50 Healthy Snacks for Kids at School

Updated: Mar. 15, 2023

school lunch box for kids with food in the form of funny faces. the toning.

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If your child is the one who brings her untouched lunch home every day, surprise her with these healthy snacks for kids at school!

Nothing makes me feel more like I have my life together than those weeks when our fridge is stocked with our favorite healthy snacks for kids to bring to school. A little prep time over the weekend is well worth the saved time and mental energy throughout the week. And having all of our kids’ snacks planned and prepped also prevents those afterschool meltdowns when I’m frantically searching our pantry for something that’s not deep-fried or expired.

Creating healthy meals and snacks for our kids is certainly daunting but not impossible. Start with classic kid-favorites like yogurt pouches or Goldfish crackers and health-ify where you can. Here are 50 of our favorite ideas to get you started.

Our Ultimate List of Healthy Snacks for Kids at School

Lunch Box Pizzas are easy to pack, and your child will actually eat them!
Cut out the artificial ingredients by making your own Homemade Honey Grahams.
Avocado Egg Salad Toast is creamy and delicious; the healthy fats and protein will fill your child up until after school.
Whole-wheat pretzels with a Mini Babybel Wheel is quick, simple and filling.
Make a batch of Double Berry Quick Bread for easy snacking a serving of fruit.
Healthy Greek Bean Dip is packed with plant-based protein and perfect with whole wheat pita chips or fresh veggies.
A Berry Smoothie Bowl can be frozen ahead of time and packed in an insulated thermos.
You can never go wrong with apple slices and Whole Grain Goldfish Crackers.
Asian Wraps have a satisfying crunch and sneak in a variety of veggies.
Garbanzo Stuffed Mini Peppers may take a little convincing but once your child tries them she’ll be hooked.
Surprise your child with Orange Berry Yogurt Muffins; they definitely don’t taste healthy!
Whole-wheat pretzels and raisins are a quick snack with a hint of sweetness.
Spinach and Turkey Pinwheels
Give your child some afternoon energy with the fruit and whole grains from these Rhubarb Oat Bars.
Freeze individual servings of Peach Smoothie and allow them to thaw during the school day.
Combining pear slices and string cheese is the perfect blend of carbs, protein and fat to give your child the energy he needs.
For a heartier snack to satisfy serious afternoon hunger pangs, pack a couple of Turkey Ranch Wraps.
Yogurt Honey Fruit Cups taste like dessert and are packed with protein and vitamins.
Apple Spice Muffins are quick to prepare and way healthier than grabbing a muffin at the coffee shop.
Stir together no-sugar-added applesauce and greek yogurt for a yummy and healthy parfait.
There will be no more complaining about boring snacks with these Muffin Tin Tamale Cakes.
Granola Blueberry Muffins can be made ahead of time and frozen individually.
If your child doesn’t love trying new foods, ease in with sweet Fruited Turkey Wraps.
A small cup of cottage cheese with fresh berries will provide your child with a healthy serving of protein, fiber and antioxidants.
Strawberry Pasta Salad is a yummy and original way to break out of the PBJ rut.
Cookies for a snack? Your child won’t trade away these Carrot Cookie Bites!
To encourage more veggies, add a creamy dip like Yogurt Dill Dip.
Toss a clementine orange with a nut-free trail mix in a reusable bag for a simple snack that satisfies.
Veggies have never been so fun; become the fun parent when you pack these Guac Crocs Veggies.
Can you say Parent of the Year? Chocolate Chocolate Chip Muffins; enough said.
Toss some fresh spinach in these Mango Peach Smoothies for a nutrient-packed snack.
Apple slices with SunButter ($7) are sweet and salty while being safe for any nut-free classroom.
Cannellini Bean Hummus tastes like a creamy dip but is rich in protein and fiber.
Packing a bento box with Fresh Fruit Salsa with Cinnamon Chips is a fun way to sneak more fruits into your child’s diet.
Skip the hot lunch option and make your own Mini Mac and Cheese Bites.
Packing plantain chips and salsa is a great way to try new flavors and textures.
Light Creamy Chocolate Pudding is a healthier version of your child’s favorite snack.
Everyone in your house will enjoy this quick and easy Lunch Box Chicken Wrap.
This creamy Yogurt Grape Salad is light and sweet; perfect for even the pickiest eater!
Short on time? Toss dried mango slices and a yogurt pouch in your child’s backpack for an easy win.
No child is going to turn down delicious and colorful Fruit Kabobs with Cream Cheese Dip.
A Hummus Veggie Wrap Up is a yummy way to introduce more veggies at snack time.
Try filling a small container or mason jar (for the older kids) with a cup of Wheely Good Pasta Salad.
Whole-wheat pita with red pepper hummus is a filling snack that’s easy to share.
The beautiful purple color of Roasted Beetroot and Garlic Hummus will entice just about any bean-averse child.
If your child likes a little heat, pack a couple of Mini Corn Muffins with Spicy Cheddar Filling for a fun surprise.
Quick Taco Wraps are great for a hearty snack or easy kids lunch idea.
If your household needs a break from ants on a log, try celery with cream cheese for a savory new option.
Mediterranean Chips & Dip feel like a treat while providing healthy nutrients to keep your child satisfied until dinner.
Black Bean Brownies are loaded with healthy protein and fiber.

How to Pack School Snacks

Now that you’ve got your list of healthy snacks that your child will actually eat, it’s time to make a packing plan. Rather than blowing through an entire bag of Ziploc bags in a week, here are some reusable (and less expensive) options.

Reusable snack bags are a great place to start. They can hold sandwiches and dry snacks and most are dishwasher-safe. We love the fun patterns on these sandwich bags ($14). A variety pack of different sizes ($15) is also a great investment.

Bento boxes are another easy way to pack snacks or school lunches for kids. The small compartments prevent the snack components from mixing together, and kids love having a variety of small snacks. Grab this unicorn one ($30) for a fun lunch surprise or this pack of three ($22) for the entire family. Search Bento Box lunches on Pinterest for some fun, new kids lunch ideas!

Finally, invest in a great insulated thermos (like this one) to pack cold smoothies and pasta salads or warm mac and cheese.

Smart Tips for School Snacking

So you’ve got your back-to-school recipes ready to go; here are a few final tips for the easiest snacking ever.

Go nut-free: Even if your school allows nuts, it’s a good idea to skip them. This way, if your child trades or shares, you know everyone will be safe.
Include your kids: Our kids are more likely to try new things when they’re involved in the preparation. Add snack-packing to your child’s chore list and give them a few healthy options to choose from.
Prevent waste: If your child consistently brings her uneaten snack home, explain that it will then become her afterschool snack. This usually has a way of motivating kids to eat it at school!

Looking for meals your kids will love? These kid-friendly dinners are perfect for weeknights.

Tired of cooking? Don’t miss these healthy snack box subscriptions that deliver to your door.

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Mini Zucchini Pizzas Exps Ft23 205463 St 1201 6

Mini Zucchini PizzasThis simple snack is the perfect, low-carb way to satisfy your pizza cravings. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen