Question:
What are some healthy kids"snack ideas?
Answer:
A good rule of thumb for healthy snacks is to choose foods from MyPyramid's Five Food Groups and combine one or more food groups. Foods that are easy to combine, such as string cheese and pretzels; baked corn chips and salsa; cereal and milk; or yogurt and fruit, are examples of nutritious snacks. Leftovers are also great for snacks, especially for older kids with hearty appetites! For beverages, serve low-fat plain or flavored milk, or water. Sweetened beverages, such a fruit punches, sodas and fruit drinks, contribute extra calories and few nutrients, and they can curb kids' appetite for other nutritious foods.
While healthy snack options are endless, here are a few snack ideas to get you started:
- Pre-portion leftovers in microwave-safe containers for kids to heat in a hurry.
- Layer lean turkey and cheese on a tortilla, wrap it around a carrot.
- Stuff mini-pita pockets with tuna or other sandwich filling.
- Toast a mini-bagel or English muffin topped with pizza sauce and shredded cheese.
- Layer peanut butter and banana slices between graham crackers.
- Blend a smoothie with fruit, milk and yogurt.
- Bake or microwave baked tortilla chips, shredded cheese and salsa.
Related Links
Click here for delicious snack recipes.
Our Snack Master (pdf) helps parents plan nutritious snacks.
Download 26 Smart Snack Ideas(pdf)
for home, school or on the run.
More Smart Snack Ideas, from Milk Mixers to Rice Bowls.
Nutrition Questions and Answers
Related Activities
Snack Stars in the Sky
Rock Your Day with Healthy Snacks Activity
Classroom Snack Games
