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Summer is prime snacking season for kids and here’s why low sugar snacks are best. Between swimming, sports, camps, beach days, and backyard fun, kids burn lots of energy. It’s a good idea to have a stash of low sugar snacks for kids on hand that will keep them energized and keep them active.
Many typical summer snacks, like sugary drinks or ice cream treats, are loaded with added sugar. Sugar can give kids a burst of instant energy that quickly leads to a crash, leaving them looking for the next snack to re-energize. Too much sugar not only sends blood sugar on a rollercoaster ride, but may also contribute to health issues over time, such as obesity and diabetes.
But the good news is that there are plenty of kid-friendly snacks that are delicious, fun to eat, and healthier. Many low sugar snacks for kids are packed with protein, fiber, and nutrients that keep kids feeling full and energized.
Here are some easy, low sugar snacks from the Health eCooks Recipe Test Kitchen that you can feel good about giving your kids and that they’ll love eating. These kid-friendly snack ideas are sweet with less sugar, and they are perfect for toddlers, school-age kids, and even hungry teenagers enjoying their summer break.
Low Sugar Snack Ideas for Kids
These easy low sugar snack recipes are great to have on hand so you always have kid-friendly snacks available that taste delicious and leave them with lasting energy.
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Energizing Protein-Packed Snacks
Protein-filled snacks help stabilize blood sugar and are great for growing kids because they help keep hunger away longer. These high protein low sugar snacks are perfect for active summer days when kids need lasting energy.
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Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer30 mins
These are a great grab-and-go snack or mini meal. Make a batch ahead of time and keep them in the fridge for quick summer snacks.
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Photo Credit: Jessica Kielman, Baldwin Publishing45 mins
Made with protein-packed Greek yogurt, this dip is creamy and flavorful. Serve with celery sticks, carrots, or cucumber slices for dipping.
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Fresh Fruit Snacks That Are Easy to Make
Fruit is naturally sweet, packed with important vitamins, and perfect for summer. When paired with protein and fats, such as yogurt or peanut butter, fruit becomes a balanced snack that gives kids the long-lasting energy they need.
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Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer15 mins
Colorful, fun to assemble, and great for kids of all ages. These fruit skewers come with a kid-friendly dip that’s full of protein.
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Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer15 mins
Layers of fruit and yogurt make this easy-to-make recipe feel like a dessert while still being packed with nutrients.
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Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer15 mins
Crunchy, creamy, and naturally sweet, this low sugar snack for kids is a real winner!
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Cool & Creamy Summer Treats
When the temperature rises, kids naturally want cold snacks. Here are some chilled summer snacks for kids treats that aren’t loaded with added sugar.
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Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer20 mins
Naturally sweet and full of fiber, this cool and delicious snack is packed with chia seeds that keep kids feeling full and are also good for digestive health.
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Photo Credit: Adobe Stock15 mins
When it comes to fun frozen low sugar treats, it doesn’t get more refreshing than these popsicles, which also offer a boost of extra protein.
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Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer5 mins
Perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack on hot days, these slightly sweet oats have no added sugar but loads of delicious taste. Chia seeds and oats are also excellent sources of fiber, which keep kids feeling full.
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Crunchy Snacks Kids Love
Sometimes kids just want something they can crunch on. Instead of chips or sugary packaged snacks, try healthier summer snacks for kids that still provide that satisfying crunch. These are also great for lunchboxes, road trips, or backyard picnics.
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Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer30 mins
Crispy, savory, and a great way to add extra vegetables to snack time, these are also easy to make and can be stored for days in airtight containers.
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Photo Credit: Shutterstock50 mins
Crunchy roasted chickpeas are packed with fiber and protein. These also offer a bit of heat, but you can turn the dial up or down, depending on what kids prefer.
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Simple Smoothies for Quick Summer Snacks
Smoothies are one of the easiest ways to make a healthy snack for kids in just a few minutes. Kids can even help make them by choosing their favorite fruits and vegetables and putting everything in the blender. Smoothies are especially great for busy mornings, after sports practice, or when cooling off after playing outside.
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Photo Credit: Adobe Stock5 mins
Bright, fruity, and full of antioxidants, this low sugar smoothie is a kid favorite.
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Photo Credit: Shutterstock10 mins
Creamy and naturally sweet without added sugar, this is one of our most popular low sugar snacks for kids.
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Photo Credit: Shutterstock10 mins
A delicious combo of fruit and protein, this refreshing summer smoothie is a treat for both kids and kids at heart.
Tips for Making Low Sugar Snacks for Kids
Here are a few simple tips for making sure your kitchen is packed with healthy, energizing, and easy-to-grab snacks this summer, and all year long:
- Prep snacks ahead of time so healthy options are ready when kids get hungry.
- Let kids help assemble snacks like fruit kebabs or smoothies.
- Pair fruit with protein or healthy fats for longer-lasting energy.
Having easy low sugar snacks for kids on hand is a great way to keep them energized so they can enjoy all that summer has to offer, while also being something they look forward to eating. With ingredients like whole grains, fruits, vegetables, yogurt, and lean proteins, kids can be satisfied with these healthy summer snacks while also keeping their blood sugar levels balanced.
With a little planning, snack time can be fun and nutritious. These low sugar snacks for kids make it easy to keep them happy, well-fueled, and ready for their next summer adventure!
Connect to Mary Claire Atkinson, RDN, CLC on LinkedIn.