Kid-Friendly Snacks That Are Good – And Good for You

Now that the school year is underway and school activities are gearing up, healthy snacking can be a challenge. The options for between-meal refreshments are plentiful, but not always as wholesome and nutritious as they should be.

At Cabot, we believe that teaching children about healthy snacking can set them on the path to good nutrition for a lifetime. 

6 Tips for Making Healthy Snack Choices

1. Power with protein. Protein is a healthy choice to help kids keep hunger at bay. Cheese, lean meat, eggs, and nuts are all smart snack ideas for kids.
2. Snack imaginatively. Let your kids help plan healthy snacks. Get creative with choices and presentation.
3. Shop together. Take time on the weekends to involve the whole family in making healthy food choices, especially for snack foods.
4. Read labels. Check the nutrition facts on prepared foods. Just because it says “low-fat” or “fat-free” does not mean it’s healthy. Help you kids become informed consumers.
5. Be prepared. Have healthy snacking choices like fresh fruit and veggies, washed, cut up and ready to go.
6. Teach healthy snacking habits. Limit snacks to the kitchen. Avoid snacking during screen time. Avoid snacking after dinnertime.

Healthy Snack Recipes for Kids

Here are some super yummy snack solutions that will make your kids, and their bellies, smile! This is a list of snack ideas that your kids will be sure to enjoy and snacks you can feel great about giving them. The recipes are packed with protein, whole grains, and of course a healthy serving of dairy. Not only are many of these recipes quick, your kids can help too – older kids can even make these some of these simple recipes themselves.

Kids Snack Board with Yogurt Dip

Check out our ideas for creating a quick kids’ snack board with fruit, veggies, cheese and crackers, as well as two yummy Greek yogurt dips that are perfect to serve alongside. 

Apple Cheddar Almond Snack Mix

Let’s start with a classic snack of apples and cheese. Our Apple Cheddar Almond Snack Mix is sure to please! Mix it up and make it colorful with red and green apples, or try swapping out traditional cheddar for something adventurous like Pepper Jack.

Blueberry Yum Yum Smoothie

Continue to keep it cool with two delicious smoothies. Smoothies are a great choice when your children just can’t wait – they whiz up in seconds and are easy to double for a crowd. The Blueberry Yum Yum Smoothie is guaranteed to put a smile on their faces!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie

Air Fryer Cheese Sticks

These Air Fryer Cheese Sticks require a little more prep work, but when the kids have a “rumbly in their tumbly” this snack will surely satisfy. Think mozzarella sticks with a cheddar twist. Great with tomato sauce, ranch dressing, or any creative dipping sauce your children come up with.

Mini Bagel Pizza Snacks

And last but not least…we get a little bit sneaky with these Baked Cauliflower Bites. Featuring "riced" cauliflower along with cheese, this snack is the perfect way to add some veggies to your picky child’s diet. These savory muffin bites won’t last long and will leave little ones feeling full till dinnertime.