It’s hard to believe we’re already talking after-school snacks, isn’t it? It seems like just yesterday we were planning Memorial Day treats and now we’re counting the days till Labor Day. Bummer.
But if there’s one thing that can help ease the sting of summer’s end, it’s snacks… really, really good snacks.
As moms, we know how hard it can be to find healthy snack options that the kids will actually eat. We might have dreams of them chugging green juice in between bites of kale chips and quinoa, but the reality is they’re kids. They want flavor. They want fun.
And as a mom, you don’t just want healthy; you want convenience, too. You don’t have time to spend hours in the kitchen whipping up clever concoctions that require foot-long grocery lists full of complicated ingredients your kids won’t appreciate anyway.
That’s why we’ve pulled together a list of our favorite healthy after-school snacks that both kids and moms love. They’re quick, they’re easy, and they’ll deliver the nutrition you want with the flavor they love. Give them a whirl and let us know what you think in the comments section below. We love hearing from our readers!
Two Hangry Moms Hack: Whip up a big batch of these favorites over the weekend, and you’ll save yourself time and energy through the week.
1. Mixed Berry Chia Seed Jam
Ingredients:
- 3-4 cups frozen or fresh berries (we used strawberries, raspberries, blackberries and blueberries, but feel free to customize according to your little ones’ flavor preference!)
- 3-4 Tbsp. chia seeds
- 2 Tbsp. pure maple syrup
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
Directions:
2. Chia Berry Swirl Yogurt Bark
Ever notice how pretty food rarely tastes good? It’s like there’s a rule that if it photographs well, it can’t also be delicious. This yogurt bark, with its vibrant colors, dreamy swirls and sweet, fruity flavor, defies that rule. It’s got all the visual appeal required to draw the kiddies in, and enough refreshing flavor to keep them coming back for more. Considering it’s packed with protein, calcium and antioxidants galore, this is definitely a snacktime win-win.
Ingredients:
- 1 large container of Greek yogurt, any flavor (we used vanilla)
- 1/4 cup mixed berry chia seed jam (see recipe above)
- 1 cup fresh berries, chopped
Directions:
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper (make sure it fits in your freezer first!!).
- Pour yogurt onto sheet and spread into 1/2 inch thick layer.
- Drop jam randomly on yogurt and swirl around.
- Plop the berries on top of the yogurt and jam mixture then transfer to freezer.
Two Hangry Moms Hack: It only takes a few minutes to make, but it does take a few hours to freeze. We made it the night before we planned on serving. Once it is frozen, break into pieces… or let your kiddies handle this part!
3. Fruit and Veggie Caterpillars
Every seasoned mom will tell you: If you want your kids to eat healthy, you just have to make it fun. These adorable little caterpillars check both boxes, which is why they’re a favorite after-school snack among both kids and parents. These tasty treats also make great appetizers at birthday parties and holidays, so be sure to bookmark the recipe for later use.
Ingredients:
- Celery stalks
- Peanut butter
- Cream cheese
- Grapes
- Blueberries
- Grape tomatoes
- Candy eyes
2. Chop celery stalks into halves.
3. Fill each stalk with peanut butter or cream cheese and top with grapes, grape tomatoes and/or blueberries.
4. Use your filling to glue the candy eyes on, and voila!
4. PB, Banana & Chia Jam Roll-Ups
The classic combo of peanut butter and banana is given a tasty twist in this healthy after-school snack recipe, which also features an easy homemade jam and your kids’ favorite crunchy granola. Roll your tasty treat up in a fiber-filled whole wheat wrap then slice it into tasty, bite-sized pieces, perfect for little hands… and little mouths!
Ingredients:
- 2 Tbsp. nut butter (cream cheese works, too if your kiddies have a nut allergy!)
- 1 Tbsp. chia jam
- 1-2 Tbsp. granola
- 1 medium banana
- 1 whole wheat tortilla
5. Green Machine Smoothie
Going green is easy with this refreshing smoothie recipe, which features the tropical blend of mango, pineapple and banana, plus coconut water or a milk of your choice. The sweetest part? This smoothie also sneaks in fresh greens and chia seeds, which serve up some serious nutrition without impacting the palate-pleasing flavor.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh kale or spinach
- 1 cup milk of your choice or coconut water (we used macadamia nut milk)
- 1 frozen banana
- 1 cup fresh or frozen mango
- 1 cup fresh or frozen pineapple
- 1 Tbsp. chia seeds
- 1 Tbsp. protein powder (optional)
- 1/2 cup of ice if you don’t use frozen fruits
Directions:
6. Holy Nutrient-Dense Guacamole
The phrase “guac is extra” is all too familiar to us hangry avocado-loving vegetarians. So when we make it at home, we like to make it EXTRA nutritious. The greens and chia seeds in this delicious recipe really help pack a nutrient-packed punch without negatively affecting the flavor.
Ingredients:
- 2 big leaves of swiss chard or kale
- 4 medium ripe avocados, halved and pitted
- 1/3 cup chopped onion
- 2 Tbsp. chia seeds + 1/4 cup water (chia gel)
- 1 medium lime
- Himalayan sea salt, to taste
- Cilantro, optional
Directions:
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