We remember what being a kid was like — all the best snacks were basically variations of chocolate frosted sugar bombs. We wanted the unhealthiest stuff packed in the brightest neon packaging that used as much environmentally unfriendly plastic as humanly possible. And while we think it's OK to give kids these kinds of ridiculously processed treats sometimes, we're pretty sure the best bet for kids the vast majority of the time is going to be healthy, whole food snacks they can pull from the fridge and enjoy — and if it spoils their dinner a little bit, well, it was packed with fresh veggies anyway, so what's the big deal? We're all about trying to live a more relaxed life, and making sure that the kids are getting their nutrients even if they're doing it at snack time instead of at proper meals is one great way for us to get there.
There are so many tasty, good-for-kids (and good-for-us!) snacks out there, we're trying to make the switch completely from a fries-and-cookies lifestyle to one that's more based in whole fruits and vegetables. We're huge fans of getting a healthy, happy snack in to keep our blood sugar even throughout the day (and keep us from getting snappish and mean to the people we love). New mamas need their own snacks when they have a newborn in the home, when they have no time to eat (or when they are trying to eat something lukewarm with one hand while feeding a kid with another). Because it only makes sense to make one set of snacks that everyone in the home can eat, consider snacks moms will want to try too, and make a ton for everyone to take to work or school. When family members are keeping an eye on calorie intake, try some 100-calorie snacks that kids and parents will love.
Healthy Chocolate Hummus
This healthy chocolate hummus recipe is a surprisingly delicious treat — and it doesn't even have any refined sugar in it. Kids can pull it from the fridge and serve with fruit, graham crackers, and pretzels.
Easy Thai Peanut Dipping Sauce
This easy Thai peanut dipping sauce comes together in a snap, goes so well with sliced veggies, and it's a totally healthy treat kids can pull from the fridge and snack on. For optimal health benefits, use peanut butter that doesn't contain a bunch of corn syrup — Trader Joe's has a great, inexpensive one.
On the Glow Basic Oatmeal Squares
These On the Glow basic oatmeal squares are incredibly easy to make — they take only 10 minutes of prep time. They're perfect with chocolate chips, fresh blueberries, or nuts mixed in, too — or spread with peanut butter and jam.
No-Bake Chocolate Fudge Cookies
Normally, when we think "no-bake chocolate fudge cookies," we don't think "super triple healthy," but these really are. Filled with oats and healthy fats, they're extremely tasty — and they're best straight out of the fridge.
Easy White Bean Dip
This easy white bean dip lasts in the fridge for about a week, is really delicious, and so good served with sliced vegetables or pita chips. We also love how totally inexpensive this option is to make — and it goes well in a lunchbox, too.
3 Ingredient No Bake Peanut Butter Oat Squares
This recipe for 3 ingredient no bake peanut butter oat squares is so easy, kids can put it together themselves — but they have to set in the refrigerator for a few hours, so keep that in mind! Chunky peanut butter works for this, too.
Cowboy Caviar
This recipe for cowboy caviar is so simple, and because it's vegetarian, it lasts in the fridge for up to a week. Kids can serve it to themselves straight from the fridge with a handful of tortilla chips, which will tide them over until dinner.
Roasted Carrots With Vinaigrette
This recipe for roasted carrots with vinaigrette is fantastic when it's hot, but frankly, even better served cold. Make some for dinner one night, and make extra to keep in the fridge as an after-school snack.
Creamy Avocado Dip
This creamy avocado dip is so tasty, and unlike guacamole, it doesn't turn brown as quickly. We love its creaminess, and the tang from the goat cheese is delicious — plus it goes so well with chopped veggies or pita chips.
One Bowl Pumpkin Chocolate Muffins
This recipe for one bowl pumpkin chocolate muffins is so simple to make — and since it's a one-bowl recipe, also easy to clean up after — and when they're kept in the fridge, the muffins can last for a week. Plus, they're scrumptious.
6 Ingredient Healthy Raspberry Oatmeal Bars
This recipe for 6 ingredient healthy raspberry oatmeal bars is so incredibly yummy, and can be either a snack or a dessert, really — the jam is so sweet, and while they're amazing right out of the oven, they're just as good cold from the fridge.
Roasted Cauliflower
This roasted cauliflower recipe is delicious on its own, but it's also perfect with ranch dressing mix, taco seasoning mix, or any other spices the family loves. It can also be served with a Greek yogurt dipping sauce.
Easy Taco Dip
This vegetarian easy taco dip is so delicious and takes just five minutes to put together. It works so well with all the toppings suggested, and it's perfect with tortilla chips, celery sticks, sliced bell pepper, and carrot sticks.
Strawberry Parfait With Cottage Cheese
This recipe for strawberry parfait with cottage cheese makes for a healthy breakfast, but a small-sized version is also perfect for an after-school snack. It's packed with protein — and for kids who don't love the texture of cottage cheese, try the whipped kind, it's way better.
Ranch Veggie Cups
We make these ranch veggie cups, but make them healthier by swapping out regular ranch dressing with a powdered ranch dressing mix stirred into 2% Greek yogurt. It's got tons of protein and much less fat.
Gluten-Free Date Bars
These gluten-free date bars are so delicious, but they're also healthy — and they're perfect for families with gluten sensitivities. The dates are sweet enough naturally that there's no added sugar needed!
Avocado Deviled Eggs
These avocado deviled eggs are so, so delicious and packed with healthy fats. The bacon and cilantro are optional, but we love that heart-healthy avocados take the place of mayonnaise in this recipe.
Salt & Vinegar Edamame
This roundup of 5 flavorful ways to snack on edamame is so helpful, but we especially enjoy the first one. Salt and vinegar chips were always our favorite when we were kids, and this tastes exactly the same — just much healthier.
Healthy Caramel Apple Dip
This healthy caramel apple dip uses almond butter and medjool dates, but tastes basically like a caramel apple dip. Kids can enjoy with plain apple slices, or dust a little cinnamon or cocoa powder over the slices for an extra flavorful treat.
Three-Ingredient Healthy Honey Mustard Dip
This three-ingredient healthy honey mustard dip is incredibly simple — kids can make it themselves — and the perfect thing for kids to snack on after school with cut-up bell peppers, celery, radishes, mini pretzels, cherry tomatoes, or crackers.
