Tips and recipes for healthy after school snacks
Image: A man cutting a tomato on a chopping board, a woman leaning on a cookbook and a primary school-aged child reaching forward to help.
We all want to ensure our children eat nutritious foods that fuel their growth and learning. After a long day at school, kids often come home hungry and ready for a snack. Here are some tips and easy recipes to help you create healthy, delicious after-school snacks that your children will love.
Tips for healthy snacking
Balance is vital
Include a mix of protein, healthy fats and carbohydrates in each snack. This balance helps keep kids full and energised until dinner.
Involve your kids
Let your children help with snack preparation. This teaches them about healthy eating and makes them more likely to enjoy the food they helped create.
Keep it simple
Snacks don’t need to be complicated. Simple, whole foods are often the best choices.
Plan
Prepare snacks in advance to avoid the temptation to reach for less healthy options when time is tight.
Stay hydrated
Encourage your children to drink water with their snacks to stay hydrated.
Easy and healthy snack recipes
Apple nachos
Ingredients
- 1 apple, sliced
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter or almond butter
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon granola
- A handful of mini chocolate chips or raisins
Method
- Arrange the apple slices on a plate.
- Drizzle with peanut butter and honey.
- Sprinkle granola and mini chocolate chips or raisins on top.
Veggie and hummus cups
Ingredients
- 1 cup hummus
- 1 carrot, cut into sticks
- 1 cucumber, cut into sticks
- 1 bell pepper, cut into strips
Method
- Spoon hummus into small cups or bowls.
- Arrange the veggie sticks in the cups for easy dipping.
Yoghurt parfait
Ingredients
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup mixed berries (fresh or frozen)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/4 cup granola
Method
- Layer the yoghurt, berries, and granola in a cup or bowl.
- Drizzle with honey and serve.
Cheese and fruit skewers
Ingredients
- 1 cup cheese cubes (cheddar, mozzarella, or your child’s favourite)
- 1 cup grapes or berries
- Wooden skewers
Method
- Thread the cheese cubes and fruit onto the skewers, alternating between the two.
- Serve immediately or store in the fridge for later.
Banana sushi
Ingredients
- 1 banana
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter or almond butter
- 1 tablespoon crushed nuts or granola
Method
- Spread the peanut butter over the banana.
- Roll the banana in crushed nuts or granola.
- Slice into bitesized pieces.
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