15 Make-Ahead After School Snacks for Kids | Healthy & Easy!
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Satisfy your hungry kids’ tummy with these easy and healthy make-ahead after school snacks that are totally kid-approved!
Hi friends,
The hunger kids after a long day at school is unlike any other kind of hunger!
After a day full of learning, socializing and playing hard on the playground, these kids come home with growling stomachs and wandering hands.
If your little ones go-to after school snacks are things like chips, cheese balls and sugary treats, I got you! Here are 15 super easy make ahead after school snacks to have on hand this year!
15 Make-Ahead After School Snacks
1. Energy balls
We absolutely love energy balls in this house! They’re easy to make and since most don’t even require any baking time, the kids can help make them too. Plus, there are so many different combinations you can do that there’s no way to get bored!
2. Fruit and veggie popsicles
Popsicles make the perfect after school snack! Instead of store bought ones loaded with sugar, make your own colorful healthy ones.
Ps. you need to check out this popsicle holder.. it’s the best thing ever. Holds popsicles up and catches drippings!
3. Healthy muffins
There are sooo many healthy muffins recipes out there! A tip I’ve found is to search for baby led weaning ones for the cleanest recipes. We make these pumpkin muffins all year round and they’re always a crowd pleaser!
4. Yogurt bark
Yogurt bark is so quick and easy to make it’s absolutely perfect. Plus, it’s meant to be stored in the freezer anyway so it lasts a long time.. I believe around one entire month!
5. Hard boiled eggs
A simple staple that I feel like is often forgotten about! Hard boiled eggs such a great high protein snack. Add some nuts and you’ve got a fuel packed snack that will 100% keep them satisfied till dinner! Try cooking them in the air fryer to save even more time!
Tip: did you know you can make hard boiled eggs cute? Yup!
After cooking them, briefly place them in an ice bath. Once they’re cooled just enough to handle, peel them and put them into cute rice molds and place them back into the ice bath. Once they’re completely cooled, they’ll come out in a fun shape or with a cute imprint!
6. Yogurt parfait
The perfect mason jar meal/snack prep! Plus, there are so many different variations you can make! Since they last about 4 days in the fridge, a single batch could last your kids almost the entire school week!
7. Smoothie bags
Next, prepped smoothies in bags! Obviously you can’t fully prep smoothies but this is about as easy as it gets! Who says smoothies are only for breakfast?!
8. Chia seed pudding
Okay, I feel like chia seed pudding is one of those things you either love or totally hate. I think it’s a texture thing for most people!
Your kids may surprise you though – mine did! They love chia seed pudding. Mixing things up with different combos is a must too!
9. Trail mix
Homemade trail mix does not get the love it deserves!
Forget the store bought standard trail mix that kids exclusively pick the M&M’s out of. Get creative and have them make their own! This is huge hit especially during holidays. A Halloween or Christmas theme trail mix in a cute jar in the kitchen doubles as cute decor and a yummy snack!
10. Frozen “candy” grapes
Okay, did you see this go viral on TikTok too?
Now, don’t come for me.. I’m well aware that Jello isn’t “healthy” but this is what you could call a “healthier” option. Let me say though, frozen grapes are delicious on their own too!
11. Chocolate dipped frozen banana bites
Let’s be real, you simply cannot go wrong with peanut butter and chocolate!
These little chocolate and peanut butter banana bites are one of those perfect make-ahead after school snacks to keep on hand in the freezer.
12. Fruit leather
Healthy fruit by the foot? Yes please!
Store bought fruit leather is so expensive and for why?
If you’ve never tried making your own fruit leather, it’s super easy! You don’t need a dehydrator or anything fancy like this – you can totally make it in the oven too. I will say it does take a bit of time though so definitely make this a snack prep for a lazy Sunday where you’ll be home all day.
13. Cute veggies and hummus
No, that wasn’t a typo. Yes, I did say cute.. not cut.
I love prepping a bunch of fruit and veggies with fun shape cutters in the beginning of the week. They make for super easy snacks that the kids are more willing to grab for since they’re fun shaped.
Hummus isn’t just delicious with pita chips, it’s also super yummy with pretty much any veggie!
Try making your own hummus at home and see what flavor combos sound good.. You can never get bored of hummus with so many different flavors!
14. Homemade granola
Homemade granola is a million times better than store bought and often healthier too!
Plus, it’s super easy to make! You can even add in extra superfoods like flax seeds, chia seeds, hemp, etc. into your homemade version. Granola is obviously great sprinkled on top of some yogurt or even just by the handful!
15. Frozen banana pops
Lastly, one more frozen snack idea!
What can I say? Frozen items just last longer and in return are less likely to be wasted. That’s always a win in my book!
Frozen banana pops are sooo good! They don’t have to be yogurt dipped either.. dip them in chocolate or peanut butter and they’re just as delicious! Get fancy with it and add toppings like sprinkles, nuts or drizzles for a super yummy after school snack!
