School-going kids enjoy snacks more than their meals. Because they are more convenient and flavorful. However, most of these snacks are not healthy and are packed with harmful ingredients.
Young kids need nutrients more than anyone else. Because they are in their growth and development phase. But choosing healthy snacks is hard for most parents.
Therefore, in this article, I will list some of the Best Healthy Snacks for School Going Kids. These are top picks that are healthy and delicious snacks for your kid’s lunchbox.
If you are a concerned parent, read to find out which snack would be best for your child.
GoGo SqueeZ Applesauce
GoGo SqueeZ Applesauce is a healthy substitute for all those sugary sodas. In fact, they work well as a fruit replacement for picky eaters. They can serve as a convenient sport, outdoor, and classroom snack. Just pack these pouches in your kid’s lunchbox and they will definitely enjoy it.
There is also no added sugar in this applesauce. Only the pure taste of fruits. It also has a good amount of fiber that can make your child feel full for a long time.
In addition, you will find zero preservatives, gluten, and GMOs in this healthy snack.
Moreover, this delicious product comes in a variety of flavors. So, just you can choose whatever your child enjoys.
You can buy it online.
BEAR’s Real Fruit Snacks Rolls
Real fruit snack rolls can serve as the fruit portion of your child’s daily diet. Since one pack of this snack provides the richness of one cup of fruits. It comes in a variety of flavors and is a delicious addition to the lunch box.
These fruit rolls are also loaded with vitamins, minerals, and fibers. Therefore, they are a perfectly healthy option for sweet cravings.
Bear fruit snack rolls also lack all the artificial stuff and only have 100% natural fruit. Moreover, they are not sweetened by any added sugar.
These rolls are also free of gluten and GMOs. Additionally, its healthy profile makes it a healthy choice for adults too.
Snack Factory’s Pretzel Crisps Minis
These fun mini bite-size pretzels are perfect for your kids. Other than their taste, their small packaging makes them convenient for lunchboxes or bags.
In addition, they are made with wholesome and delicious ingredients. Kids will love these crunchy salty snacks.
They also have zero fats in them which makes them even healthier for consumption. Moreover, a single bag of these will add up to 110 calories to your kid’s daily diet.
Also, pretzel crisps mini has zero GMOs and only 2g of added sugars. In addition to that, there is a decent amount of iron in these crisps.
You can also try these pretzels with dips to get a more yummy and flavorful snack.
Also Read: 18 Healthy Snacks That Are Under 100 Calories: The Ultimate Guide
Skinny Pop’s Cheddar Cheese Puffs
These lightweight and soft puffs are delicious and satisfying. Since they have the flavor of real cheese. Instead of frying, these cheese puffs are baked which makes them a healthy snack choice.
Their cheesy taste will fulfill the craving of your child during school hours. Moreover, these puffs have all the delicious ingredients in them.
Cheddar cheese puffs also have no preservatives and artificial stuff. Furthermore, there is no added sugar in these puffs.
Additionally, they are light on calories and have no gluten. Therefore, these can also serve as a fun and healthy snack for adults.
GoGo squeeZ yogurtZ
These portable, squeeze pouches have the goodness of real fruits and yogurt. Moreover, their small packaging makes them a convenient fit for lunchboxes.
This flavorful yogurt is a healthy treat for kids. It is also low in calories and has a very low amount of fats.
They also carry a good chunk of minerals, like calcium and vitamin D. In addition, they can provide 8% of daily protein.
Lastly, this yummy treat is available in many flavors.
Clif Kid’s Granola Bars
Organic Granola Bars are great energy boosters. Especially during hard hours of school.
These granola bars are designed to nourish kids. Because they have the perfect balance of carbs, proteins, and fats. There are also no GMOs in these bars and they are gluten-free.
Moreover, all the carbs come from whole grains. Therefore, there is a good portion of fibers in them. Surprisingly, a single bar covers around 10% of daily fiber.
These bars are convenient for parents and kids. Since they are lunchbox ready. Moreover, they lack harmful stuff like high fructose corn syrup and artificial flavors.
Also Read: 6 Best Natural Energy Bars According To Food Experts
Popcorners Snacks Gluten-Free Chips
These popcorn chips are made from organic non-GMO corn and are a good substitute for regular chips.
Popcorners are baked instead of frying. Therefore, they are not laden with harmful oils and fats. They will satisfy the kid’s cravings. Especially when they are low on energy during school hours
They also come in a variety of flavors. Moreover, these snacks have only 3-4 ingredients and lack harmful artificial stuff.
That’s it. Mini Fruit Bars
These breakfast mini-bars have fruits and only fruits. There is nothing extra in them, like artificial flavors and sugars.
That’s it mini-bars are convenient for parents. Since they can easily make up for the daily fruit portion of their kids.
Also, these fruit bars are portable and lunchbox-ready. Additionally, now you don’t have to go through the hassle of peeling, cutting, or washing the fruits.
These bars are totally plant-based, have no GMOs, allergens, and gluten. Moreover, are a good source of fiber.
Furthermore, it is good for people who are on the paleo diet.
Sensible Portions’ Veggie Straws
Sensible portion veggie straw has the goodness of garden-grown vegetables and potatoes. These delicious snacks have 30% less fat than traditional potato chips. Moreover, it has no cholesterol and trans fat.
Veggie straws are great for kids who love chips. Since their flavorful combinations and taste will satisfy their tastebuds.
There is also zero added sugar in these straws. Additionally, You will enjoy a natural taste without any preservatives from this snack.
Nature’s Bakery’s Whole Wheat Fig Bars
Whole-wheat fig bars are packed with energy boosters. These bars serve as a wholesome treat for school-going kids and are healthy.
In addition, whole wheat fig bars are a great source of fibers. These fibers will keep hunger at bay for a long time.
Moreover, these bars have the goodness of other delicious fruits depending upon the flavor. For instance, strawberries, blueberries, lemons, and more.
Quaker’s Kids Organic Multigrain Bites
These organic on-the-go bites are great for kids. Their small packaging makes them portable and convenient for lunch.
Moreover, these bite-sized snacks are packed with nutrition and delicious ingredients. Instead of buying unhealthy cookies, try these as a substitute.
Multigrain bites will also provide the goodness of 16 grams of 100% whole grains to your children. In addition, every bite of this snack is free from artificial stuff.
Furthermore, Quaker multigrain bites are available in different flavors.
KIND’s Thins
KIND thins are a healthy substitute for sugar-rich chocolate for kids. These bars are less than 100 calories and have less than 4 grams of sugars.
Additionally, their unique nutty taste makes them stand out. Moreover, they provide the wholesome goodness of fresh nuts and peanut butter.
Furthermore, these chewy and crunchy bars have no trans fat and GMOs.
Kellogg’s Nutri-Grain Bars
Nutri-Grain bars are soft-baked bars, perfect for breakfast and grab-and-go snacks. Also, these bars give a perfect balance to the meal.
In addition, they are made of real fruits and whole grains. Nutri bars are available in many exciting flavors.
Moreover, they are easy to stock. So you can easily pick them up and pack them in your kid’s lunch.
Furthermore, these bars give a good amount of minerals and vitamins. Every bar has 8g of 100% whole grains.
Orgain’s Kids Protein Shake
Orgain protein shake has an excellent blend of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. These shakes are a great addition to the diet of school kids. Since they are packed with 8 grams of grass-fed protein and 3 grams of fiber. It has 22 vitamins and minerals.
They are also a good source of hard-to-gain minerals and vitamins. For example calcium, vitamin D, vitamin B12, and more. Their intake will make the bones strong and keep the muscles healthy.
Furthermore, there are no harmful additives in these shakes. Therefore, you can feel at ease while packing this for your kid’s lunch.
gimMe’s Organic Roasted Seaweed Sheets
Organic roasted seaweed sheets are a healthy snack for lunchboxes. Its unique taste and flavor make it a great replacement for chips.
Moreover, it has only 25 calories per pack. There are also zero carbs in this snack. Therefore, it is a perfect treat for people who don’t like carbs.
Furthermore, these seaweed sheets are a good source of vitamin B12 and vitamin E. These organic seaweed sheets are available in a variety of delicious exotic flavors.
Smartfood’s Popcorn
Smartfood popcorn is a quick and light snack for all ages.
It is a fact that young kids enjoy munching on snack food. Thus, these popcorns are perfect for them during school and after school.
Smartfood popcorns are also low in calories and are 100% whole grain. Moreover, these are available in a variety of delicious flavors and are free of preservatives.
You can buy online.
Brothers-ALL’s Natural Fruit Crisps
These all-natural fruit crisps use only natural fruits as ingredients. There is nothing else in them.
All of these crisps are freeze-dried fruits to give them a delicious crunch and taste. Moreover, they are available in different flavors. Also, a bag of these crisps provides the goodness of 1 cup of fresh fruits.
Furthermore, these crisps are an excellent source of vitamin C, antioxidants, and fibers.
Two Nutty Brother’s Roasted & Salted Green Pea
These resealable roasted green peas are great for picky eaters. Children usually dislike the taste of fresh peas.
However, this roasted treat gives a delicious flavor and crunch to green peas. This roasted snack is the best way to get the wholesome nutrition of green peas. For instance, you will gain a rich amount of fibers and iron from this treat.
In addition, these peas are low in fats and have zero cholesterol.
Honest Kids’ Fruit Drink
Fruit drinks are the favorite snack food for most kids. Their cold fruity freshness and sweet taste make them popular. Especially during the summer season.
However, most of these drinks are laden with added sugars and harmful additives. Moreover, there is barely any fruit in them.
Honest kids’ fruit drinks come in handy in this case. These are also organic and have zero added sugars in them.
Furthermore, they have 30-40% fruit content in every pack. These drinks are available in many flavors and are perfect for school.
GoodPop’s Organic Freezer Pops
During the hot summer days, ice pops become one of the favorite treats. Especially, after school, kids love having these fruity pops. However, most of the ice pops are rich in sugar, and artificial flavors.
GoodPop organic freezer pops are made with 100% fruit juice and also have no sugar in them. Moreover, they will give you the wholesome flavor of only fruits and nothing more.
Instead of buying ice creams or unhealthy ice pops for children, switch to these healthy pops. Furthermore, they are available in a variety of flavors and are free of any harmful ingredients.
NOKA’s Superfood Smoothie
These ready-to-drink fruit smoothies have the goodness of superfoods. Since they contain nutrient-dense fruits and vegetables that fuels you up with beneficial nutrients.
Besides that, superfood smoothies are light and refreshing drinks and the perfect replacements for processed foods. Moreover, they also taste like real fruit.
Every single pouch is also packed with only 110 calories and 5 grams of plant protein. In addition, they are convenient to carry around. So, you can drink them during class, on the way to school, or take them with you during camping.
Product Comparison
| Product Name | Calories per serving (kcal) | Purpose | Price |
| GoGo SqueeZ Applesauce | 70 | Quick and Easy substitute for whole fruit | $9.98 |
| BEAR’s Fruit Rolls | 60 | Provides vitamins, fibers, and minerals | $8.63 |
| Snack Factory’s Pretzel Crisps Minis | 110 | Instant energy and a good source of iron | $10.65 |
| SkinnyPop’s Cheese Puffs | 70 | Healthy substitute for fried chips | $7.98 |
| GoGo squeeZ yogurtZ | 90 | Source of calcium, vitamin D, and probiotics | $2.57 |
| Clif Kid’s Granola Bars | 150 | Energy Booster | $14.99 |
| Popcorners Snacks Gluten-Free Chips | 110-130 | Satisfying substitute for fried food | $13.49 |
| That’s it. Mini Fruit Bars | 60 | Best for allergen sensitive kids | $19.99 |
| Sensible Portions Veggie Straws | 130-140 | Quick and Easy replacement for whole veggies | $15.97 |
| Nature’s Bakery’s Fig Bars | 200 | Energy Booster | $5.35 |
| Quaker’s Kids Multigrain Bites | 120 | Provide goodness of 100% whole grains | $17.99 |
| KIND’s Thins | 90-100 | Low-calorie substitute for chocolate bars | $21.84 |
| Kellogg’s Nutri-Grain Bars | 130 | Good source of minerals and vitamins | $13.99 |
| Orgain’s Kids Protein Shake | 180 | Great for protein and micronutrients | $23.88 |
| gimMe’s Organic Roasted Seaweed Sheets | 25 | Natural source of protein, fibers, and vitamins | $15.99 |
| Smartfood Popcorn | 70-80 | For untimely food craving | $13.98 |
| Brothers-ALL’s Natural Fruit Crisps | 40-50 | A safe and easy substitute for whole fruits | $26.99 |
| Two Nutty Brother’s Roasted & Salted Green Peas | 120 | For dietary fiber | $14.99 |
| Honest Kids Fruit Drink | 40 | Replacement for sugar-laden beverages | $28.85 |
| GoodPop’s Organic Freezer Pops | 90-135 | Healthy substitute for popsicle and ice creams | $16.97 |
| NOKA’s Superfood Smoothie | 110 | Rich in vitamin C and other minerals | $14.99 |
How to Choose A Healthy Snack?
There are certain things you should keep in mind while buying a healthy snack. First and foremost, always check the label. Because the label answers half of your concerns.
For instance, a good brand will label all the certifications for the product, like organic, vegan, GMO, and gluten-free.
Furthermore, go through the ingredient list to make sure it doesn’t contain too many artificial things. Since a healthy product should only have natural ingredients.
Other than that, check the nutrition fact label. This will help you know about serving size, calories, and how many essential nutrients it carries.
Also, remember a good snack will balance fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. Moreover, it should have no or a really low amount of added sugars, trans fats, and cholesterol in it.
Pros and Cons of Taking Snacks
Pros
- Adds essential nutrients to the diet
- Boosts energy during hard work hours
- A healthy snack may help in preventing disease
- They could prevent obesity
- Organic, GMO-free, and natural
Cons
- It is difficult to switch to healthy snacks from unhealthy snacks
- Might be expensive in some cases
- Some children may eat snacks as a meal instead of taking proper food
FAQs
How would I know if the store-bought snack is healthy?
Always check the ingredients and label while buying. The snack you buy should be free from harmful additives, saturated fats, and artificial flavors. Moreover, they should have natural and organic ingredients. Also, make sure that it is low in calories and provides useful nutrients.
Which store-bought snacks can I easily pack in my kid’s lunch box?
Most of the products listed can easily fit into lunchboxes. However, if you are choosing your own snacks from the market, choose non-perishable food in small packaging.
Are these snacks healthy for toddlers and pre-schoolers?
Yes, all of these are healthy for toddlers and pre-schooler. Although, it is very important to know if certain ingredients are suitable for them or not.
Conclusion
Healthy snacking is important for kids. Since unhealthy junk food only does harm to their body and even makes them deficient in certain nutrients. Therefore, whenever you plan to buy a quick lunchbox snack for your child, make sure to choose the Best Healthy Snacks for School Going Kids. The above-mentioned snacks are some of the healthier options you can add to the lunchbox of your kids.