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Check out my list of healthy snacks for kids to give your child easy, nutritious snacks for school this year. PS- They work for adults, too! These easy snacks for kids fuel them for the busy days ahead in school and beyond. Feel free to send these healthy snacks for school to soccer practice, choir rehearsal or after-care. They work all day long.

healthy snacks for school like oatmeal raisin granola bars.

Another school year, another pep talk to myself to give my kids healthy, fun food to eat throughout the day. Cut to a month later when I’m barely getting carrot sticks into containers before tossing them in the lunch box.

Well, no more! I’m bringing you healthy snacks for kids that everyone can enjoy. These easy snacks for kids will make your school days brighter, lighter and more energized. Plus, your little humans perform at their best when they’ve got fuel!

I not only make these healthy snacks for school for my kids, but I also enjoy them! My slow cooker apple sauce recipe is almost no prep and can be stored in individual containers for easy grab ‘n go. A batch of homemade granola bars make for a great snack after practice for both me and my kid. Feel free to treat yourself while you also fuel your family.

Table of Contents
  1. Hand-Held Easy Snacks for Kids
  2. Dips and Spoonable Treats
  3. Nut-Free Snacks
  4. Healthy Snacks for Kids FAQs
  5. Tips for Storing Food

Hand-Held Easy Snacks for Kids

When looking for items to fill the lunch box, I need it to be easy and tasty. Complicated works of art are not going to cut it when I’m trying to get my kids out the door early in the morning or when I’m up late prepping.

Many of these ideas, like the homemade granola bars and oven roasted almonds, can be prepped ahead and made in multiple servings, so you can prep once and snack well all week long.

This category is pretty self-explanatory. These are snacks you can eat with your hands. No extra utensils are needed! Feel free to cut them into sizes your kid can manage, or double up if you know they need to extra energy.

Homemade Granola Bars
5 from 25 votes
When you need to go the extra mile, homemade granola bars are your BFF. I grew up on Natureโ€™s Valley bars thanks to my dad, but I wanted to make my own version using my favorite plant-based ingredients.
Make Recipe
Apple Donuts
5 from 1 vote
These apple donuts have become a go-to snack thanks to how quick and easy they are to make. Get creative and have fun topping the apple rings with your favorite toppings.
Make Recipe
Tamari Oven Roasted Almonds
4.5 from 8 votes
Tamari, the deeper flavored cousin of soy sauce, goes splendidly with toasted almonds. Eat as is for a quick, filling snack or roughly chop and use as a savory salad topping.
Make Recipe
vegan avocado fries on a white plate with a container of chipotle ranch dipping sauce.
Avocado Fries
5 from 2 votes
Snacking is made delicious with these crispy avocado fries. They are a super fun side dish, snack or appetizer that will surely liven up your day. Dairy-free and egg-free yet still super crispy and satisfying.
Make Recipe
vegan snack recipe
Chocolate Covered Banana Bites
4.9 from 7 votes
Grab a friend and whip up these delicious bite-sized snacks. Chocolate covered banana bites are super easy to make, and oh so fun!
Make Recipe
Healthy Zucchini Bread
5 from 6 votes
A fun bread the whole family can enjoy (and help make!). I love that this bread contains a whole cup of veggies and that it's vegan, though you can't even tell!
Make Recipe
Rice Crispy Treat Recipe for Healthy Kids Snack
Healthy-ish Rice Krispie Treats
5 from 19 votes
This Rice Krispie Treats Recipe uses plant-based whole foods from brown rice to almond butter. Not only will you find more protein and fiber, but the flavor will blow you away.ย 
Make Recipe
Vegan Protein Bars
5 from 22 votes
These delicious, wholesome vegan protein bars will give you the energy to get stuff done while nourishing your body with plant-based protein such as good-for-you nuts and seeds.
Make Recipe
no-bake energy balls recipe with chocolate chips and oats.
No-Bake Energy Balls
5 from 2 votes
These no-bake energy balls are the perfect snack before a workout, to get over the afternoon slump (without coffee!) or to take on-the-go for any snack emergency.
Make Recipe
Strawberry Vegan Muffins
5 from 13 votes
My whole family adores these strawberry vegan muffins, but I definitely love them the most. These muffins bring back childhood peanut butter and jelly sandwiches in a sophisticated and more nutritious way.
Make Recipe

Dips and Spoonable Treats

This next category focuses on recipes that make great dips or work for times when your kid is sitting. Nuts and seed butter pair great with fruits and veggies alike, caramel apple dip is a fun way to eat more fruit no matter the season and vegan yogurt can be used with a variety of mix-ins.

Slow cooker applesauce makes your house smell incredible, and can easily be stored in serving size containers for grab n’ go snacking.

easy snacks for kids include nut and butters like almond butter, sunflower seed butter and cashew butter in glass jars with air-tight lids.

I often pack dye-free sprinkles, mini vegan chocolate chips or freeze-dried fruit when packing a dip or yogurt. My kids love a good topping as much as I do.

nut butter recipes
Homemade Nut Butter
5 from 3 votes
Nothing compares to the ultra creamy texture and flavor of homemade nut butter. Try these as an alternative to peanut butter to make sandwiches, sauces, dressings, cookies, and more. Or use as a luxurious, decadent dip for apples, pears, peaches, nectarines, pretzels, carrots, celery, or anything dip-able.
Make Recipe
3 glass jars full of vegan yogurt parfaits.
Vegan Yogurt
4.2 from 5 votes
If you're looking for a delicious recipe that is plant based, look no further. This fun, easy vegan yogurt recipe is great on its own, or turned into a parfait with the fruit compote and granola.
Make Recipe
healthy granola in a glass jar with dried blueberries.
Healthy Granola with Blueberries
5 from 5 votes
This gluten-free granola recipe can be used as a smoothie bowl or yogurt topper, eaten as-is or enjoyed with a plant milk for a decadent cereal. Enjoy straight from the oven or store in an air-tight container to enjoy all week long!
Make Recipe
Slow Cooker Applesauce
5 from 2 votes
This 4-ingredient recipe is so easy to put together and incredibly delicious to enjoy both warm and cold! You can make slow cooker applesauce with a wide variety of apples, and serve it on and in so many dishes.
Make Recipe
How to Make Chia Pudding
5 from 4 votes
Chocolate chia pudding makes the perfect snack, quick breakfast or unique brunch addition. Use it to top pancakes, inside a parfait or mixed with granola. You may need more than one spoon as it is entirely delicious and shareable!
Make Recipe
Pumpkin Chia Pudding
5 from 4 votes
Celebrate fall with this quick n' easy protein-packed snack. Pumpkin Chia Pudding tastes great and is the perfect amount of sweet. Treat it like a dessert, a snack, or a light breakfast.
Make Recipe
5-Ingredient Date Caramel
4.9 from 8 votes
Hope you're sitting down because this healthy date caramel is going to blow your mind! Made with all-natural, plant-based ingredients and ZERO added sugar (no corn syrup!), this sauce is rawkin'. Use as a spread, dip, topping, sauce, filling, or just eat it by the spoonful.
Make Recipe

Nut-Free Snacks

homemade fruit roll ups with chia seeds turned purple from elderberry syrup.

Many schools today require any homemade snacks to be nut-free, which can be hard. Other than fresh fruit, what can you bring? I actually brought my Vitamix blender to my daughter’s school one year and blended smoothies for the whole class. What a hit! Here are some more great ideas:

rolls of fruit leather on a marble serving tray surrounded by fresh blueberries and peaches.
Homemade Fruit Leather
5 from 9 votes
This fruit leather recipe is loved by kids and adults alike! Just 4 simple, whole food ingredients, make this fun, kid-approved treat. Follow my how to steps for the perfect weekend at home or school snack.
Make Recipe
homemade hummus
Homemade Hummus
5 from 14 votes
With this recipe on hand, you'll never need store-bought hummus again! Along with iron-rich chickpeas, we've included loads of fresh, vibrant herbs to add extra vitamins, minerals to this herb hummus.
Make Recipe
Healthy Breakfast Bar
4.5 from 10 votes
The classic fruit-filled snack/cereal bar transformed into a healthy breakfast bar recipe. The oat-studded dough is filled with lightly sweetened fruit jam and baked until golden.
Make Recipe
Best Green Smoothie Recipe
4.9 from 1920 votes
The best green smoothie recipe is a tasty tropical treat packed with iron, potassium and vitamins galore. There's no need to be scared of a spinach smoothie when it tastes like this.
Make Recipe
Ranch Cauliflower Popcorn
5 from 2 votes
Don't sleep on this savory snack option. Ranch Cauliflower Popcorn is crispy, seasoned to perfection, and as easy to eat as a bowl of, well, popcorn! It's seriously delicious and the perfect snack for any time of day.
Make Recipe

Healthy Snacks for Kids FAQs

What are some healthy snacks for kids for school?

I’ve got 19 snacks that are kid-approved for school this year. Choose from sweet, savory and even nut-free to send your kid to class prepped for success and fueled with whole food ingredients.

What nut-free snacks can my kid take to school?

Nut-free snacks can be hard to find! Try my fruit leather, homemade hummus, breakfast bars or the best smoothie recipe ever for a nut-safe alternative that the whole class can enjoy.

How do I keep my kids’ snacks cold during the school day?

Small, gel ice packs are perfect in my kids’ lunch boxes. Just one small ice pack can help keep that snack cold until snack time or lunchtime, whichever comes first. Pro Tip: I use the plant-based ones that come in my Thrive Market boxes; just save them in the freezer until you need one!

Tips for Storing Food

I’ll take all the tricks and tips when it comes to the food my kids take to school. Here are a few I’ve learned over the years:

  • Pack frozen smoothies so they act as a cold pack AND thaw nicely for lunchtime without getting too warm.
  • Prep! Seriously, I pick two or three recipes from the list above and prep them in advance. That way, I’ve got options for the week but I don’t have to try and come up with a new snack idea every night.
  • Wash fruit and store in glass jars: I got this tip from an awesome Rawkstar. They wash all their fruit and then store it in glass mason jars with one paper towel. This keeps the fruit fresh and ready to grab for school all week.

Here’s my daughter, Clare, making a healthy snack after school! What are your fav school snacks? Drop a comment and let me know!

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Comments

  1. 5 stars
    This is great! I like to batch make snacks for my daughter, so this is a great list!

    1. That’s awesome, Erin! I’m sure she’ll love them and you’ll love that they’re easy to make + healthy. ๐Ÿ™‚

  2. Hi Jen
    Can I give the lunchtime smoothie to my kids EVERYDAY or do you recommend changing it up?
    Kind Regards
    Sam

    1. Hi Samantha,

      You definitely can! I send my son along to pre-k with a smoothie each morning! Just make sure you’re rotating your leafy greens, as even little bodies can be effected by oxalate build-up. Learn more about the importance of rotating your leafy greens here…

      https://simplegreensmoothies.com/leafy-greens

  3. Hi I am struggling with the packed smoothie for kid’s lunch boxes… wouldn’t it go yuk by the time lunch rolled around.?

    if you could help me understand this better I’d be most appreciative. thank you ๐Ÿ™‚

    1. Hi Kerry,

      Great question! A great thermos is key! We also suggest using tons of frozen fruit to make sure it stays cold for lunch time. Even dropping a few ice cubes in the blended smoothie will help if you don’t have enough frozen fruit. Also, separation is natural, so a quick shake before enjoying will ensure your smoothie is the perfect addition to any lunch!

      Cheers ๐Ÿ™‚

      1. oh great tips.!!! thank you so very much ๐Ÿ˜€ my boy starts school next year and loves his smoothies.. I will be sure to pack one everyday for him. thanks again
        kerry

      2. You’re so welcome, Kerry! Thanks for blendin’ with us! ๐Ÿ™‚

  4. I would love to get my hands on a copy of this cookbook but it’s no longer being sold. So, how can I get one?

    1. Hi Andrea,

      Oh no! “Lunches, Real Easy 6-Week School Lunch Meal Plan” by 100 Days of Real Food is only offered from August 17th โ€“ 31st. Sign up for their newsletter here to be the first to know when it is available again…

  5. Hey guys,
    Thank you all for your supportive comments, I truly appreciate them. I am thinking of replacing 2 meals with green smoothies. Any thoughts?? I don’t know how long I can do this gor, but I really do need to lose 40lbs for my health.

    1. Hi Donna,

      We’re so excited to have you as part of our amazing SGS tribe! Using green smoothies as a meal replacements is a great way to fuel your body with healthy + nutritious ingredients like fresh fruits, leafy greens, + veggies! This is not a fast or restrictive diet, we’re making lifestyle changes that will last a lifetime, so you should never feel deprived. A hard boiled egg, handful of nuts, or apples + almond butter are all great snack options in addition to your green smoothies.

      https://simplegreensmoothies.com/meal-replacement-smoothie

      Looking to lose weight, + refocus your eating habits? Check out our FreshStart21 cleanse! I personally just finished the cleanse, reached my goal weight, and have a totally new understanding on how to fuel my body!

      https://simplegreensmoothies.com/cleanse

      Reach out with any questions, Donna! We want to hear about + help you along your journey to health, happiness, + weight loss!

      Cheers ๐Ÿ™‚

  6. What brand is that smoothie container in the last picture? It looks like a small insulated bottle that is perfect for a kids lunchbox! Definitely not the contigo bottle mentioned in the post. Thanks!

    1. Hi Shoshanna,

      Thanks for reaching out! While it may appear smaller, the Contigo Traquil 20oz bottle is pictured above. Check out Contigo’s kid’s section, they have great smaller options!

      1. Thanks for the response! I orders one for myself, but it’s too bad they don’t make the same model in a 10oz size!

  7. Has anyone tried sending the smoothies in a re-usable squeeze-y pouch? If so, do you have to freeze it overnight so it will be cold for lunchtime?

    1. Hi Jess,

      Great idea! We’d love hear if you try this out!

      Cheers ๐Ÿ™‚

  8. With regards to being harassed at work. My coworkers laugh at me and scowl at my smoothies. One of them even went as far as to say, those smoothies aren’t doing anything for you, you are still heavy, you are not losing weight. Those comments stung. It hurt me badly, to the point that I was embarrassed to drink my smoothies in the office. However, although I haven’t lost any weight, my skin is beautiful, I have more energy, and I am not as depressed as I used to be. So I will continue to drink my green smoothies daily!! Now, If I could just lose some weight to shut my coworkers up, dat will be nice!!!!!!

    1. Sorry, but your coworkers are idiots!!! Can’t say differently, who do they think they are!?? Don’t listen to them. And NEVER NEVER be ashamed of anything you do, to make your life better and to feel better! Find the best version of yourself and your life where you are at the moment. It’s all about creating a happy life and not your ideal weight. If you are happy with your life you will loose weight too. Make yourself pretty, search for your female happiness, put on a dress, life is to short to wait for the “right weight”, it will never be right for everyone!
      But I have one hint, try to not put that much fruits in your smoothies as they contain sugar too.

      1. Hi Fabienne,

        Thank you so much for your support! You’re part of the reason we love our SGS tribe!

        Cheers to health, happiness, + leafy greens!

    2. Donna, your co-worker is mean and I suspect about more than your weight. My co-workers mock my smoothies too. I hear everything from ‘ewww’ to they ‘look like sludge’ or ‘weird me out’. Note, this is coming from grown people who drink diet Pepsi all day long and down processed protein/meal substitute blender drinks for energy and weight loss. The most I do to defend my smoothie is to say you have no idea how delicious this tastes. I too want to lost weight but that hasn’t come yet. I can say that my skin is gorgeous, my energy is up and my mind is more clear. Because my mind is more clear and less frantic I don’t feel bent about not losing weight yet, I trust that’ll come with time. I bring my smoothies every day … whoever doesn’t like it, don’t look!

      1. Hi Maureen,

        You couldn’t be more right! You’re fueling your body with simple, healthy, natural choices + treating your body right! We love hearing how you’re seeing changes in your energy, skin, + mind. And love seeing how your supporting your fellow Simple Green Smoothiess!

        Cheers ๐Ÿ™‚

    3. Hi Donna,

      You’re beautiful inside + out! We’re so sorry to hear about the comments you’ve received from your co-workers. You’re fueling your body with delicious and healthy fruits, vegetables + leafy greens – that’s something to be proud of and we’re proud of you!

      Looking to use green smoothies to help you along your weight loss journey? We’re here every step of the way with you! Did you know Jadah lost 25lbs by replacing one meal with a Simple Green Smoothies?

      https://simplegreensmoothies.com/about

      We’re making healthy lifestyle changes that will last a lifetime! Our goal for your is to drink at least one 2-cup serving green smoothie a day in addition to your regular diet. If you would like, you can replace 1 or 2 meals with green smoothies. If you drink green smoothies as meal replacements, make sure to add a protein boost (plant-based protein powder, nut milk, nut butter), or snack on some nuts or a hard-boiled egg 30-60 minutes after you drink your green smoothie.

      https://simplegreensmoothies.com/plant-based-protein-powder

      https://simplegreensmoothies.com/meal-replacement-smoothie

      If you want to burn fat, you want to include plant-based smoothie ingredients that have the following weight loss effects:

      -Jump start your digestion
      -Burn excess fat
      -Reduce and expel bad cholesterol
      -Provide energy for your cardiovascular system
      -Detox and hydrate your body
      -Promote healthy bowel movement
      -Decrease your appetite for processed foods and sugars

      The Kiwi Berry Punch is a low-calorie, nutrient-dense smoothie recipe that combine the best fruits and veggies for an optimal approach to healthy weight loss.

      https://simplegreensmoothies.com/fat-burning-smoothie

      Reach out with any questions! We’re here for you!

    4. Donna,
      I agree with Fabienne, fruit adds sugar! And if you have not add some exercise, at least 20 minutes of cardio to your day. 20 minutes is the minimum to burn fat! If you are like me, and have a desk job, then that is not helping! I have been mostly a stay home mom up until 3 years ago. I say mostly because I am also a massage therapist and that is not a full time job. ๐Ÿ˜‰ Last November, I took a desk job then in December fell on ice in my driveway and broke my wrist. Thankfully I had that desk job, but being in active for 6 weeks I put on some (20 pounds) weight. I didn’t realize how active I had been before this job. I wish all the best and keep your chin up. I have also found out that working in an office can get pretty negative. Good for you for moving past that and keeping the finish line in view.

    5. Unbelievable that your coworkers said that to you!!! I just can’t believe how low life and scummy they are. Sorry, just speaking the truth. I’ll bet you that they are jealous of you in the workplace anyway….

      1. Hi Sue,

        Sometimes people can be mean when they don’t understand. That’s why its so important to share the green smoothie love with others! Inform others of their health benefits, delicious taste, + how they’ve improved your life!

        Cheers to health, happiness, + leafy greens!

  9. A Thermos Funtainer bottle would keep the smoothie cold and mostly hidden (just the bit of straw sticking out).

    You can pick them up at Target, Walmart, Toys R Us…

    1. Hi Marie,

      Thanks for sharing! We love that they’ll keep smoothies cold until lunch, and we know kids will love the themes + prints!

      Cheers ๐Ÿ™‚

  10. Greetings,

    I pack lunches daily. The school lunch menu at my child’s school does not appeal to either one of us. I pack apples w/peanutbutter or Nutella, grapes & a sandwich at times using Applegate lunch meat. She also prefers fresh shredded carrots & broccoli w/ranch dip. I use a Yumbox or a Rubbermaid lunchblox to pack her food. It’s become an addiction now trying to find cute ways to pack her lunch!

    1. Hi Dana,

      Those lunches sound amazing! I want to pack a few of your ideas for myself. Thank you so much for sharing!

      Cheers ๐Ÿ™‚

  11. I drink my green and odd grey smoothies with no apologies peeps. Go for with confidence, you’ll pave the way for others and inspire curiosity in something healthy. For my kid’s lunch: bell pepper, or baby sweet bells, apple and peanut butter, low fat yogurt, and all organic because it matters. Ya it costs more so we don’t buy cable…. Life is all about choices. I want them to offer organics so I buy them. Happy school days everyone!

    1. Hi Polly,

      Drink your green smoothies proudly! Way to go, rawkstar! And way to provide your children with healthy + nutritious lunch options!

      Peace, love, + leafy greens!

  12. Super cute ideas for the lunch box! Thanks for sharing RAWKstar team ๐Ÿ˜‰ e + c

    1. Hi Carla + Emma,

      Hope we provided you with some lunch inspiration!

      Cheers ๐Ÿ™‚

  13. I get harassed at work for green smoothies, I can only imagine what the kids would endure. Could we just say it’s new Ninja Turtle juice?!

    1. Hi Kayla,

      Love that idea! Kids have the best names for green smoothies – Hulk Smoothie, Swamp Juice…I’m adding Ninja Turtle Juice to my list of favorite names!

      Thanks for sharing!

    2. I just wanted to respond to your comment about being harassed at work. I was also. I used to leave the break room or wrap a kleenex around the bottle so no one could see it. Using a straw helps also. I refused to stop treating my body right must because some people were bothered. Also, the person who have me the hardest time is now sipping Green smoothies too! You are doing this for yourself. If people care about you, they will support you. If they don’t support you they don’t care, so you shouldn’t care about them either! You GO, girl!

      1. I got harrassed at work…so the next day I brought smoothies for my 2 closest co-workers. Now if I want a green smoothie, I have to have it at home because they harrass me for not bringing them some everyday! Share the love and they’ll understand!!

      2. Hi Joan + Kristina,

        You’re totally right! The best way to combat any negative comments is to share green smoothies with others. They’ll be surprised how delicious being healthy can be. And really? Who harasses someone for being healthy? And never forget, you have us, and thousands others behind you!

        Cheers to health, happiness, + leafy greens!

  14. Thanks for the tip on using berries to cover up the green part in the smoothie. I second the Hydro Flask idea. It’s stainless, drinks stay super cold and it doesn’t “sweat” like plastic tends to do.
    Love mine!!

    1. Hi April,

      Thanks for reaching out, we’ll have to test out Hydro Flask!

      Cheers ๐Ÿ™‚

  15. I would recommend investing in vacuum insulated bottles, such as from Klean Kanteen or Hydro Flask. They last forever and keep smoothies chilled ALL DAY :).

      1. Hi Julie,

        Here’s the links for Klean Kanteen + Hydro Flask…