45+ Back to School Snacks

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From lunchbox fillers to after-school bites and post-practice pick-me-ups, this snack collection has you covered. These easy, kid-approved ideas will keep hungry tummies happy all day long.

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Back-to-school season means busy mornings, packed schedules, and kids who always seem to be hungry. (Why is that?!) These snack ideas are perfect for tossing into lunchboxes or fueling up before soccer practice. Plus, they’re great to have in the car when you pick up the kiddos after practice, and they’re starving.

These are quick, tasty, and kid-approved—because you’ve got enough on your plate without worrying about snack time. (And honestly, a few of these are my go-to snacks, too!)

Best Lunch Box Snacks

Close up image of a hand holding an oatmeal peanut butter chocolate chip balls.

Chocolate Chip No Bake Energy Balls | Juggling Act Mama

Packed with pecans and almonds, creamy peanut butter, and chia seeds, this snack could be called protein bombs! (You can also use almond butter if you prefer.

The kids will be fooled by the mini chocolate chips and have no idea they’re full of healthy fat!

How to make chocolate hummus.

Chocolate Hummus Recipe | Juggling Act Mama

Tuck a little container of this delicious chocolate hummus into your child’s lunchbox and get ready to be the best mom ever!

Add fresh fruit like strawberries and apples for dipping. Pretzels, homemade pita chips, and crackers are great, too.

Two rolls of mango fruit leather on a white countertop.

Mango Fruit Leather | Juggling Act Mama

Homemade fruit leather is so much healthier than the store-bought version.

Use this method to make different flavors like peach or strawberry. It’s an easy way to get more nutrition into your kids.

Coconut Energy Balls with Chocolate on a plate with a fork.

Coconut Energy Balls | Juggling Act Mama

If you have a kiddo who loves chocolate and coconut, this recipe is for you.

These are the perfect snacks in between school and after-school activities.

Healthy Homemade Granola Bars

Healthy Homemade Granola Bars | Juggling Act Mama

When it comes to healthy snacks, homemade granola bars are where it’s at!

With dried blueberries and cranberries, pecans, and honey, these easy granola bars are a delicious and healthy snack any time of day.

Close up of a Cinnamon Banana Bread Muffin on a napkin.

Cinnamon Banana Bread Muffins | Juggling Act Mama

Homemade banana bread muffins are an easy healthy snack (or breakfast) that you can tuck into your kid’s lunchbox.

It’s a great way to sneak some fruit into them!

Ranch Pretzels | Julie's Eats & Treats

Ranch Pretzels | Julie’s Eats & Treats

This might be one of the best easy recipes! You only need 10 minutes and 6 ingredients to prep this quick and easy snack!

These are great for game day, too.

Easy Cucumber Sushi for Kids | Raising Whasians

Easy Cucumber Sushi for Kids | Raising Whasians

Don’t worry, I’m not suggesting you send raw fish to school! This snack is perfect for your child’s lunch bag.

Grab your kiddos’ favorite deli meat like ham or turkey and some fresh cucumbers to make these fun faux sushi snacks! These are so much better than boring carrot sticks!

Baked Apple Chips | Dinner Mom

Baked Apple Chips | Dinner Mom

Not only are apple chips delicious, they’re a great healthy snack, too.

No fancy equipment is needed, this 2-ingredient snack is made right in the oven!

Healthy Homemade Fruit Snacks | Joy Food Sunshine

Healthy Homemade Fruit Snacks | Joy Food Sunshine

Forget the sugary store-bought fruit snacks and make your own! These are high-protein and last in the fridge up to 2 weeks.

This recipe pairs gelatin with fresh fruit like grapes and strawberries, and veggies like carrots and beets for healthy snacks that taste great. Honestly, they kind of taste like candy!

Air Fryer Kale Chips

Air Fryer Kale Chips | My Sequined Life

Crisp and airy kale chips are a cinch to make in the air fryer! With lots of different seasoning options, this healthy homemade snack is less expensive than store-bought options.

Energy Boosting Trail Mix in a bowl.

Energy Boosting Trail Mix | Kristine’s Kitchen

This is one of the easiest snack recipes! With loads of nuts, it’s a great source of protein.

You can add other favorites like pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds.

Crunchy Roasted Chickpeas | A Cedar Spoon

Crunchy Roasted Chickpeas | A Cedar Spoon

If you’re looking for a gluten-free and vegan snack, these crispy chickpeas are for you. This is a great nut-free snack.

Add your favorite seasoning like ranch or apple pie spice for additional flavor.

You can also add these to your favorite trail mix.

Healthy Date Bars Recipe

Healthy Date Bars Recipe | Greedy Eats

Medjool dates and mixed nuts make these delicious, protein-packed snack bars perfect for snack time at school.

Since the dates are so sweet, there’s no need for added sugar. These bars are loaded with a nutty combo or cashews, walnuts, almonds, and pistachios. They’re naturally gluten-free, and you can easily make them vegan.

Air Fryer Banana Chips | TropRockin

Air Fryer Banana Chips | TropRockin

Why give your little one potato chips when you can give them healthy banana chips instead?

I love that these are quick to make. And, they taste great with our chocolate hummus, too!

Trail Mix with Dark Chocolate | Haute & Healthy Living

Trail Mix with Dark Chocolate | Haute & Healthy Living

Forget the chocolate pudding cup and pack this fruit and nut trail mix with freeze-dried strawberries instead. My daughter loves this easy snack mix, and now that she’s older, she can make a big batch by herself to enjoy all week long.

It’s a super-easy back-to-school snack that the kids can help make.

Close up of Oatmeal Fig Bars on a tray.

Oatmeal Fig Bars | Juggling Act Mama

Skip the cookies! Not only is this sweet snack delicious, but it’s made with wholesome ingredients like oats and dried figs, too!

You can even make this recipe with gluten-free oats.

Best Afterschool Snacks

Fingers holding Garlic Cheese Bombs.

Garlic Cheese Bombs | Juggling Act Mama

Forget the boring cheese stick snack, these delicious rolls are filled with gooey melted cheese!

It’s a great snack for after school when the kids need a pick-me-up.

Even picky eaters will love this one!

Bite-Sized Pepperoni and Sausage Pizza Puffs | The Kitchen is My Playground

Bite-Sized Pepperoni and Sausage Pizza Puffs | The Kitchen is My Playground

This might not be what you think of when you’re looking for easy snack ideas, but trust me, you’re going to love them – and so will the kids!

Pretzel Bites

Pretzel Bites | Juggling Act Mama

These semi-homemade pretzel bites are one of my favorite things to make for my family – any time of year!

They make a great after-school snack for you and the kids.

ham and cheese cracker sandwiches.

Ham and Cheese Mini Cracker Sandwiches | Mom’s Test Kitchen

When it comes to simple ideas for snacks, you can’t go wrong with the classics.

Take your cheese and cracker game up a notch with these fun mini sandwiches!

Apple Nachos Recipe | The Schmidty Wife

Apple Nachos Recipe | The Schmidty Wife

With simple ingredients you already have at home you can make these super fun Apple Nachos for the best after school snack ever! You can even customize them for your family.

Also, be sure to try our peanut butter and caramel apple dip!

Frozen Greek Yogurt Breakfast Bark | Freezer Foodie

Frozen Greek Yogurt Breakfast Bark | Freezer Foodie

This Greek yogurt bark with berries and cereal is a delicious and sweet afterschool snack that feels like a treat but is healthy, too!

Back to School Freebies

We know back-to-school season is tough… and expensive! That’s why we have these fun and FREE printables we think you’ll love:

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More Back-to-School Ideas

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