Back to School: 11 Healthy Homemade Snacks for Kids

Growing kids burn a lot of energy throughout their day. And as they head back to school, what better way to help them power through classes and play than to include some tasty, healthful snacks with their lunches.

Making your own snacks at home can save you money while ensuring they're free of too much salt, oil, and artificial ingredients. Whether it's sweet or savoury your kids prefer, we've got you covered with some easy-to-make and nutritious snacks that pack well and taste great.

1. Savoury or sweet roasted chickpeas

Chickpeas are packed with protein and fibre, and roasting them turns them into a flavoursome snack for children. All you need for this recipe is a can of chickpeas, some seasoning, a hot oven, and about 30 minutes. Drain a can of cooked chickpeas and spread them on an oven tray before baking for 30 to 35 minutes at 200C. Add seasoning (such chilli powder, herbs, cinnamon sugar, garlic salt, or onion powder) to taste.

2. No-bake energy bites

These no-bake energy bites take just 10 minutes to make (and 30 minutes to chill) and require only six ingredients. They feature healthy oats and contain delicious ingredients like coconut flakes, chocolate chips, and honey. Mix the ingredients together, chill in the fridge for half an hour, and form into balls.

3. Creamy veggie dip

Get the kids to eat more veggies by packing into their lunchbox this delicious veggie dip with some raw veggies. This recipe takes a few minutes to make and uses easy-to-find ingredients. Blend plain yoghurt with seasonings, including lemon juice, and a dash of milk. Pack in a lidded container with cherry tomatoes and chopped raw vegetables like carrot and celery sticks, cucumber slices, and julienned red pepper.

4. Veggie and cheese balls

These yummy cheese balls take a little longer to make but the process is pretty straightforward. They're filled with wholesome ingredients like potatoes, egg, spinach, and of course cheese. Once you've mixed the key ingredients, shape them into balls and cook over medium-high heat.

5. No-bake chocolate coconut balls

These delightful no-bake balls are good for your kids and can be made in just 20 minutes. Free of flour, sugar, egg, dairy, gluten, and nuts, the recipe features ingredients like coconut flakes, cocoa powder, liquid stevia, banana, and dates. Blend in a food processor, shape into balls, and roll in the coconut flakes.

6. No-bake chewy cocoa granola bars

If your kids love a chewy, chocolatey snack, try these no-bake granola bars. You'll need a few special ingredients like coconut butter, flaxseed, and sunflower seeds, but the result will be worth it. You'll also need ingredients like crispy brown rice cereal, rolled oats, cocoa powder, and shredded coconut. The recipe is very easy and requires just 10 minutes of preparation time.

7. Sunflower seeds and cinnamon sunbutter

This sunbutter recipe features healthy sunflower seeds (which are high in protein, fibre, and vitamins and minerals) and is great for kids with nut allergies. Simply blend sunflower seeds, olive oil, honey, cinnamon, and salt in the food processor and it's ready to serve. Pack this creamy spread with some sliced apples, vegetable stickers, or wholemeal crackers for a tasty snack.

8. Baked zucchini chips

Zucchini is high in fibre, and this easy zucchini chips recipe is a great alternative to a favourite of kids everywhere: store-bought, salt-laden, fried potato chips out of a bag. Chop some zucchini into thin slices and pat them dry. Season, spray with oil, and bake. You'll need just five minutes of prep time and 10 minutes of cooking time to make some ready-to-pack savoury zucchini chips perfect for snacking at school.

9. Tortilla roll-up lollipops

This fun take on wraps turns a meal-sized wrap into bite-sized pieces perfect for snacking, and it takes just minutes to make. Layer your fillings – cream cheese, ham, lettuce, etc. – and roll tightly before cutting into six pieces. Secure the roll with pretzel sticks to form the lollipop handle. If packing in a lunchbox, wrap the tortilla section in food wrap and pack the pretzel sticks separately to prevent them going soggy.

10. Sundried tomato and basil pinwheels

These yummy pinwheel sandwiches are easy to make and a perfect addition to the lunchbox. Requiring just five minutes to make, these pinwheels feature a dip with sundried tomatoes, cream cheese, basil, spinach, and cheese inside a tortilla. Roll the tortilla up tightly and wrap in food wrap before packing in your child's lunchbox.

11. Spice roasted carrots

This healthy spice roasted carrots recipe features no more than six ingredients and requires just 15 minutes preparation time. Toss peeled and sliced carrots in coconut oil and nutritious spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes until crispy. They can be served hot at home for an after-school snack or packed in the lunchbox after cooling.

Get cooking!

Homemade snacks for the kids can be cheaper and healthier, and these easy recipes could save you from hours in preparation. Whether your kids prefer sweet or savoury snacks, new recipes like these prove healthy snacking doesn't have to be a time-consuming process for you. Armed with these recipes, you can help your kids discover new favourite snacks that support their health and energy requirements.

Head to Marketplace Gungahlin to find all the ingredients you need for these healthy snacks, as well as any supplies your kids need for going back to school.