52 Popular Snacks for Kids: Healthy Snacks Kids Will Love
I’m always on the lookout for easy snacks for kids.
If you’re looking for healthy snacks that are store-bought or easy to make, this list is for you.
I reached out to my mama village and Facebook group to compile a long list of popular snacks for kids to help make prepping for the day a lot easier.
In this post, I also share some things you should watch out for when shopping for kid snacks.
So let’s dive right in.
You may also like: 11 Awesome Valentine’s Day Snack Recipes For Toddlers
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What to Avoid When Buying Snacks for Kids
Avoid Added Sugar
Choosing snacks with no added sugar or less sugar is a great way to promote healthy eating habits.
Added sugar spikes the blood sugar level and is a major contributor to childhood obesity and diabetes.
Avoid High Fructose Corn Syrup
High fructose corn syrup can add unnecessary calories without any nutritional value, so it’s best to skip it.
That’s why I love brands like Annie’s because all their snacks are organic and made with real fruit, and no food colorings.
Artificial Flavors
Snacks with artificial flavors may taste appealing but often lack the good stuff your child needs.
Opt for real fruit or snacks made with wholesome ingredients like whole grains, fruits, and nuts instead.
Avoid Dyes and Artificial Colors
Brightly colored snacks might look fun but often contain dyes and artificial sweeteners that can be harmful to your kid’s health.
Studies have linked artificial dyes like Red 40 and others to ADHD in children.
Avoid Snacks That Are Choking Hazards
Be cautious of snacks that could pose a choking hazard, such as whole nuts or hard candies. These are especially risky for younger kids and toddlers with little hands.
What Makes the Best Snack Foods for Kids
Snacks with wholesome ingredients
The best snacks are made with whole foods that provide energy without a sugar crash.
The snack you buy should have ingredients from one or more important food groups such as protein, carbs, vitamins, minerals, and healthy fat.
So think of things like fresh fruits, nuts, and vegetables. These are a great option for snack time.
Snacks That Contain Essential Nutrients
Snacks rich in essential nutrients support growth and development.
Look for options with vitamin C, healthy fats, and dietary fiber for a balanced diet.
Snacks That Contain Important Vitamins
Snacks high in important vitamins like vitamin E or vitamin C are a good choice to support your child’s immune system and overall health.
30+ Healthy Snack Ideas for Kids They’ll Love
Larabar are both gluten-free and vegan so they’re great for kids on a special diet.
These kid-friendly protein bars are made with no refined flour. They contain oats, brown rice flour, and other healthy ingredients.
Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches
Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches have tons of healthy fats and protein. Use whole-grain bread rather than white bread for a much healthier option.
My favorites are Mary’s Gone Crackers (funny name, I know) but so good. Crackers are a good choice for pairing with spreads or cheese.
Fresh Fruits
Fresh fruits such as sweet apples, bananas, or berries are popular snacks for kids of all ages.
Choose granola bars with less sugar or no added sugar for a healthy and easy snack.
I love Annie’s chewy granola bars. They taste great and are gluten-free.
Made from real fruit, fruit leather is a chewy, convenient treat for snack time. My favorites are the fruit strips from Black Forest. My kids also love Bears fruit rolls.
Low-fat yogurt or Full-Fat Yogurt
When you need a simple snack to help with digestion, go for yogurt.
Adding chia seeds to low-fat yogurt boosts its nutritional value, making it an easy snack that’s also filling.
Cheese Slices
Need a no-cook snack for little hands? Then cheese slices are the way to go. Any hard cheese like Parmesan or cheddar will work.
Sweet Potatoes
Baked sweet potatoes are loaded with nutrients like vitamin C. They make a quick snack for kids. Baked sweet potato sticks are another popular snack that kids love.
Check out my sweet potato recipes below:
- Sweet Potato Wedges and Sticks For Baby
- Fluffy Sweet Potato Muffins For Baby & Toddler (3 ingredients)
- Simple Sweet Potato Tots For Baby
- Easy Spinach & Sweet Potato Fritters for BLW
String cheese is a portable after-school snack great for young kids. It contains calcium and fat which helps kids stay full for longer.
Dried Fruits
Dried fruit like raisins or apricots provides a natural source of sweetness and dietary fiber. You can also get dried mango and banana chips as snacks for kids.
Rice Cakes
Serve rice cakes with some fruits and nut protein for a simple snack idea.
Cottage Cheese
Serve cottage cheese with fruit or veggie slices for a snack packed with protein and calcium.
These tiny seeds are rich in vitamin E, making them a good thing to add to your child’s diet. You can add them to yogurt or pudding cups to increase the nutrient content.
Celery Sticks
Pair celery sticks with peanut butter or cream cheese for a crunchy, healthy snack idea. Some people love making “Ants on a log” with celery sticks, raisins, and peanut butter.
Sliced Cucumbers with Dip
Sliced cucumbers are great on their own. You can add a side of hummus, Baba Ganoush, or spinach dip to increase the snack flavor
Fruit Smoothies
Make a fruit smoothie by blending yogurt, spinach, and your choice of fruit for a nutritious drink filled with healthy foods.
Packed with real fruit, fruit bars make a quick snack for busy days.
Choose fruit bars with less sugar and no artificial ingredients.
I recommend That’s it fruit fruit bars which have no sugar added, are free from all top 12 allergens, vegan and gluten-free.
Choose fruit cups in juice (not syrup) to keep the good stuff intact. Juice has less sugar than syrup.
Yogurt Barks
Frozen yogurt bark with fruits is a fun and refreshing sweet treat for little kids.
Goldfish crackers are fun for kids. They come in different flavors like cheddar that are popular among kids.
Sweet Apples
Crisp and juicy, sweet apples like Granny Smith, Red Delicious, and Honey Crips are one of the easiest and most popular healthy snack ideas for kids.
Kale Chips
Baked kale chips with a touch of olive oil are a crunchy alternative to potato chips.
Bell Peppers with a Dip
Colorful bell peppers paired with hummus or ranch make a tasty and healthy eating option.
Crunchy baked parmesan cheese crisps are a popular snack for kids and adults. They’re so good it’s almost addicting!
Graham Crackers
These classic treats are sweet and pair well with nut butter or milk.
Snack Ideas for Older Kids
Jerky sticks are high in protein, and great for after-school and picky toddlers.
Protein Bars
Look for protein bars with wholesome ingredients like peanuts, dates, and oats to keep older kids fueled.
Whole Nuts
Packed with healthy fats and protein, nuts are a satisfying snack for older kids.
Trail Mix
Combine dried fruit, nuts, and a little chocolate to make your own trail mix.
You can also buy them pre-made from your favorite store. Most come in a variety pack which helps to mix things up when packing lunch.
Raisins
Simple yet delicious, raisins are a classic healthy snack idea for all ages. You can get chocolate-covered or yogurt-covered raisins to make snacking more fun.
Hard-Boiled Eggs
Rich in protein, hard-boiled eggs make a filling snack for active kids.
Roasted Chickpeas
These crunchy snacks are full of dietary fiber and great for keeping kids satisfied.
Other After-School Snack Ideas for Little Kids
Muffins
Homemade muffins with less sugar make a great treat for little kids. Check out some of my muffin recipes below.
- Blender Spinach Muffins For Toddlers – No Banana
- Easy Banana Muffins For Baby: No Added Sugar
- Simple Chickpea Muffins For Baby & Toddlers (No Added Sugar)
- Easy Applesauce Muffins For Baby & Toddlers
- Easy Blueberry Banana Muffins For Baby-led Weaning (dairy-free)
- Easy Apple Muffins For Baby & Toddlers with Cinnamon Flavor
- Fluffy Sweet Potato Muffins For Baby & Toddler (3 ingredients)
- Easy Apple Banana Carrot (ABC Muffins) For Baby + No Egg Option
- Delicious Mango Muffins For Baby-led Weaning
Sweet Potato Tots
Crispy sweet potato tots are a great alternative to sweet potato fries because they’re baked instead of deep-fried.
Healthy Oatmeal Cookies
Cookies made with oats and no added sugar are perfect for snack time. Check out my favorite oatmeal cookie recipe here.
Popcorn
Lightly salted popcorn is a healthy snack idea after school or any time of the week.
Dates
Dates are naturally sweet and very filling so your kid will not be hungry after snacking on them.
Crunchy and fresh, snap pea snacks are one of my favorite snacks for kids. They’re perfect for little hands just starting solids or experienced toddlers after school.
It’s a sneaky way to add veggies the diet of a picky eater.
My kids are obsessed with seaweed. They’re so delicious that it’s hard to stop eating them once you start. Seaweed is one of the best snacks my kids eat on a daily basis.
A popular snack from Trader Joe’s, lentil curls are packed with protein and crunch.
Hummus and Crackers
Pair creamy hummus with whole-grain crackers for a nutritious snack.
Guacamole and Chips
Guac and chips are one of the most popular snacks for kids and adults. It’s a great option to provide healthy plant-based fats.
Yogurt Parfait
Layer low-fat yogurt with fruit and granola for a colorful snack that kids will love.
Energy Balls
Made with oats, nut butter, and seeds, energy balls are a fun and nutritious snack.
Bite-sized and delicious, sweet potato fritters are great for kids.
These green fritters sneak in veggies while being delicious.
Moist and flavorful, pumpkin bread is a wholesome sweet treat.
Banana Bread
Soft and sweet, banana bread is always a crowd-pleaser.
Unhealthy Snacks to Avoid
Fruit Snacks
Often full of added sugar, fruit snacks lack the nutrition of real fruit. Most also contain artificial food colorings and dyes.
Potato Chips
While tempting, potato chips don’t contribute to a healthy weight. That’s because most contain unhealthy oils and excess salt.
Fruit Juice
High in added sugar, fruit juice isn’t as beneficial as fresh fruit or water. It lacks the fiber that comes from eating the fruit itself.
Chocolate Chips
These should be reserved for occasional treats, not everyday snacks.
Ice Cream
Delicious but loaded with added sugar, ice cream is best in moderation.
Lollipops and Candies
These offer little to no nutrition and are full of artificial sweeteners and excess sugar.
Tips for Keeping Snacks Healthy and Fun
- Buy in a big batch to save time and money.
- Stock up on a variety pack to keep snack time exciting.
- Consider a subscription service like Thrive Market for healthier kids’ snacks.
Final Thoughts On Popular Snacks for Kids
Making popular snacks for your kids doesn’t have to be hard. Stick to healthy foods, keep an eye on the ingredients list, and focus on providing the good stuff.
With these easy ideas, snack time can be both nutritious and fun!
