enjoy!
10. THE CHEESIEST OF CHICKEN & CHEESE NACHOS
I do believe this was the very first recipe I learned how to cook for myself as a kid. By adding beans and chicken you will really amp up the protein nutrition in this tasty after school snack.
INGREDIENTS: An entire plate, perfect for sharing!
2 cups of light salted tortilla chips
½ cup of low-fat shredded cheese
1 large dollop of low-fat sour cream
1/8 cup of beans such as black beans or pinto beans
¼ cup of cubed or shredded cooked chicken
Optional: guacamole, cilantro, sliced olives and green onion
DIRECTIONS:
Start by layering the tortilla chips on your plate, cover with shredded cheese and then add another layer of tortilla chips. Cover with shredded cheese and microwave on high for 1 minute or until cheese is melted. Add cooked beans, cooked chicken, sour cream and enjoy.
We hope you enjoy these eclectic and super easy 10 healthy snacks for kids after school recipes. Let us know which one is your family fav in the comments section below. Don’t forget to check out Zulily’s kitchen & dining section to get all the kitchen gadgets to help make food prep go easy!
