Summer's been fun, but a new school year is just around the corner (even if it is shaping up to be pretty different this year). Still, kids have their cravings and while you've done your best to upgrade to healthier snack choices in the past, sometimes it's hard to come up with ideas that are tasty, healthy and appetizing to children. Whether you're looking for treats that are savory or sweet, snacks to take on the go, or something to tide everyone over until dinner's on the table, we've got a list of easy and healthy snack ideas for you to try.
1. Apricot Bites These delicious bites satisfy a sweet tooth but are also packed with a lot of goodness. Bonus: they take just five ingredients and 15 minutes to make for a full week's stash! (via Brit + Co)
2. Veggie Wraps: Fun shapes make anything more palatable to kids (Jell-O Jigglers, anybody?), so stuff a whole wheat wrap with lots of protein and fresh vegetables, then roll it up and cut into small slices. Pinwheels for the whole family! (via Cooking Matters)
3. Homemade Cheez-Its: There's no better snack than the amazing Cheez-It, which you can make yourself in under an hour! With flavors like gruyere + black pepper, classic cheddar, and mozzarella + basil, just be sure not to finish the whole bag before you share with the kids!
4. No Bean Paleo Pumpkin “Hummus”: This pumpkin hummus is rich and creamy, not to mention a perfect way to use up all the pumpkin that floats around during the fall months. Skip the chips and serve with cut-up peppers, carrots or zucchini for an added serving of vegetables. (via The Paleo Mama)
5. Quick and Easy Popcorn Balls: With help from caramel, apricots, peanut butter and chocolate chips, you can whip up a batch of these yummy popcorn balls. (via Brit + Co)
6. Yogurt Popsicles: When it's hot outside and your kids are clamoring for something nice and cold, skip the ice cream and hand out yogurt popsicles instead. (via Femside)
7. Popcorn: Avoid the unpronounceable ingredients found in bagged popcorn and make your own, either in an air-popper or on the stove. It's cheap, easy and extremely tasty. (via Homemade Mommy)
8. Fruit Snacks: These homemade fruit snacks consist of three ingredients: fruit, honey and gelatin. That's it — no added preservatives, no extra sugars. Make a big batch on Sunday and serve 'em throughout the week! (Thank Your Body)
9. Baked Apple Chips: Instead of purchasing pre-packaged apple chips, make your own at home. You can control the amount you make and the flavorings you add, and, as a bonus, the house will smell absolutely wonderful. (via Delighted Momma)
10. Baked Zucchini Chips: If baked fruit isn't your thing, try baked vegetables instead. These chips are light and airy, and since they're made from zucchini you don't have to feel guilty about letting the kids eat a whole bowlful. (via Vittles and Bits)
What healthy treats do you like to give your kids after school? Tell us in the comments below or on Facebook!
This article has been updated from a previous post.
