School Snack Ideas for Kids

The best school snacks have a few things in common. They:

• Combine at least two food groups, like fruit with protein or whole grains with dairy
• Include real, minimally processed ingredients
• Are low in added sugar, sodium, and unhealthy fats
• Fit school allergy and safety guidelines
• Are easy to pack and travel well

The school snack ideas we feature help kids stay energized and are more likely to be eaten instead of being traded for a salty bag of chips or sugar-filled treat.

Not every healthy snack has to involve prep. Some kids' snacks for school can go straight from the pantry or fridge into a lunchbox or backpack. Here are some grab-and-go foods you can combine to create a well-balanced snack:

• Fruits like apples, bananas, grapes, or oranges
• Ready-to-eat veggies like baby carrots or mini peppers
• String cheese
• Greek yogurt
• Whole-grain crackers
• Nuts or nut butter (if allowed at school)
• Hummus
• Dried fruit like raisins, apricots, or freeze-dried berries
• Air-popped popcorn
• Whole-grain unsweetened cereal

Kids are more likely to eat what’s in their lunchbox if it feels fun and interesting. Mixing up colors, flavors, and textures makes a difference. A few easy pairings include:

• Apple slices with peanut butter 
• Greek yogurt topped with berries and a sprinkle of granola
• Whole-grain crackers with cheese and cucumber rounds
• Baby carrots with hummus for dipping
• A mix of nuts, dried fruit, and oat cereal (like Cherrios®)

These combinations offer a mix of protein, fiber, and healthy fat to keep kids feeling full and satisfied.