The Best Snacks for Kids

Healthy snacking makes happy kids.

The best snacks for kids include some very healthy choices. Healthy snacks include whole grains, vegetables and fruits, rather than chips and candy bars. Kids will enjoy these healthy snacks because they will be more filling for them. Teaching kids to snack on healthy foods can help them learn good eating habits.

Fruits

Fruit is rich in vitamins.

Fruits are a sweet treat that can replace sugary goodies. Apple sauce is a fruit snack ideal for kids. Mix fresh fruit with low-fat yogurt for added protein. Fresh fruit or dried fruit are both good choices, as are fruit juices and smoothies. Homemade juice is the best, but when picking store bought, get only 100 percent juice. Smoothies can be made in the blender with low-fat yogurt, fruit and some ice. Kids should get at least two servings of fruit each day.

Cereals and Popcorn

Cereal is not just for breakfast but can be a healthy snack.

Whole grain cereal is a healthy source of fiber. Some kids may like to snack on dry cereal, or it can be added into a mix, like trail mix, with dried fruits, nuts and seeds. Teach children to make smart choices when it comes to picking their favorite cereal. Those with whole grains are a much healthier choice than sugary cereals made with refined grains. Plain, air-popped popcorn is one of the best snacks for kids. Skip the butter and salt; popcorn is a low-calorie snack without the added butter. To give it flavor, sprinkle in some low-fat Parmesan cheese.

Vegetables

Spread peanut butter on celery to make it more appealing to kids.

Vegetables can also be healthy snacks that kids can eat as replacements for crunchy and salty snacks. Teach kids to skip the chips and chose celery or carrots. Use low-fat vegetable dip or ranch dressing to add to the vegetables. Peanut butter spread on celery can make this vegetable more appealing to kids. Vegetables are full of nutrients that help kids grow up healthy. Children need three servings of vegetables every day.

Nuts and Seeds

Peanut butter is a protein-filled snack.

Peanut butter is not the only healthy nut choice. Introduce your kids to cashews, walnuts, and almonds. Nuts can be eaten alone or used in trail mix. Seeds are also some of the best snacks for kids, as they are rich in healthy oils. Make pumpkin seeds for Halloween, and try adding sunflower seeds to a salad for a nutritious snack.

Cheese

Cheese is an excellent source of calcium.

Cheese is a calcium-rich snack for kids. Chose low-fat or no-fat cheese snacks. Cheese sticks or chunk cheese, along with some whole grain crackers, will fill up their bellies. String cheese is a fun cheese snack that they can pull apart and eat. The calcium in cheese helps kids build strong bones.

References

• Center for Science In The Public Interest: Healthy School Snacks
• Parents Magazine: The 20 Best Snacks For Kids
• Let's Move: Healthy Families