A Healthy Guide to Afterschool Snacks Your Kids Will Love
Keeping your kid’s nutrition on track can be a daily challenge, especially when they come home hungry after a long day at school. When the kids are hungry, resorting to pre-packaged junk is the norm. However, let’s take a more thoughtful approach to afternoon snacks. Because nutritious snacks play a big part in development and overall well-being, our healthy guide to afterschool snacks for your kids will be something you’ll love to read.
Why Choose Healthy Afterschool Snacks?
Parents often seek a balance between providing healthy snacks and convenient options. This guide bridges that gap by offering practical, nutritious, enjoyable snack ideas to satisfy your children. Our guide will be an influential asset in incorporating a variety of nutrients into your child’s diet. Whether your child has specific dietary requirements or wants to improve their eating habits, our blog enables you to take actionable steps to make healthy snacks fun and feasible.
Nutritious and Delicious
When it comes to afterschool snacks, the key is to find a balance between nutritious and delicious. Check below for delicious snack ideas that the kids will want all the time.
Fresh Fruit and Nut Butter
Fresh fruit is one of the simplest and most nutritious snacks paired with nut butter. Apples, bananas, and celery sticks go perfectly with almond, cashew, or peanut butter. The natural sweetness of fruit combined with the creamy texture of nut butter makes for a satisfying and health-conscious snack.
Veggie Sticks and Hummus
Kids often enjoy crunchy snacks, and veggie sticks with hummus are great to provide that crunch while sneaking in some extra nutrients. Carrot sticks, cucumber slices, and bell pepper strips dipped in chickpea-based hummus offer a delightful combination of flavors and textures.
Greek Yogurt and Berries
Greek yogurt has plenty of protein and probiotics, making it an excellent choice for an afterschool snack. Topping it with fresh berries adds natural sweetness and a burst of antioxidants. You can even get creative by adding a sprinkle of granola for an extra crunch.
Snacking on a Budget
Providing nutritious snacks doesn’t have to be expensive. In fact, budget-friendly snacks are just as enjoyable as the other options.
Homemade Trail Mix
Creating homemade trail mix is a budget-friendly way to offer the nutrients they need while packing flavor. Combine almonds, sunflower seeds, dried cranberries, and dark chocolate chips for a balanced and delicious snack. This DIY approach allows you to control the ingredients and avoid unnecessary additives.
Popcorn
Popcorn is a whole grain that’s inexpensive and easy to prepare. Add a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt for flavor or nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste. It’s a fantastic way to satisfy cravings without resorting to processed snacks.
Hard-Boiled Eggs
Hard-boiled eggs are an excellent source of protein and healthy fats. They are easy to prepare in batches, and you can store them in the refrigerator for quick snacks throughout the week. Pair them with some whole-grain crackers for a balanced snack.
Managing Allergies
Allergies can be a significant concern when choosing snacks for kids. If your children have allergies or dietary restrictions, try some of the recipes below.
Sunflower Seed Butter and Rice Cakes
For kids with nut allergies, sunflower seed butter is a fantastic alternative. Spread it on rice cakes and top with sliced bananas or strawberries for a tasty, allergen-free snack.
Gluten-Free Energy Bites
Energy bites are versatile and easy to adapt to dietary needs. Combine gluten-free oats, honey, sunflower seed butter, and mini chocolate chips to create bite-sized snacks that are safe for kids with gluten sensitivities.
Dairy-Free Smoothies
Smoothies are a great way to pack in a lot of nutrients while accommodating dairy allergies. Blend almond milk, frozen berries, a handful of spinach, and a scoop of plant-based protein powder for a delicious creamy drink.
Snacking on the Go
Busy schedules often mean that snacks need to be portable. Try out these snack options when you’re on the go after school.
Pre-Packaged Nut Butter Packs
Nut butter packs are a convenient and nutritious option for on-the-go snacking. Brands like Artisana Market offer single-serving packs perfect for tossing into a backpack or lunchbox. Pair them with an apple or whole-grain crackers for a quick and satisfying snack.
Cheese Sticks and Whole-Grain Crackers
Cheese sticks are individually wrapped and easy to carry. Pair them with whole-grain crackers for a balanced snack with protein, carbohydrates, and calcium. It’s a great option for kids involved in afterschool activities.
Veggie Chips
Veggie chips from kale, sweet potatoes, or beets are a crunchy, portable snack. You can find them in most grocery stores or make them at home with a dehydrator or oven. These chips offer a healthier alternative to traditional potato chips.
Involving Your Kids
Getting your kids involved in snack preparation can encourage healthy eating habits and make snack time more enjoyable. The kids enjoy snack time more with these snack-making station ideas.
Snack Station
Set up a “snack station” in your kitchen where kids can easily access pre-prepared snacks. Include containers of washed and cut fruits and vegetables, individual portions of hummus, and small bags of homemade trail mix. Having options empowers kids to make their own choices and develop independence.
Cooking Together
Invite your kids to join you in the kitchen to prepare snacks. Simple tasks like spreading nut butter on rice cakes, mixing ingredients for energy bites, or assembling veggie sticks can be a fun bonding activity. It also provides an opportunity to teach them about nutrition and healthy eating.
Themed Snack Days
Create themed snack days to keep things exciting. For example, have a “Fruit Fiesta” where you try different types of fruits or a “Veggie Adventure” where you explore new vegetables. Themed snack days mitigate picky eating in children so that they can become more open to trying new things.
Eat Well With Artisana Market
This has been a healthy guide to afterschool snacks that your kids will love to help them grow healthy and happy. There are plenty of options to keep snack time exciting and nutritious.
Take the next step in your snack game by exploring the delicious selection of nut butter packs from Artisana Market. Whether you’re looking for a convenient on-the-go option or a flavorful addition to your homemade snacks, their products will surely delight you and your kids.