If Planning Healthy Snacks For Your Kids Is A Source Of Everyday Stress, Here's 31 Healthy Snack Ideas To Make Life A Little Easier

Trust me: Don't skip the step where you oil your hands before rolling these into individual bites! Your hands will thank you, and you'll be rewarded with a picture-perfect snack.

Recipe: Peanut Butter Energy Bites | Shop This Recipe 

I don't know about you, but I always go overboard with smoothies. No matter how hard I try, I always end up making a whole blender full, and then I'm stuck. This one has the perfect proportions, so you can make just the right amount for a midday snack — no awkward leftovers in sight.

Recipe: Mixed Berry Snack-Sized Smoothie | Shop This Recipe 

These turn out irresistibly crispy when baked according to the instructions, but I bet they'd be incredible in the air fryer. Someone try this and report back, please!

Recipe: Carrot Fries | Shop This Recipe 

You can whip this up in no time after school, or make it the night before and let it chill in the fridge — the flavors will only become more and more delicious. If your kids are sensitive to red onion, you can try soaking it in water for a few minutes before adding it (to reduce the "bite"), or omit it entirely.

Recipe: Low-Carb Avocado Chicken Salad | Shop This Recipe 

Commenters recommend adding chocolate to these babies, and I cannot fault them for it. Whether it's a drizzle of melted chocolate on top, or a few chips folded in, they really take this cookie to the next level. Leave the chocolate out, and you're still left with an irresistible snack made with less than five ingredients and no added sugar.

Recipe: No-Bake Peanut Butter Coconut Cookies | Shop This Recipe 

These are a great make-ahead snack. First, form and freeze them, unbaked, then pop them into the oven when you're ready to nosh. They'll take a little longer in the oven than they would if they were fresh, but they'll come out just as crispy and delicious.

Recipe: Broccoli Tots | Shop This Recipe

Don't be fooled by the name — while this crowd-pleasing dip is certainly the life of any good party, it's also a bona fide favorite when it comes to simple after-school snacks. I mean, is there any better way to shake off the school or work day than with guacamole? I think not.

Recipe: Classic Party Guacamole | Shop This Recipe 

Some people are skeptical of the idea of dessert hummus, and I get it. But as a chocolate hummus convert (try it on strawberries!), the chickpeas are really just a plain base to build flavor on, and this banana bread version knocks it out of the park.

Recipe: Banana Bread Dip | Shop This Recipe 

A mandolin or even a vegetable peeler will help you get the beautifully thin slices you'll need for these chips to be crisp AF. But even if you can't get them to an even thinness, they'll still taste amazing.

Recipe: Baked Cinnamon Apple Chips | Shop This Recipe 

If you have a cute silicone ice cube tray, now is the time to use it. You can make these refreshing (and adorable) cups in the shape of flowers, hearts, dinosaurs...anything you can dream of, really.

Recipe: Froyo Fruit Cups | Shop This Recipe 

Who even needs a pudding cup when you have one of these? Chia pudding travels just as well, and the added protein and fiber from the chia seeds will keep you fuller for even longer (so no one gets a bad case of the hangries 30 minutes before dinner).

Recipe: Strawberry Banana Chia Seed Pudding | Shop This Recipe 

Make a little container of this and take it along wherever you go — you and your kids will be rewarded with a way more flavorful and satisfying snack than that squished granola bar at the bottom of your bag.

Recipe: Pesto Chickpea Snack Salad | Shop This Recipe 

This salad is endlessly riffable: you could add avocado, cherry tomatoes, crumbled cotija cheese, or heck, even some chicken (if you want to make this a full lunch instead of a hearty snack).

Recipe: Black Bean & Quinoa Snack Bowl | Shop This Recipe 

My brother basically lived on hummus for his first few years of elementary school, and I can see why. It's creamy, smooth, and pretty much everybody can find a fave vessel to dip in it — mine are cucumbers, but pretzels are a very close second.

Recipe: Classic Hummus | Shop This Recipe 

If you've only had "cookie pizza" with a sugar cookie crust, you're in for a yummy surprise here — since the crust is made of cashews and oat flour, it's much less sweet. This actually allows the fruit flavors to shine, instead of competing with the sugary cookie.

Recipe: Healthier Cookie Fruit Pizza | Shop This Recipe 

If you think about it, this is basically just a pizza Lunchable with an added boost of veggie-goodness from the eggplant. Plus, you can add whatever toppings your heart desires, and your kids can eat them all warm and toasty from the oven. It's a win-win.

Recipe: Cheesy Eggplant Pizza | Shop This Recipe 

Sometimes all it takes to make familiar foods exciting is a change in shape — these banana roll-ups are the perfect example. All you need for this is bananas, nut butter, and a tortilla, but the little slices make it feel like a special treat.

Recipe: After School Banana Roll-ups | Shop This Recipe 

This is a great recipe to convince veggie-skeptical kids that zucchini is actually delicious. They'll be so distracted by the crispy coating and the dipping sauce that they won't even realize they're getting one of their five-a-day in.

Recipe: Garlic Parmesan Zucchini Chips | Shop This Recipe 

We are living in the golden age of cauliflower, and I am here for it. These crispy beauties are great fresh, but also delicious at room temp, so they're a great option if snack time tends to shift around based on the day.

Recipe: Cauliflower Cheddar Fritters | Shop This Recipe 

If your kids aren't huge on fruit, try this fruit salad. It's just a few ingredients, but it really punches up the natural flavors of the banana and the berries, and it feels like a lovely, bright treat instead of an obligation.

Recipe: Banana Berry Fruit Salad | Shop This Recipe 

If your kids love chocolate popsicles but you're not crazy about giving them a ton of sugar in the afternoon, these are a great alternative — you can play around with the amount of cocoa and sweetener in them to get the perfect taste for your family.

Recipe: Chocolate Coconut Popsicles | Shop This Recipe 

You could probably trick your kids into thinking these are chicken nuggets, but I wouldn't recommend it — why not help them learn that tofu is delicious, too? 

Recipe: Popcorn Tofu Nuggets | Shop This Recipe 

I'm a fruit leather nut, but the little packages at the store can get pricey! Luckily, it's super easy to make at home — either in the oven, or if you're ~super~ fancy, the dehydrator.

Recipe: Strawberry Fruit Rollers | Shop This Recipe 

The herb blend in this recipe is totally delicious, and you can customize it to your tastes. However, if you're short on time, a ranch packet from the store would also be delicious.

Recipe: "Ranch" Roasted Chickpeas | Shop This Recipe 

Apple slices and peanut butter are tasty and all, but where's the pizzazz?! It doesn't have to be spooky season to make these cute lil' mouths that kids will go ~nuts~ for. What kid wouldn't eat these any day of the year?

Recipe: Hungry Apple Monsters | Shop This Recipe 

This box is great if you've got a grazer. They can have little bits of everything as they please, but it's all contained in one place — not spread around the house. If you have to run to a class or a practice, just pop the lid on and bring it along!

Recipe: Mediterranean Box | Shop This Recipe 

You don't have to make all four kinds of sandwiches, but even one or two makes for a great afternoon snack. Not every kid will be into this! But the ones that are will love you forever for it.

Recipe: Finger Sandwiches | Shop This Recipe 

These crunchy, seeded crackers are great with hummus or as a base for cheese or deli meat. Just be sure they're fully cooled before you store them; otherwise, the excess moisture can make them soggy.

Recipe: Quinoa Seed Crackers | Shop This Recipe 

I know, I know, sushi seems way intimidating to make at home. But I promise, it's so easy, the whole family can do it. I would recommend leaving the nori on the outside, though. It's less sticky, and that way you can do it without a bamboo mat — you can just use your hands to roll the sushi.

Recipe: California Roll | Shop This Recipe 

If you still don't feel up to the task of classic sushi, these cucumber bites are a delicious alternative. Just make sure to get an English cucumber so you don't have to chew through any tough skin.

Recipe: Ham & Cheese Cucumber "Sushi" | Shop This Recipe 

I love a snack that's also an activity, and this is a great one. Kids can pick whichever fruits they want in their spring roll, try their best to roll them up (maybe with a little adult help), and then dip and munch away!

Recipe: Fruit Spring Rolls With Strawberry Lemonade Dip | Shop This Recipe