5 delicious and easy school snack ideas that kids love
There is one rule I have tried to instill in my children since they started interacting with the world around them: We do not waste food. This rule is what makes them return their school snack container full when they don’t like what I’ve packed for them. However, that doesn’t solve the problem. So this year, I decided to try a different approach: one week before they went back to school, we did some “food tasting” and settled on easy snacks that have their approval and that they’ll happily devour at school every day. So, what are these snacks?
A mix of cereals, nuts, and dried fruits
The nutritional value of nuts, dried fruits, and cereals is well-known. By combining large oat clusters (easily found in stores) with walnuts, which are perhaps the best nuts for your kids, you provide them with a filling and delicious meal. Add raisins, rich in iron, for a sweeter taste, and… not a bite will be left! You can pair this mix with a fresh pear.
A small toast with peanut butter and honey
The often misunderstood peanut butter can have health benefits—as long as you’re sure your child doesn’t have a peanut allergy. It’s rich in fiber and protein, and if you choose an organic variety, you reduce the risk of pesticide residues (a common concern). For kids, go for unsalted and ideally reduced-fat peanut butter, which you can pair with honey to make the tastiest toast! Want to make it even more filling? Add banana slices in between.
Boiled egg, breadsticks, and cheese
Eggs are one of the most nutritious snacks for kids, and since we often forget to include them during the week, it’s smart to add them to their school snack. Combined with breadsticks or a kid-friendly cheese from the store, you’ve got the perfect meal. Add a few cherry tomatoes or an orange to the container if you’d like!
Turkey and cheese rolls
When the classic sandwich bread gets boring, tortilla wraps take over. For these, we roll up slices of cheese and turkey, then cut them into rolls. For even more flavor—and only if your child approves—you can spread a little low-fat mayonnaise at the base before adding the cheese, and include some lettuce or cherry tomato. Alternatively, you can use slices of leftover chicken breast from the previous day’s lunch instead of turkey. Grapes are the perfect fruit to pair with this snack.
Rice cakes with tahini
Kids love rice cakes and devour them happily! Since they have the approval of a nutritionist, we can include them in the weekly snack and combine them with other flavors. I spread tahini with cocoa on them for my kids, or pair them with cheese, but they also go well with honey or jam—although that might get quite messy. Pair this snack with an apple, and you’ve got the perfect school treat!
