If you have a child of school age, you will know how hungry they are at the end of the school day. They would eat ANYTHING.
The worry is that if you don’t have something healthy and yummy ready to fill their little tums, they’ll reach for the junk food. Nooooo.
Instead, get organised with these easy recipes for healthy after school snacks, which can be made in advance or super-fast.
SAVOURY AFTER SCHOOL SNACKS
Pizza Toast
Serve up this easy pizza toast after school and watch it disappear. Only five ingredients.
Recipe source: Delish
Zucchini Slice
Make zucchini more appetising with bacon and cheese. This comes together in 30 minutes.
Recipe source: Taste
Bread Cup Quiches
Bread cup quiches are perfect when you’re feeling a little fancy but don’t have time to bake. Looks and tastes delicious.
Recipe source: Donna Hay
Zucchini Ham Patties
This a great way to sneak veggies into after school snacks. Your kids will never know there’s zucchini in it.
Recipe source: Taste
Tortilla Roll Up Lollipops
Rollups are always yummy and fun to make. This one calls for wholemeal tortilla wraps but you can sub wholemeal bread.
Recipe source: Eats Amazing
Crispy Mac and Cheese Muffins
Here’s a spin on good old mac and cheese that’s perfect for snacking. Make it healthier by using whole wheat pasta and adding veggies.
Recipe source: Taste
Cheesy Broccoli Bites
This is a genius way to get kids to eat broccoli. Even veggie haters will beg for more. Plus, they are perfect for the freezer.
Recipe source: Super Healthy Kids
Mini Spinach and Cheese Pizzas
Pizza is always a hit. Make it healthier with spinach, whole wheat pita and ricotta cheese.
Recipe source: Delish
Parmesan Ranch Mix
This snack mix is so savoury good and ready in just five minutes. We suggest making a big batch ahead of time.
Recipe source: Averie Cooks
Baked Sweet Potato Chips
Throw some sliced sweet potatoes in the oven with sea salt and olive oil and bake until crispy. It’s way better than store-bought chips.
Recipe source: Minimalist Baker
Cauliflower Popcorn
Cauliflower popcorn is yummy with garlic powder and Parmesan cheese. And it tastes like chicken nuggets.
Recipe source: Good Housekeeping
Pizza Roll Ups
Store bought crescent rolls with spaghetti sauce is ready for snacking in 15 minutes. Used tinned sauce to save time.
Recipe source: Taste of Home
Cheesy Quesadillas
Make these quesadillas healthier with low fat cheese and wholemeal tortillas. Top with a generous helping of salsa for extra nutrients.
Recipe source: Taste of Home
Roasted Chickpeas
This is def our new favourite healthy snack. Season chickpeas with spices/flavourings and pop in the oven.
Recipe source: Super Healthy Kids
Ants on a Log
This savoury variation of ants on a log comes with different toppings: guacamole, black beans, hummus, cheese and chickpeas.
Recipe source: Healthy Happy Life
Kale Chips
Kale is surprisingly edible when made into yummy chips. Top with Parmesan and spices if the kids want more flavour.
Recipe source: Super Healthy Kids
Baked Zucchini Chips
Here’s another chip recipe that makes for a kid-friendly, healthy after school snack. We recommend hummus for dipping.
Recipe source: Vittles and Bits
Tomato Basil Pinwheels
Tomato basil pinwheels made with whole wheat tortilla, sun dried tomatoes and low fat cream cheese is ideal for summer snacking.
Recipe source: Super Healthy Kids
Loaded Nachos
These nachos are highly customisable based on what you have available. We suggest swapping sweet potatoes for chips if you want a healthier alternative.
Recipe source: Country Living
Baked Cucumber Chips
Who knew cucumber makes such zesty chips? If you ask us, it’s the apple cider and sea salt combo that makes this one so mouth watering.
Recipe Source: Low Carb Yum
Oven Chicken Fingers
Oven baked chicken trumps fried chicken every time. Use skinless chicken breasts and load up on the spices.
Recipe source: Country Living
Avocado Sandwich
Avocado sandwiches are so yummy and healthy, even toddlers love them. We like to use whole wheat bread and ghee for toasting.
Recipe source: GK Food Diary
Lunch Kebabs
These sandwiches on sticks are portable, healthy and so easy to make. Our fave is the turkey, whole wheat bread and avocado one.
Recipe source: Delish
Caprese Sandwich
Another lovely summertime sandwich that’s a hit with kids. You can easily swap whole wheat for French bread.
Recipe source: Active Kids
Easy Snack Wraps
Wraps are versatile snacks that let you use any combination of protein and veggies. We love low fat cream cheese with olives and turkey.
Recipe source: All Recipes
SWEET AFTER SCHOOL SNACKS
Pumpkin Oat Cookies
Pumpkin oat cookies are not just for Halloween. They’re great healthy after school snacks year round.
Recipe source: Kid Spot
Chocolate Banana Snack Bars
Apricots, shredded coconut, pumpkin seeds and rolled outs make for some tasty and healthy snack bars.
Recipe source: Kid Spot
Smoothie Bowls
These smoothie bowls are heaven. You can use any fruit, just add Greek yogurt and mix in a blender.
Recipe source: Woman’s Day
Banana Bread
Don’t throw away over ripe bananas, they’re perfect for making this scrumptious banana bread.
Recipe source: Donna Hay
Rainbow Fruit Skewers
Colourful party food or just for snacking, these rainbow fruit kebabs are packed with vitamins and antioxidants.
Recipe source: BBC Good Food
Baked Apple Chips
Apple chips take an hour to make but are so worth it. It’s the perfect snack to satisfy sweet cravings.
Recipe source: The Viet Vegan
Blueberry Yogurt Bites
Trust us, make a large batch of these yogurt bites ahead of time so you won’t run out. They’re that delicious.
Recipe source: Kristen Duke
Banana Yogurt Bites
If your kids love bananas, here’s something super easy that they can make themselves.
Recipe source: Eats Amazing
Fruit Cracker Pizzas
Spice up boring old crackers with cream cheese and your favourite fruits. Another child-friendly recipe that anyone can make.
Recipe source: Sunshine and Hurricanes
Loaded Apple Nachos
Here’s a hearty recipe when the kids want something filling. You can swap nuts and berries for chocolate chips to make it healthier.
Recipe source: Julie’s Eats and Treats
Apple Salsa
A salsa of apples, strawberries, kiwi and orange is amazing to eat with chips or crackers.
Recipe source: Taste of Home
Choco Banana Energy Balls
These choco banana energy balls are filled with nutrition and healthy sweetness. Great for snacking at home or outside.
Recipe source: Julie’s Eats and Treats
Dark Chocolate Almonds
Craving something decadent but still healthy? Dark chocolate almonds are the answer. You can store this in the fridge for up to 4 weeks.
Recipe source: Sally’s Baking Addiction
Peanut Butter Granola Bars
Peanut butter and rolled oats are a classic energy combo. One bar can tide a child over until dinner time.
Recipe source: Julie’s Eats and Treats
Strawberry Energy Balls
Strawberries, peanut butter, seeds and rolled oats make for a great low calorie and low sugar snack. No need to bake!
Recipe source: Brendid
Fruit and Nut Bars
Here’s an easy to make trail mix that’s tasty and keeps for a long time. Go crazy with your favourite nuts and dried fruits.
Recipe source: Snack Girl
Avocado Truffles
Truffles made from avocado? Even little kids will devour them. This one is dairy free and gluten free.
Recipe source: What the Fork
Peanut Butter Energy Balls
Here’s a fun recipe for kids and kids at heart. Peanut butter and dark chocolate are so yummy together.
Recipe source: Fit Foodie Finds
Banana Blueberry Cookies
Swap these banana blueberry cookies for your usual chocolate chip. It’s just as sweet but way healthier.
Recipe source: Tasting Page
Frozen Yogurt Bark
This berry yogurt bark tastes as scrumptious as it looks. Perfect for holiday snacking.
Recipe source: Celebrating Sweets
Baked Banana Chips
More snacks for banana lovers! Simple baked banana chips are great eaten alone or with overnight oats.
Recipe source: Diet Hood
Tropical Orange Fruit Snacks
Aren’t fruit snacks divine? This vitamin packed recipe uses natural fruit juice and honey.
Recipe source: Allergy Free Alaska
Honey Roasted Nuts and Fruit
Fruit and nuts are even better roasted with honey. A healthy after school snack that’s cheap and takes no time make.
Recipe source: Food.com
Fruit and Nut Yogurt
Adding yogurt to fruit and nuts kicks up the health bar a notch. Plus its tastier that way.
Recipe source: BBC Good Food
Instant Berry Yogurt
Last but definitely not least on our list of after school snacks: If your kids are craving ice cream, give them a bowl of berry yogurt. It’s sweet, filling and full of fibre.
Recipe source: BBC Good Food
