Top 10 Kids Snacks

“Mom, I’m hungry!” How many times have you heard that…today? Our kids’ tiny tummies empty faster than ours, which means a mid-morning and mid-afternoon snack are in order. But how do we curb the munchies without loading up the kids with sugar and junk? Here are ten snacks that will tame the munchy monster but won’t have them bouncing off the walls.

1. Granola bars – Easy and simple – what could be better? These little power houses can give your kiddos whole grains, fruit, and protein in one yummy snack, depending on the flavor you get. Just be careful, some bars are loaded with sugar and other junk, so now’s the time to read the ingredients list.



2. Graham crackers – Maybe it’s the destructive side coming out, but kids love to take that big cracker and break it on the lines to make little ones. With whole-grain options available, these retro snacks are making a comeback. It’s a boost of afternoon energy and a sense of accomplishment all in one snack!



3. Dry cereal – Cereal isn’t just for breakfast. The varieties with larger pieces make great snacks when put into a small bowl or bag. Just make sure it isn’t coated with sticky stuff. Our family favors Cheerios^® and Frosted Mini-Wheats^® (or the more economical store-brand versions of them).

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4. Yogurt – This one can be a catch-22 if you’re not careful. While it’s a great source of calcium and probiotics, the versions marketed to kids are often extremely high in sugar from added flavorings and corn syrup. If the kids want flavor, it’s best to mix in your own fruit.



5. Popcorn – Throw a bag in the microwave, push a button, and you’ve got snackage – easy! Our family likes to get plain popcorn to eliminate fats, oils, and salt, then spray it with some non-stick oil and sprinkle with nutritional yeast flakes. It makes what my kids call “cheese popcorn” and a great B-vitamin boost.



6. Cheese – Is your kid a destroyer? Give her string cheese so she can eat it strand by strand. If you’ve got a little architect in your house, give him whole-grain crackers and cheese and let him build and eat to his heart’s content. Your options are practically unlimited with the varieties of crackers and cheeses available.



7. Nuts – You can go as simple as breaking out a can of peanuts, or as complex as a trail mix. Set out bowls of nuts, seeds, and dried fruits, and let the kids make individualized
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8. Meat and cheese roll-ups – Grab a slice of their favorite lunchmeat, add a slice of cheese, and roll it up. Put some mustard on the plate for dipping and you have a filling snack sure to please.



9. Vegetables – Bust out the broccoli, carry out the carrots, and toss in some tomatoes! With some ranch dip or hummus, kids love to pick up their veggies and nosh away. It’s a perfect way to celebrate National Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Month (June) every day!



10. Fruit – This is another one of those snacks full of options. You can just hand the kids an apple or orange, or lay out a dried fruit buffet. At our house, fruit salad and fruit slushy are the winners. For fruit slushy, I just blend partially-thawed frozen fruit in the blender. The moisture content gives it the consistency we need without adding anything and it’s chock-full of vitamins and nutrients.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to go make myself a snack.