As a parent, coming up with new ideas for cheap healthy snacks for kids can be a challenge. With so many unhealthy options around us, it's crucial to prioritize their nutrition while being mindful of costs. Explore 36 cheap and healthy snacks for kids that are easy to make and delicious to eat. These are all foods that are easily found in a grocery store.
From fruit-based snacks to protein-packed options, there are plenty of possibilities to meet every child's preferences. Say goodbye to expensive and processed snacks and hello to homemade treats that your kids will love. Discover new and exciting options to keep your kids satisfied and energized throughout the day.
- Fruit-Based Snacks
- Vegetable-Based Snacks
- Dairy-Based Snacks
- Wheat, Grain, and Nut-Based Snacks
- Snack Combos
- Protein-Based Snacks
- Pre-Packaged Snacks
Fruit-Based Snacks - Easy, Cheap, & Naturally Sweet
Fruits are super-easy to prep and are naturally sweet. Kids love them when exposed at an early age. Fruits make excellent cheap healthy snacks for kids. Fruits provide essential nutrients and vitamins crucial for a child's growth.
Even dried fruits make for great snack foods. They can be served alone or combined with other foods to add an exciting twist to snack time. Here are just a few fruit-based snacks that are both nutritious and affordable:
1. Banana-Oat Cookies
Made with ripe bananas and rolled oats, these cookies are delicious and packed with nutrients. This easy-to-make snack is sure to be a hit.
2. Apple Sandwiches With Peanut Butter
Slice an apple into round pieces (core it first), spread peanut butter between two slices, and voila! You have a tasty and nutritious snack. Really, you can slice the apple any way that works for you. Peanut butter provides protein, while the apple provides fiber, making this a well-rounded snack. This is great for picky eaters too.
3-9 (and more). Fresh Fruit
A piece or bowl of fresh fruit goes a long way to curb a sweet craving. Some of the more popular fruits for kids are: Grapes, watermelon, cantaloupe, apples, peaches, strawberries, and mangoes. They're naturally sweet and juicy, which most kids love.
Up the ante by finding something to dip them in, such as peanut butter or Greek yogurt. Fresh fruits can make for healthy breakfasts too.
Apple slices are always a good way to provide a healthy snack. You can slice them up at home, or buy a big batch of pre-packages sliced apples that work well for a school snack or as part of a school lunch.
10. Banana Chips
Dried fruit of any kind is a whole foods way of making a sweet snack. Baking slices of banana in the oven results in tasty, crunchy banana chips. They're an alternative to the often sugar-loaded store-bought version. Banana chips are also popular with older kids, and are great to include in school lunches (for kids of any age).
11. Dehydrated Apples
Similar to banana chips, dehydrated apples are a great snack idea. Slice some apples, bake them on a baking sheet at a low temperature, and you'll have a natural, sweet treat that your kids will love. Make a bunch ahead of time for a sweet alternative to junk food that's easy to carry.
Vegetable-Based Snacks - Traditional and Healthy
Incorporating vegetables into your child's snack time routine can be a great way to ensure they get their daily dose of vitamins and minerals. Though many children may be resistant to eating raw vegetables, there are creative ways to serve these nutritious bites that make them more appealing.
12. Carrot Sticks, Celery Sticks, Cucumber Sticks With Hummus or Yogurt Dip
When you own mother made cheap healthy snacks for kids, this was probably a go-to. Because it's perfect.
Veggie sticks are a simple and easy-to-make snack that introduces your kids to new flavors, and gets them used to liking raw veggies. Hummus is a healthy dip made from chickpeas and full of protein. Paired with crisp and refreshing carrot sticks and cucumber sticks, this combination is a tasty and nutritious snack your kids will love.
13. Homemade Veggie Chips
Instead of reaching for a bag of potato chips, why not make your veggie chips? Slice carrots, sweet potatoes, or zucchini thinly, toss them in a little olive oil and bake until they're crispy. It's a healthier, more cost-effective alternative to store-bought chips.
14. Sliced Bell Pepper With Hummus
Bell peppers are a sweet, crunchy vegetable that pairs perfectly with hummus. A bell pepper makes a great healthy snack. These peppers come in various colors and are a good source of vitamin C. Slice them up and serve them with hummus for a vibrant, healthy snack. Note - it's easy to make homemade hummus! Just use a food processor to puree a can of chickpeas and a little garlic powder!
Dairy-Based Snacks
Protein helps to build, maintain, and repair the tissues in our body, making it an essential part of children's diets as they grow and develop. Similarly, dairy products are an excellent source of calcium, which is vital for strong bones and teeth. These snacks are loaded with these crucial nutrients and will keep kids full until it's time for their next meal.
15. Greek Yogurt Parfait With Berries
Parfaits may seem like a treat but made with Greek yogurt and berries. They can be a healthy snack. Greek yogurt is high in protein and combined with the vitamins and antioxidants in berries, this snack is as beneficial as it is delicious. Make it even yummier by sprinkling a few chocolate chips in the parfait.
16. Cheese and Crackers
This classic snack is a great source of protein and calcium. Cheese and crackers make for super easy snacks. Opt for whole-grain crackers for added fiber, and try to choose natural cheeses over processed ones for the most nutritional value.
17. Cream Cheese and Crackers
For something a little different, try cream cheese on the crackers instead. The smooth cream cheese complements the crunch of the crackers, making for a snack that's a delight to eat.
18. Low-Fat Cheese Sticks
Cheese sticks can be the perfect snack. They're portable, easy to eat, and loved by most children. Opting for a low-fat version cuts down on unhealthy fats but still provides a good source of protein and calcium.
Whole Grain and Nut-Based Snacks
Whole grains and nuts are nutritional powerhouses, rich in high-quality proteins, heart-healthy fats, and dietary fiber. These snacks can keep kids satiated for longer periods, preventing overeating and contributing to your children's overall health and well-being.
19. Trail Mix With Dried Fruits
This snack is a timeless kid favorite. It's simple to make and versatile, as you can throw in any assortment of ingredients you have on hand. Combine whole-grain cereals, dried fruits, and a mix of nuts for a snack packed with protein, fiber, and important vitamins.
20. Whole Grain Toast With Almond Butter
Almond butter is a great and nutritious alternative to traditional butter. When spread on whole-grain toast, it provides a wonderful blend of complex carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats. You can add a drizzle of honey for a touch of natural sweetness. If needed, you can replace almond butter with all-natural (no sugar added) peanut butter or a seed butter.
21. Toasted Pita Bread With Olive Oil
Lightly toast some pita bread, and then drizzle it with a bit of olive oil. This snack offers a good dose of heart-healthy fats and whole grains. You can also sprinkle on some oregano or paprika for added flavor.
22. Handful of Nuts
A handful of various unsalted nuts, such as almonds, walnuts, or pistachios, can be a quick and nutritious snack. They are packed with proteins, healthy fats, and fiber that can help keep your kids feeling fuller for longer. Simple yet effective!
23. Whole-Grain Cereal Without Milk
It might sound unconventional, but dry whole-grain cereals can make a great on-the-go snack. Just be sure to pick a low in sugar brand to keep this snack as healthy as possible.
Snack Time Combinations
A balanced diet includes a variety of foods. Therefore, combining different food groups can make for exciting, nutritious, and delicious snacks.
24. Smoothie Popsicles
Blend some berries, Greek yogurt, and banana, pour the mixture into popsicle molds, and freeze. These homemade smoothie popsicles are refreshing, healthy, and perfect for hot summer days.
25. Snack Kebabs With Fruits and Cheese
This snack is fun to eat and easy to prepare. Simply thread a selection of fresh fruits and some cheese onto skewers for a snack packed with vitamins and protein.
26. Rice Cakes With Honey or Peanut Butter
Rice cakes are low in fat and simple to serve. Topping them with honey or peanut butter can make them more appealing to children while adding a dose of protein or natural sweetness.
27. Instant Oatmeal (plain) With Blueberries
Another fantastic option is plain instant oatmeal with a handful of fresh blueberries. This snack is full of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
28. Greek Yogurt With Raspberries and Blackberries
This combo is a delicious treat that kids will love. Greek yogurt is high in protein, and the berries add sweetness and a handful of essential nutrients.
29. Cottage Cheese With Honey and Berries
Cottage cheese is a protein powerhouse and pairs perfectly with sweet berries and a drizzle of honey. This combination creates a balanced snack filled with multiple macronutrients.
Protein-Based Snacks
Including protein in your child's diet is crucial for their growth and development. It functions as the building block of bones, muscles, skin, and blood. These protein-packed snacks will not only help to keep them satiated between meals but will also contribute to their overall health.
30. Sliced Turkey Rolled in Cheese Slice
Take a slice of turkey and roll it in a slice of cheese. This easy and quick snack provides a good dose of protein and calcium and is sure to be a hit with kids.
31. Hard-Boiled Eggs
A hard-boiled egg is a simple, cost-effective, and nutritious snack packed full of protein. You can also slice the eggs and sprinkle a little salt and pepper for added flavor.
32. Cubed Ham, Cheese, and Almonds
For a protein-packed trifecta, combine cubed ham, cheese, and a handful of almonds. This snack is a powerhouse of nutrients and can be put together in no time.
Pre-Packaged Snacks
While fresh and homemade snacks are always the best, having some pre-packaged options on hand can be incredibly useful, especially for on-the-go situations. Choose options low in sugar and high in protein or healthy fats.
Costco is a great place to find pre-made healthy snacks for kids. You can find all sorts of options there.
33. Kind Bars (Mini)
These mini bars are made with whole nuts, fruits, and whole grains. They're a great source of fiber and protein, making them a wholesome and convenient snack for your kids.
34. Mini Beef Sticks From Costco
These individually packaged beef sticks are a great source of protein. They're very convenient for on-the-go snacking.
35. Beef Jerky
Beef jerky is a protein-packed snack perfect for when you're out and about. Opt for a low-sodium, no added sugar version to keep this snack healthy.
While pre-packaged snacks can be a convenient option, always read the nutritional information to make sure you're offering a snack that aligns with a healthy diet.
36. Yogurt Cups
Greek yogurt cups are a good idea. They are easy to store and pack in a lunch. Yogurt cups are available at almost any grocery store. Just make sure to get Greek yogurt, or opt for low sugar of sugar-free varieties.
Let Your Kids Snack on These Healthy Solutions
Providing a variety of healthy snacks for kids is critical for their growth, development, and overall well-being. It might take a bit of experimenting to find out what your child likes best, but once you've discovered a range of snacks they enjoy, you'll have a roster of go-to options that will keep them happy and healthy.
Remember, the best snacks for kids offer some nutritional value and couple at least two food groups, such as protein and fruit, or grains with fruits and vegetables. Also, note that the most important thing is to offer a variety of foods to your child, as this will provide a mix of different nutrients and keep your child from getting bored with their snacks.
Don't be afraid to get creative and try out different combinations. With a little creativity and planning, snack time can be healthy, affordable, and fun!
Leave a Reply