11 fast, healthy after school snacks for kids and teens
After school snacks are important for kids. The extra dose of energy can help fuel homework, sports and extracurricular activities after the school day ends.
After school snacks can be healthy and easy to prepare at the same time.
After school snacks for kids and teens
Find recipes and ideas below for 11 fast, healthy after school snacks.
1. Apple slices and nut butter
Apples are very rich in fiber and make a great after school snack. You can pair them with a nut butter for a protein-rich, delicious treat. The sweetest apples that make great snacks for kids and teens include Fuji, Gala and Honeycrisp apples, but any variety will do!
Families with nut allergies can use sunflower butter -- a delicious alternative to peanut and almond butters. You can find sunflower butter in the peanut butter aisle at most grocery stores.
Don't forget to slice apples -- even for teens! Fruit is more fun for kids to eat if it is already washed and cut. If apple slices will be sitting out for more than 30 minutes, squeeze lemon juice over them to keep them fresh.
2. Fresh fruit smoothie
A smoothie doesn't have to be a lot of work for an after school snack. Use a large or single-portion blender to mix 1 cup of frozen fruit with 1/2 cup of plain or low-sugar yogurt. For a touch of sweetness, add a banana, peanut butter or a drizzle of honey.
Smoothies are a great way to use fresh fruit before it goes bad, so it's a great idea to toss fresh berries and other fruits into your smoothie. Serve smoothies immediately with a straw or a spoon.
Need to make your smoothie thinner? Try to avoid juice, which is loaded with sugar. Instead, add a small splash of milk or a non-dairy milk substitute like oat milk.
Smoothie ideas:
- Energy boost: Chocolate, oatmeal, peanut butter and banana
- Super sweet: Strawberries, pineapple, banana, yogurt
- Green smoothie: Spinach, apple, banana, avocado
- Tropical: Mango and banana
3. Homemade açaí bowl
A homemade smoothie bowl is easier than it sounds! You can buy single-serve packs of frozen açaí at most grocery stores, including Target and Walmart. Simply create a thicker smoothie by using less milk and serve it in a bowl with low-sugar granola, strawberries, apples and a drizzle of honey.
4. Cottage cheese and fruit
Cottage cheese is packed with protein and other nutrients. It pairs great with strawberries, pineapple or honey for an after school snack.
5. Mini Charcuterie board
For a more filling snack that feeds a crowd of kids, create a kid-friendly Charcuterie board with miniature slices of cheese and crackers. Load it up with fruit like strawberries, blueberries, grapes, apple slices and raspberries, and include dried raisins or cranberries for a touch of sweetness.
6. Yogurt parfait
This is an easy but delicious classic after school snack. Layer plain or low-sugar yogurt with fruit, granola and a touch of honey.
7. Avocado toast
This is a great option for hungry kids or teenagers who need a heartier after school snack to make it until dinner. I love to toast a slice of seeded, whole grain bread (the thicker the better!) and top it with smashed avocado, everything bagel seasoning and lemon juice.
If your child has a sweet tooth, serve avocado toast with ripe peaches, strawberries or other sweet fruits. Whipped feta cheese and a drizzle of honey can also add sweetness.
8. Hummus and dippers
Snack time couldn't be easier. Pick up a tub of hummus and serve with slices of pita bread, crackers or, even better, vegetables. Vegetables that pair well with hummus include sugar snap peas, carrots and celery. Remember to chop carrots and celery into thin, matchstick-size pieces, especially for younger kids.
9. Popcorn
Popcorn is low in fat and provides kids with an extra source of fiber. Instead of topping popcorn with butter and salt, try these combinations:
- Lime zest and chili powder
- Cinnamon
- Parmesan cheese
- Cinnamon
10. Air fryer veggie sticks
Thinly slice delicious vegetables like zucchini or sweet potato and place them in the air fryer at 400 degrees for 5 to 7 minutes. You can serve with dips like ranch -- yum!
11. No-bake oatmeal bites
This recipe is an old favorite from the WRAL Family archives.
Recipe: No Bake Oatmeal Bites
Serves: 12
Serving size: 2
½ cup (dry) oatmeal
1 cup toasted coconut flakes
½ cup carob or mini chocolate chips
½ cup nut butter
½ cup ground flaxseed
⅓ cup honey
1 tsp vanilla
Stir all ingredients together in a medium bowl until thoroughly mixed. Let chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. Roll into 1” balls. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Makes 24 “bites." These can be frozen.
