Finding an afterschool snack for your little ones that is both nutritious and delicious can be a challenge. Enter this recipe roundup from some of our favorite bloggers, which offers a variety of yummy options to quiet rumbling tummies. Forget processed snacks with empty nutritional value; you can feel good about serving these deceptively healthy alternatives next time snack time rolls around. Tasty and good for you? That’s what we call a win-win.
1. Chocolate Avocado Pudding
CREDIT: ForgivingMartha.com
This rich, creamy chocolate pudding gets its smoothness from a surprise ingredient (avocado!) and is completely dairy-free, making it a great option for lactose-intolerant kids. If you’re looking for a wholesome alternative to packaged pudding, this delicious recipe from Forgiving Martha can be whipped up in mere minutes. And let’s be honest—what kid doesn’t love chocolate?
2. Apple Ring Sandwich
CREDIT: GarnishWithLemon.com
For a completely creative twist, substitute sliced apple rings in place of bread in this fun and fruity snack, courtesy of Garnish with Lemon. Peanut butter provides protein and healthy fats to keep kids full, while granola adds a sweet and satisfying crunch. Let your kids help assemble these scrumptious sandwiches—they’ll get a kick out of this unique and healthy treat.
3. Zucchini Pizza Bites
CREDIT: TheComfortofCooking.com
Pizza is always a popular choice for kids—and with good reason! For a fun way to sneak veggies into their diet, try this creative and delicious alternative from The Comfort of Cooking: zucchini pizza bites. Kids won’t even miss the crust with this delectably cheesy creation, and you can rest easy knowing that this snack delivers a nutritious punch.
4. Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Popsicles
CREDIT: ChocolateandCarrots.com
This snack might taste like a decadent, bad-for-you dessert, but a single popsicle contains almost half a cup of fresh strawberries and has no added sugars! Dip it in chocolate for a special touch of sweetness, and watch your kids devour these frozen treats from Chocolate and Carrots while getting a healthy dose of vitamin C.
5. Cinnamon Sweet Potato Fries
CREDIT: TheFreckledFoodie.com
For a healthy alternative to greasy French fries, whip up a batch of The Freckled Foodie’s delectable cinnamon sweet potato fries. This sweet and crispy snack is easy to make and a definite crowd pleaser, for kids and adults alike. Serve with ketchup, ranch, or enjoy them plain—no matter what, your little ones will adore this addictive snack.
6. Triple Berry Chia Pudding
CREDIT: SkinnyTaste.com
For a snack that really packs some fiber, try this triple berry chia pudding, courtesy of Gina at Skinny Taste. With just four simple ingredients, this recipe is perfect for busy parents. This is also a great snack to make with your kids—they’ll love watching the chia seeds “magically” absorb the almond milk and turn their liquid creation into a pudding in no time!
7. Roasted Chickpeas
CREDIT: CupcakeProject.com
Sweet and salty is a winning combination in this awesome, simple snack. For kids who like chips or popcorn, try substituting this crunchy chickpea alternative from Cupcake Project for a healthy dose of fiber. Sprinkled lightly with cinnamon, sugar and salt, this snack is best served warm from the oven—just be warned, it’s addictive and will be gone in seconds.
8. Creamy Mango Yogurt Smoothie
CREDIT: MakingThymeforHealth.com
Kid’s will never suspect you’ve snuck spinach and carrots into this creamy mango smoothie courtesy of Making Thyme for Health! The fruity flavors completely mask the taste of any veggies, while Greek yogurt adds protein and smoothness to this tropical treat. The best part? This delectable snack almost completely satisfies the daily recommended servings of fruits and vegetables for your little ones, all in one convenient cup!
9. Turkey Apple Grilled Cheese
CREDIT: MyLittleGourmet.com
Grilled cheese is a classic after-school snack; but made with just bread and cheese, it’s hardly a wholesome option. Enter My Little Gourmet’s nutritious makeover to the traditional grilled cheese, which adds turkey slices and apple chunks. Kids will love this funky twist on an after-school favorite, while you’ll love the added nutritional value.
10. Healthy Corn Dog Muffins
CREDIT: InSockMonkeySlippers.com
It’s a fact: kids love corn dogs—but moms don’t like the added fat and oil in this traditionally deep-fried snack. Bring this state fair staple to your kitchen in the form of a healthy, bite-sized muffin with Meredith’s fun recipe from In Sock Monkey Slippers. Serve with ketchup or mustard and let your kids dig in, sans worry; this homemade treat is actually healthy!
