29 Best Healthy Snacks for Kids in 2025

Searching for healthy snacks for kids that are convenient, quick to make and that picky eaters will love? We’ve got you covered with our selection of mini-muncher-approved snacks that get top marks from parents too.

Whether your little ones are hitting the snacks after school or you’re looking for handy treats for on the go, these 29 healthy snacks for kids are nutritious and delicious and will keep your kids full of energy.

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• What Are the Most Healthy Snacks for Kids?
• The 29 Best Healthy Kids Snacks
• Learn To Make Healthy Snacks

What Are The Most Healthy Snacks for Kids?

Although kids may eat three meals a day, they still need to eat several snacks. This is partly because smaller bellies get fuller faster, so it's a good idea to have multiple small meals and snacks throughout the day, but also because kids require lots of nutrients to grow.

Just like snacks for adults, the best healthy children's snacks balance protein, carbohydrates and fats and include lots of vitamins and minerals to contribute to a healthy immune system and good overall health.

While many reach for store-bought snacks, it's important to remember that pre-packaged snacks, even the ones that claim to be healthy, are often high in sugar and fats which can contribute to conditions like obesity and diabetes.

Where possible, it’s best to find healthy snacks for kids made from whole ingredients with no added sugar and limited artificial ingredients. Making snacks at home is a great idea as well.

It’s also important to add plenty of fruit and vegetables to your child’s diet as these provide fiber, vitamins and minerals. Therefore, snacks that incorporate fresh fruits and vegetables are excellent choices and are often considered the healthiest snacks for kids.

The 29 Best Healthy Kids Snacks  

1. Peanut Butter

Peanut butter is packed full of protein and is one of the most popular healthy snacks for kids. It’s also super versatile and can be spread on rice cakes or crackers, used to make a classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich or eaten with pretzel sticks. 

If opting for this snack, it’s important to choose the healthiest peanut butter you can, with no added sugar or vegetable oils as these reduce its nutritional value. Go for brands that are made of peanuts only or peanuts with a little salt for best results. 

If your child isn’t a fan of unsweetened peanut butter, mix a minimal ingredient version with a little maple syrup or agave before serving.  

2. Dried Fruit

Dried fruit is a terrific choice if you’re searching for healthy snacks for kids at school. However, remember that dried fruit should be eaten in moderation.

While popular options like raisins, prunes and dried apricots include the same vitamins you’ll find in the fresh version of the fruit, the drying process also concentrates the sugar. 

When choosing dried fruit at the store, go for varieties with fruit as the only ingredient and supply a small serving size to minimize sugar intake. Mixing different types of dried fruits or using them to make a trail-mix-type snack with nuts added is also a great idea to keep this snack varied for little ones. 

3. Fresh Fruit

When it comes to healthy snacks for kids, nothing beats fresh fruit. While nutritional makeup varies across the different types, fresh fruit generally contains lots of fiber to support digestion and a mix of vitamins and minerals, including potassium and vitamin C (great at boosting the immune system). 

If your child is a fussy eater, you could try making kabobs with sliced fruits. Kids love the exciting presentation and can get involved in making their own kabobs from their favorite fruits. You could also use a mini cookie cutter to turn fruit into fun shapes that will appeal to kids.

4. Trail Mix

Trail mix can be a lifesaver when you’re out and about and the kids are hungry, but it’s important to make sure that the type you choose is as healthy as possible. Many commercial trail mix brands are made with chocolate or candies which are high in sugar. They may also include salted nuts, increasing sodium intake when eaten.

Luckily, it’s simple and cost-effective to make your own mix at home complete with the healthiest nuts, seeds and dried fruits. You could also have jars of different ingredients and create a trail mix station, allowing your kids to make their own customized mix. 

5. Granola Bars

Made with oats, fruit, nuts and seeds, granola bars are excellent healthy snacks for kids. You can also find granola bars with good amounts of protein, fiber and healthy fats. 

As with some other store-bought healthy snacks for kids, granola bars can be high in sugar, so making your own is a fab option and allows you full control over the ingredients. It also means you can tailor them to your child’s tastes.

If looking for snacks at home, a small serving of granola is also a great idea and is a little easier to make at home than granola bars. As with the bar versions, the healthiest granolas should include nutrient-rich ingredients, such as nuts, and minimal sugar.  

6. Rice Cakes

Crisp and flavorful, rice cakes are another good option for anyone seeking healthy snacks for kids. They’re gluten-free, low in calories and full of whole-grain fiber. When topped, rice cakes also work as the perfect vehicle to slip a little more fruit and veg into your child’s diet. 

Try topping with hummus or nut butter and adding banana slices, tomatoes or grated carrots to make healthy snacks that are very cost-effective too. Sprinkling a little high-quality honey, maple syrup or agave over rice cakes is a great idea as well for when your kids are after a sweet snack. 

7. Dips and Veggie Sticks 

Vegetable sticks and dip is another straightforward yet satisfying healthy snack for kids. Hummus is an excellent option as chickpeas include fiber and folates to help regulate blood sugar and support gut health. 

Guacamole is another top choice, with plenty of healthy fats from the avocado. You could also whip up a nutrient-rich green goddess dip or a refreshing cucumber dip, among many other healthy and homemade options. 

No matter what dip you go for, serve it up with carrot sticks, bell peppers, cucumbers or any other vegetables your kid likes and you’ve got a snack that’s ideal anytime. Dip and veggie sticks make an excellent low-stress lunchbox or picnic food idea as well.

8. Popcorn

Popcorn may not sound like one of the best healthy snacks for kids but it’s actually very nutritious as long as you skip the copious amounts of melted butter. You can air-pop your own popcorn at home (the kids will love watching the kernels burst) and customize it with any toppings you fancy, from cinnamon and a dusting of sugar to chile and cocoa for kids who love spicy flavors. 

If your child is old enough, you can divide popcorn into individual containers and let kids add their own flavors, making this not only a blockbuster pick of healthy snacks for kids but also a great way to promote independence.

9. Mini Deli Board

Creating a mini version of a classic charcuterie board makes a fun healthy snack idea for kids. Crackers made from whole wheat have more nutrition than those made from refined flour, so are a good base. You can then add different types of cheese, fruits, vegetables, sliced meats and whatever else your kids will enjoy. 

Themed deli boards also make brilliant healthy snack ideas for kids during the holidays. Try a fun Halloween charcuterie board during spooky season. Alternatively,  add red and green fruits and vegetables or arrange the ingredients in the shape of a tree for a cute Christmas charcuterie board.

10. Yogurt

Yogurt is a fab choice as a healthy snack for kids because it’s full of protein and calcium, which are vital for supporting kid’s developing bones. Some yogurts are also an excellent source of gut-friendly bacteria which build good digestive health. 

Do remember that many pre-packaged yogurts, especially those targeted at kids, are high in sugar. Opting for the healthiest versions like healthy Greek yogurt with minimal added sugar is best. These types of yogurt can then be topped with a little honey or maple syrup, plus fruits and granola. It’s advised that children under one avoid yogurt, so this one is best for toddlers and up. 

You could also use yogurt as a base for other snacks, such as yogurt bites, homemade frozen yogurt or smoothies like fruity mango and banana smoothies. 

11. Ants on a Log

Ants on a log are one of the most nostalgic healthy snacks for kids! This love-it-or-hate-it snack features celery sticks (the logs) topped with peanut butter and raisins (the ants). 

The ingredient combination provides a good mix of healthy fats, a portion of vegetables and a touch of sweetness that kids will love. They’re also easy to prepare and you can get little ones involved with spreading the celery and placing the raisins. These snacks are also brilliant for al fresco snacking — probably the only time ants will be invited to a picnic! 

12. Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese is one of the healthiest cheeses you can eat. It’s high in protein and an excellent source of essential nutrients, including vitamin B12, selenium and calcium to aid the formation of red blood cells and support bone health.

One of the most versatile healthy snacks for kids, cottage cheese can be served on crackers, topped with fresh or dried fruit, spread on toast or as a dip for fresh vegetables. 

13. Oatmeal

Not just for breakfast, oatmeal is one of our top healthy snacks for kids. Oats offer slow-release energy which helps kids to feel fuller for longer. They also contain several nutrients, including antioxidants and have been linked to a reduction in childhood asthma symptoms.

You can buy convenient packets of flavored oatmeal, but these are often high in sugar. It’s generally easier, cheaper and healthier to make your own using plain oats and adding flavoring and toppings. If you add in a fruit topping, such as bananas, stewed apples or frozen berries, you’re also adding extra vitamins.

14. Banana Oat Cookies 

A treat that’s healthy and that kids will love — that sounds like one smart cookie! Made by mashing bananas and then adding one egg and a cup of oats before baking, these cookies are also one of the easiest to prepare healthy snacks for kids. Little ones can even get involved in helping you bake them. 

Thanks to the oats, these cookies will help to release energy gradually, keeping your child fuller for longer. The bananas add a fantastic burst of sweetness as well as potassium which supports muscle growth, nerve function and bone health.

15. Fruit Smoothies

Full of nutrients and quick to make, smoothies are a fantastic healthy snack for kids. Smoothies from the store can be high in sugar but making your own is straightforward. Simply whizz up fresh or frozen fruit like bananas, berries, mango or pineapple and you’ve got a drink that kids will love. 

Remember that smoothies can get slightly high in sugar if lots of fruits are used, so opt for a minimal amount of fruit and bulk up the smoothie with vegetables like spinach, yogurt and milk, including plant-based milk. From apple smoothies to fun dragon-fruit smoothies, the endless options are guaranteed to keep your kids obsessed with this snack!

16. Boiled Eggs

Boiled eggs are some of the best healthy snacks for kids. They’re quick to prepare, last for several days in the refrigerator and are packed full of nutrition. 

They include protein, which helps to build and repair muscle, as well as selenium and vitamins D and B2 (also known as riboflavin) which reduce inflammation and strengthen the immune system. As a bonus, boiled eggs are readily available from convenience stores, so are a good choice of 7-Eleven healthy snacks if you’re on a road trip.

17. Popsicles

The perfect healthy snacks for kids at any time of year, popsicles are also simple to make at home. Many store-bought versions have high amounts of sugar and artificial flavors, so making you own at home is a great idea. 

For example, try making rainbow popsicles which are free from added sugar and full of mango, blueberries, dragon fruit and banana as well as Greek yogurt for added calcium. If you only have a few ingredients on hand, banana popsicles are also a great homemade treat made with just bananas, evaporated milk and natural sweeteners like honey or agave.

18. Turkey and Avocado Roll-Ups

Healthy snacks for kids that you can prep beforehand and have ready to go for school or activities? Sounds good right? That’s exactly what turkey roll-ups deliver in a neat package. 

To make, peel and slice an avocado and sprinkle with lime juice to avoid browning. Roll one piece of turkey around each avocado slice and hey presto, you’ve got healthy snacks for kids for any occasion.

19. Nice Cream

Ice cream may not sound like it belongs on this list of healthy snacks for kids but this ‘nice cream’ is different. Made from just one ingredient, nice cream feels like a treat but is packed full of nutrients. 

Simply whizz up frozen bananas until they’re smooth and you’ll have a creamy snack that looks like a dessert. For variations, add strawberries or a dash of cocoa and a natural sweetener like honey, maple syrup or agave.

20. Energy Balls

Made with nutritious ingredients like nuts, fruits and seeds, serving energy balls is an effective way to refuel your kids at snack time. Making energy balls at home takes a bit of time but is something kids will definitely want to get involved in. There are endless flavor variations as well which make them healthy snacks for kids that will suit even the fussiest eaters.

To make this healthy snack for kids, mix a nut butter of your choice with oats, a natural sweetener and any other ingredients your kids want, from dried fruits to whole nuts. If they like the taste, you can also stir in extra healthy ingredients like flax seed or chia.

21. Sandwiches

The ultimate convenience food, sandwiches are also among the best healthy snacks for kids and make a perfect finger food idea if you want to leave something out for kids to graze on. Just a few options include peanut butter and banana slices, mozzarella cheese and tomato or cucumber with cream cheese. 

With both protein and fruits and vegetables, these are some of the most well-balanced healthy snacks for kids. Using whole wheat bread or another type of healthy bread is also recommended over standard white bread if your kids will eat it. 

To make sandwiches more kid-friendly, consider using a cookie cutter to make them into a fun shape or using an uncrustable cutter to seal the edges, making them even easier to grab and go.  

22. Omelette Bites

If you’re searching for healthy snacks for kids around breakfast time, then we think we’ve cracked it with these omelette bites. Made with egg, an excellent source of protein, sprinkled with cheese for extra calcium and enhanced with vegetables, such as mushrooms, scallions or tomatoes, these bites are ideal for before the school run or as a mid-morning snack. 

Simply whip up the ingredients in the same way you would for a regular omelette and then bake in a muffin tin in the oven. While more of a breakfast snack, they also work great in lunchboxes or for after school.

23. Roasted Chickpeas

Another delicious and healthy snack for kids that adults will also want a serving of, roasted chickpeas are ideal for many occasions, from munching on during car journeys to enjoying as an after-school snack. 

To make these crunchy and protein-packed treats, simply pop some chickpeas in the air fryer or slowly roast in the oven and sprinkle with a dash of salt. You can also add other spices to give this healthy snack a different flavor profile. 

24. Apple Nachos

When hunger pangs strike, check out this delicious alternative to traditional nachos! One of the healthiest snacks for kids, this fruity version of nachos is made with thinly sliced apples drizzled with peanut butter and any other toppings that take your kid’s fancy. As well as vitamin C, apples contain fiber to contribute to good digestive health and are one of the healthiest fruits around.

25. Toast

Super simple, super easy and super versatile, toast is another favorite among healthy snacks for kids. Use whole-wheat toast for added fiber and top with your choice of spread.

Making topped toasts with the addition of fruit and vegetables is a great way to add more nutrition to your child’s diet too. Try hummus and cucumber or nut butter with banana and blueberries. You could even arrange the toppings into faces, such as a bear made with bananas and raisins. 

26. Fruit Leather

Fruit leather is a fun healthy snack for kids that provides some extra vitamins to your child’s diet. Some brands, such as Bear YoYo Fruit Roll-Ups are made with real fruit, making them some of the healthiest fruit snacks you can buy.

However, do check ingredients when buying this healthy snack for kids as many brands make fruit leather with added sugar or other processed ingredients, such as corn syrup and palm oil. You can even make your own by whizzing up fruit in the food processor and then drying it out in the oven for several hours.

27. Quesadillas

Quesadillas are another quick option to go for when whipping up some healthy snacks for your kids. Ideally, use whole-wheat tortillas as a base and then add your children’s favorite fillings. 

You could go for classic options like chicken with salsa or a spiced tomato sauce and cheese, adding some bell peppers for extra nutrition. Alternatively, try something unique like a sweet quesadilla with peanut butter, banana and a sprinkle of cinnamon, all fried in a bit of butter or placed in the air fryer. 

Slice your quesadilla into four triangles to divide between kids or cut out fun shapes like stars or hearts with a cookie cutter.

28. Healthy Vegetable Fries

If you’re looking for healthy snacks for kids that are wonderful for the weekend then ditch the potatoes and check out healthy French fries made from root vegetables.

Chop up sweet potatoes, one of the healthiest vegetables you can eat thanks to their antioxidant content, parsnips and carrots into finger-sized pieces and roast for 35 minutes at 390 degrees Fahrenheit and toss in salt, pepper and a spoonful of dried herbs. Voila, fries without the fry!

29. Pancakes 

Pancakes on a list of healthy snacks for kids? Bear with us here because whipping up these healthy pancakes is a super way to sneak a little more fruit and veg into snack time. 

Zucchini pancakes see shredded zucchini, egg and ricotta, plus a few other flavorful ingredients whipped up into a veggie- and protein-packed treat. Making pancakes with a base of bananas and even adding a small amount of protein powder is another great way to make everyone’s favorite breakfast healthier.

Best of all, these can be enjoyed all day and you can make fruit or vegetable pancakes kid-friendly by adding faces with fruits and nuts or making mini versions. Even better, once you’ve made a batch, you can freeze the leftovers and have a handy snack ready to go.

Learn to Make Healthy Snacks

Getting kids involved in making their own snacks is a great way to build foundational cooking skills and teach valuable lessons about good nutrition, and healthy online cooking classes can help with that.

Learning from a pro chef, you can access classes that are designed especially for kids and grown-ups to enjoy together. You can focus on savory healthy snacks for kids or go for exciting baking masterclasses. No matter which option you choose, you’ll have a lot of fun and learn new healthy recipes. 

You could also consider in-person cooking classes near you to enhance your skills in a chef-led environment, perfect for learning fresh healthy recipes to add to your collection of healthy snacks for kids.

Whenever hunger pangs strike, these 29 healthy snacks for kids are super options to fuel up for more playing, growing and exploring. From simple veggies and dips to air-popped popcorn customized with your own seasonings, these healthy snacks for kids are versatile, full of health-boosting nutrients and, most importantly, delicious.

In an ideal world, you’d always have a few healthy snacks for kids in your back pocket but we know hectic schedules mean it doesn’t always work out like that. If you find yourself buying snacks while you’re out and about, try and opt for fresh foods where you can or snacks low in salt, sugar and ultra-processed ingredients.

For even more ways to explore your favorite foods, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.