20 Nutritious After School Snacks Kids Will Love

December 15, 2023

After a long day at school, kids are often buzzing with energy, fueled by their active minds and the various extracurricular activities they engage in. From sports practices to music lessons and club meetings, their schedules are packed, leaving little time for relaxation. As parents, we understand the importance of providing them with healthy snacks to sustain their energy levels and support their growth.

However, we also know that children can be picky eaters, making it challenging to find snacks that are both healthy and appealing to their tricky taste buds. Therein the struggle lies – how do we strike a balance between providing them with healthy options and also ones they actually will enjoy? That's where we come in.

In this comprehensive guide to after-school snacks, we will make the task of finding healthy snacks your kids will love easy. Whether you have a little one who loves fruity treats or a teenager with a more sophisticated palate, we believe that finding nutritious snacks they'll enjoy should be a breeze. So, let's dive in and discover the exciting world of after-school snacks together, keeping our kids happy, healthy, and satisfied.

Are you always short on time, but want to make healthy meals and snacks that your entire family will enjoy? The expert chefs at Hungryroot have crafted a wide variety of delicious recipes and healthy groceries delivered straight to your doorstep, so you can enjoy tasty meals even with your busy schedule. Take their personalized quiz here and kickstart your family’s healthy lifestyle on the right step from day one!

Kid-Approved After School Snacks

Drumroll Snacks Plant-based Mini Chocolate Donuts: Your kids will be asking for seconds with these healthy, chocolate treats. These vegan, gluten-free donuts are made from almond flour and offer a fluffy, cakey texture. The rich chocolate coating adds a delicious touch to this low-sugar, high-protein treat. With only 190 calories and 10 grams of protein per serving, these chocolate donuts will keep your kids energized for their after-school activities.

Naturipe Farms Fruit Nut + Cheese Snack Pack: This perfect sweet and savory trio will keep your kids fueled and satisfied at school. This gluten-free and soy-free snack pack combines juicy grapes, blueberries, cubes of sharp cheddar cheese, and salted roasted almonds. With only 350 calories per serving, your kids can enjoy this wholesome snack while getting the nutrition they need. Each one of these easy snack packs contains a balance of nutrients, including 5g of fiber and 13g of protein.

Sunnie Snacks SunButter + Jam Dipper: Brighten up your kid’s after-school snacking with this seed butter and jam snack pack. Creamy sunflower butter and sweet strawberry chia jam come together with crispy cassava flaxseed crackers for a high-protein treat that's safe for those with nut allergies. Dip the crackers into the sunflower butter and jam or create mini sun butter and jelly sandwiches for a yummy twist. With 310 calories per serving, this snack will provide enough energy to keep your kids active after school.

Hail Merry Sweet Potato Pie Cups: Let your kids indulge in the healthy and delicious flavors of these organic sweet potato pie cups. Vegan and gluten-free, these cups feature a delicate almond shortbread crust filled with a yummy sweet potato filling infused with shredded coconut, cinnamon, and healthy coconut sugar. This snack is packed with essential nutrients like vitamin A, iron, and calcium, making them a perfect and nutrient-rich after-school snack.

Sunnie Snacks Flatbread Pizza Dipper: The perfect snack for pizza lovers, this vegetarian, gluten-free, and soy-free treat brings together crispy cassava flaxseed crackers, zucchini parm tomato sauce, and shredded mozzarella cheese. With this convenient snack pack, you can dip and stack your toppings to create a high-protein, pizza-flavored treat. Each serving contains 160 calories, making it a perfect option for satisfying those pizza cravings. Your kids can get creative and add extra veggies to their "pizzas" or use them as dippers for any leftover sauce.

Taylor Farms Pretzels + Cheese Snack Pack: This nut-free and vegetarian snack pack offers a delightful combination of sweet and salty flavors to satisfy any picky eater. Your kids will enjoy the crispness of apples, the crunch of pretzels, and the richness of cheddar cheese—all conveniently packed and ready to enjoy. With 190 calories per serving and 7 grams of protein, this snack pack provides the energy your kids need for after-school activities. Plus, it's packed with calcium and iron to support their growing bodies.

Taylor Farms ‘Snap Happy’ Veggie + Ranch Snack Pack: This snack pack is the perfect solution for when you want to get extra veggies into your kid’s diet. This healthy treat features a delightful trio of sugar snap peas, baby carrots, and juicy grape tomatoes. To add a creamy and flavorful touch, it comes with a tangy ranch dressing dip. With 220 calories per serving, this nutritious snack is a great option for any after-school activity.

Partake Foods Crunchy Birthday Cake Cookies: These vegan and gluten-free cookies will make every day feel like a celebration for your kids. These light and crunchy cookies are packed with naturally colored rainbow sprinkles, adding a fun and colorful element. Made with a blend of gluten-free flour and organic cane sugar, these tasty cookies have only 140 calories and 7g of total fat per serving. Your kids can enjoy these cookies alongside their favorite milk, whether it's oat milk, almond milk, or dairy milk.

Braniac Foods Squeezable Applesauce: Made from perfectly sweet and smooth apples, this applesauce is enriched with vitamin C and omega-3s for an extra boost of brain power for your little ones. With only 45 calories per serving, 0.5g of total fat, and no cholesterol or sodium, it's a perfect healthy snack choice for your kids. The individual pouches make it easy to enjoy on the go, with no spoon necessary.

Deebee’s Organic Superfruit Freezie Pops: These refreshing superfruit freezie pops will quickly become your child’s go-to snack, especially during those hot summer days. With a delightful mix of strawberry lemon, mango orange, and blueberry pomegranate flavors, your kids will always have a refreshing and organic fruit-filled treat at their fingertips. Each bar contains just 25 calories and 0g of fat, making it a tasty and healthy choice. To achieve the best-frozen texture, simply shake the pops well and lay them flat in the freezer for at least 24 hours before enjoying them.

Hungryroot Classic Fruit Salad: This refreshing fruit blend features a medley of juicy pineapple, sweet cantaloupe, succulent red grapes, and plump blueberries. The fruits are already sliced and mixed, making it the easiest and most convenient way for your kids to enjoy their favorite fruits. With just 60 calories per serving, this colorful snack is a healthy treat. Each serving provides a wholesome dose of dietary fiber and essential nutrients like Vitamin C and potassium.

Solely Mango + Passion Fruit Gummies: Transport your kids to a tropical paradise with these mango and passion fruit gummies, a perfect choice for an after-school snack. These delightful treats are not only delicious but also vegan, gluten-free, nut-free, and soy-free, accommodating various dietary needs. Made with only three simple ingredients—organic mango, organic passion fruit, and vitamin C—these gummies offer a burst of tropical flavors without any preservatives, concentrates, or added sugars. With just 90 calories per serving and no fat or cholesterol, they are a healthy option that will satisfy your kid’s sweet cravings while providing a fruity and refreshing experience.

Pipcorn Heirloom Cheddar Crunchies: For a satisfying after-school snack, these cheddar crunchies are a perfect vegetarian and gluten-free choice. Baked to perfection instead of fried, these cheddar-flavored crunchies are packed with the rich taste of cheddar. With just 140 calories per serving, you can have your kids enjoy these cheesy delights knowing that they’re a healthy choice. No matter your kid's extracurricular activity, these cheddar crunchies are the perfect companion for a balanced and enjoyable after-school snack.

From The Ground Up Cheddar Cauliflower Crackers: These crispy crackers are packed with a variety of tasty veggies, including cauliflower, carrots, and more, delivering a delightful combination of flavor and veggie-packed nutrition. The savory seasonings bring out a sharp cheddar taste that will satisfy your kid’s cheese cravings, all without any actual cheese. With only 110 calories per serving and 2 grams of fiber, they make a wholesome and delicious addition to your kid’s after-school snack routine.

Green Mustache Organic Cheddarish Crackers: Get your kids ready for a cheesy and crunchy experience with these vegan, gluten-free, and nut-free cheddarish crackers. These crackers are not only delicious but also made with quality organic ingredients, including organic kale, organic plant-based protein from peas, and organic ground chia seed. Each package is packed with flavor and contains 150 calories, making it a healthy afterschool snack!

Partake Foods Soft Baked Chocolate Chip Cookies: These chocolate chip cookies are not only delicious but also cater to various dietary needs. They are vegan, gluten-free, nut-free, and soy-free, making them an inclusive option for every kid to enjoy. Each serving contains 150 calories and is packed with flavor. Grab a few cookies, pour your kids a glass of milk (of your choice), and have them savor the delightful combination of rich chocolate and a soft, satisfying texture.

Abe’s Wild Blueberry Mini Muffins: These adorable bite-sized treats are bursting with vibrant blueberry flavor in every mouthful. Soft, slightly sweet, and irresistibly pillowy, these mini muffins are the perfect snack to satisfy your kid’s sweet tooth. What's even better is that they are vegan and free from nuts and soy, making them suitable for a wide range of dietary requirements. With 200 calories per serving, these mini muffins provide a delightful snack that your kids can enjoy throughout the day.

Barnana Organic Dark Chocolate Banana Bites: These chewy banana treats are covered in luscious dark chocolate, creating the perfect balance of sweetness and richness. What's more, these energizing bites are made from upcycled bananas, contributing to the reduction of food waste and promoting sustainability. With 180 calories per serving, these bites are also vegetarian and gluten-free making them perfect for a variety of dietary needs. Let your kids enjoy these bites as a delightful treat and let them brighten up their day!

Andrew + Everett Mozzarella String Cheese: These individually wrapped string cheeses are not only delicious but also a convenient addition to lunch boxes and on-the-go snacking. Your kids will have fun unwrapping a string of cheese and having a playful experience of pulling apart the strings. Each serving of this mozzarella string cheese contains 80 calories and provides essential nutrients such as calcium and protein. It is a wholesome snack that can be enjoyed by both kids and adults.

Skinny Dipped Strawberry Lemonade Almonds: These strawberry lemonade almonds are a delicious and nutritious snack option for kids. Loaded with protein, fiber, and vitamin E, almonds provide essential nutrients for their growing bodies. The tangy and sweet yogurt coating infused with strawberry and lemon flavors adds a delicious twist to the almonds. With only 140 calories per serving and 3g of dietary fiber, they offer a sweet and satisfying snack without excessive calories. These vegetarian and gluten-free almonds are also a convenient on-the-go snack or a great addition to trail mix for your kid’s after-school snack.

Getting Creative with Your Kid’s After-School Snacks

Choosing the right after-school snacks for your kids or teens is important for their overall health and well-being. While it's tempting to reach for convenient and processed options, prioritizing nutrient-dense snacks is key. Opting for snacks that provide a balance of carbohydrates, protein, healthy fats, and vitamins can support their growth and development.

Fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and dairy or plant-based alternatives are excellent choices. Additionally, it’s important to consider your kid’s taste preferences and involve them in the selection process so you can increase the likelihood they’ll enjoy and eat their snacks. By offering a variety of tasty options, you can make sure that your kids or teens are getting the nutrients they need to grow healthy!

It's no secret that meal planning and grocery shopping can be time-consuming, leaving you with little time to focus on enjoying quality time with your loved ones. At Hungryroot, we take care of the hard work for you with our meal planning and healthy grocery delivery service. You can choose from a wide variety of clean, wholesome recipes and kid-friendly snacks that are easy to prepare and perfect for those who are always on the go. No more last-minute trips to the grocery store or unhealthy, processed snack options. Let Hungryroot help you and your family stay on track and achieve your health goals, even with a packed schedule. Take our personalized quiz today, and see the difference for yourself!