The kids are coming. The kids are coming! And they’re HUNGRY. After-school snacks meet the high-energy needs of kids who work hard all day in school. And in our experience, kids are content to nibble on a wide variety of foods when they get home. (Maybe they’re just extra-hungry. It’s a powerful motivator!)
You might default to crackers and peanut butter, granola bars, or a piece of fruit as an after-school snack. And seriously, there’s nothing wrong with those choices. But why not take advantage of kids’ hunger and general “school’s-out!” cheeriness to serve something a little different? Especially when you can highlight some of the food groups your kids might need more of, like veggies and protein.
Check out some of our after-school snack ideas in this roundup of healthy, fun, and rut-busting recipes.
Make muffins ahead and freeze them for quick snacks any time. Serve these Bran Muffin Bites after school with a piece of fruit and a cold glass of milk for a balanced, filling snack.
Snack recipes? We’ve got those in spades. Check out this post with a focus on low-sugar snacks.
Natalie Monson
I'm a registered dietitian, mom of 4, avid lover of food and strong promoter of healthy habits. Here you will find lots of delicious recipes full of fruits and veggies, tips for getting your kids to eat better and become intuitive eaters and lots of resources for feeding your family.
I read in Cooks Illustrated a few years back that honey prevents apple browning too, and tastes much better than lemon. Dilute 1 tablespoon of honey with a little water & toss apple slices in mixture. Works every time.
Will I be criticised if I say except for Cucumber Sandwiches (which were a little horrible), every other recipe in the list were delicious? Yes, I tried out all the remaining 14 recipes! Delicious and Healthy!
That’s a very idea you shared. Using those kind of things for snacks is really good. Peanut Butter, Cheese and Grilled Cheese I use sometime. My kids are really like them, now its time to make something new.
Hi, These are all looking super delicious. Your child is lucky to have a mother like you. I am definitely trying them out. Thanks for the recipe and instructions. I want to more recipe from you.
It’s I’m Embarrassing some of the foods you are suggesting as healthy. Fries, chocolate milk, gold fish crackers… etc, none of this is healthy food. This is the reason there’s a nutrition crisis in America.
I understand your confusion- we’ve improved these kid-favorite foods to make them much more nutritious than the original. You’d have to follow the link to our recipe to see our substitutions!
Looking forward to some help!!
really great ideas – what I am most impressed about is you identifying what each food does for the body – love it – keep it up pls
Send more
These should work a treat!
I read in Cooks Illustrated a few years back that honey prevents apple browning too, and tastes much better than lemon. Dilute 1 tablespoon of honey with a little water & toss apple slices in mixture. Works every time.
Sounds delicious
Will I be criticised if I say except for Cucumber Sandwiches (which were a little horrible), every other recipe in the list were delicious? Yes, I tried out all the remaining 14 recipes! Delicious and Healthy!
Thank you!
hahah!! I love the cucumbers!
That’s a very idea you shared. Using those kind of things for snacks is really good. Peanut Butter, Cheese and Grilled Cheese I use sometime. My kids are really like them, now its time to make something new.
I agree!!! We should get married
wow that helped a lot my favorate was the smoothie and im 9
Lovely Snacks. Yummy
wow amazing idea thanks for share keep it up !
Hi, These are all looking super delicious. Your child is lucky to have a mother like you. I am definitely trying them out. Thanks for the recipe and instructions. I want to more recipe from you.
I wish I grew up on healthy snacks such as the ones you propose. I think it’s best if you start early in life and it becomes a routine.
Pretty amazing list! Printed out some of the recipes to give it to some of my patients who have kids!
Thanks!
chocolate milk is not healthy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
I hope you’ll take a look at the recipe, it’s very different from commercial chocolate milk. 😉
My kids love chocolate milk. I’ll have to try making it with the Hershey’s cocoa!
My kids love no-fry French fries. I am not gonna lie. Me too… I also use sweet potatoes. They are so healthy…
Nice collection of recipes and amazing idea thanks for share keep it up!
Wow, these all are going to rock.. Thanks Natalie.
It’s I’m Embarrassing some of the foods you are suggesting as healthy. Fries, chocolate milk, gold fish crackers… etc, none of this is healthy food. This is the reason there’s a nutrition crisis in America.
I understand your confusion- we’ve improved these kid-favorite foods to make them much more nutritious than the original. You’d have to follow the link to our recipe to see our substitutions!
fantastic article thanks for sharing, I appereciate your work
Wow very nice, i am going to try all this…. 🙂
these are great
These healthy food keeps me happy and healthy. Thanks
These food ideas ?
I wish I grew up on healthy snacks such as the ones you propose. I think it’s best if you start early in life and it becomes a routine.
My kids eat nothig but junk when they get home from school. I’ll try incorporating some of these ideas. Thanks!