30 Cheap After School Snacks for Kids That Are Healthy & Easy
As soon as kids get home from school, the first thing they usually ask is, “What’s to eat?” It’s no surprise—after a long day of learning, running around at recess, and growing non-stop, they’re starving. But constantly buying pre-packaged snacks can get expensive, and many of them are full of sugar and artificial ingredients. That’s why I’ve put together this list of 30 cheap after school snacks for kids that are healthy, budget-friendly, and easy to make.
Why Cheap After School Snacks for Kids Are So Important
Kids burn a lot of energy throughout the school day, and by the time they get home, their bodies are running on empty. Most of the time, they don’t even realize how hungry they are until they open the fridge and grab the first thing they see.
That’s why cravings for sugary snacks are so common—when the body is low on energy, it craves quick, fast-burning fuel like sugar. But that can lead to energy crashes later, which isn’t ideal for homework time or after-school activities. (And it’s not just kids who crave sugar, if you struggle with sugar cravings too learn how to gently and sustainable wean yourself off added sugar in 3 weeks!)
The best way to keep kids satisfied without breaking the bank is to offer nutrient-rich snacks that provide a mix of protein, healthy fats, and fiber. The list below includes affordable, easy-to-make snacks that will keep kids full, help them focus, and prevent those sugar-fueled energy crashes.
These ideas are really simple, but you’d be surprised how often we just reach for a premade box without thinking. We think it’s easier but is pricier and less healthy.
People says it’s expensive to eat healthy. It can be, but if you focus on just a little extra prep time and lots of whole foods it’s not too bad at all.
I tend to cut up a huge plate or tray of veggies and fruits and kind of let the kids graze on it. You’d be amazed how fast it disappears when they come home starving. (Even though they are begging for sweets.) e sI always am!
Then at the end of this list you’ll find some make ahead recipes perfect for cheap after school snacks. Things like muffins, wraps, and granola bars. Things that you can easily prep on the weekend or while they are at school and serve up all week! They are much cheaper and healthier than their boxed counterparts.
Don’t forget to check out our cheap healthy meals, cheap dinner recipes and cheap budget meals for large families too.
30 Cheap & Healthy After School Snacks for Kids
Fruits & Veggies Snack Ideas
- Apple slices with nut butter– try peanut, almond butter, or sunflower butter.
- Banana boats– set the banana down like a canoe and carve out 1/4 of it’s meat. Replace with but butter and set either raisins or marshmallows in as the sailors.
- Carrot sticks with ranch or hummus– save money by cutting full sized carrots into slices.
- Ants on a log– fill celery instead of a banana with peanut butter and raisins
- Cucumber slices with a sprinkle of salt and pepper – or try everything bagel seasonsing
- Grapes – fresh or frozen for a fun twist on hot days
- Orange slices or clementines – for a creative twist melt 1 tbsp of unrefined coconut oil and then mix in 1 tbsp cocoa powder and let your kids dip the oranges in chocolate! You can always add a shake of stevia powder for sweetness too.
- Watermelon chunks (when in season)- for a cold treat but long rectangular chunks and put onto a stick and freeze for homemade “popsicles”
- Cherry tomatoes with cheese cubes
- Bell pepper strips with hummus
Protein-Packed Snacks
- Hard-boiled eggs – turn them into one of these 19 variations of deviled eggs for a little something extra. Or just serve with salt, vinegar, or mustard for dipping.
- String cheese or cheese cubes – you can also cut the cheese into different shapes for extra fun, serve with rolled up lunch meat.
- Yogurt with granola and honey – pay attention to the ingredients when selecting a yogurt, most of them are as bad as ice cream.
- Cottage cheese with fruit or crackers
- Peanut butter on whole wheat toast – other nut butters are great too.
Grains & Breads
- Cinnamon toast – sprinkle whole wheat toast covered in butter with a blend of cinnamon and sugar or Swerve for a healthier option
- Rice cakes with peanut butter and banana slices
- Oatmeal with cinnamon and raisins – use plain oatmeal and add in topping yourself to control the sugar content
- Whole wheat pita with hummus
- Air-popped or stove popcorn with a sprinkle of parmesan and basil – or sprinkle with stevia powder for a healthy “kettlecorn”
Simple Homemade Snacks
- DIY trail mix (raisins, peanuts, pretzels, and chocolate chips)
- Whole wheat tortilla roll-ups with peanut butter and banana
- Homemade granola bars– try this easy recipe with oats, honey, and peanut butter.
- Homemade fruit and yogurt popsicles – Or any of these easy healthy homemade popsicle recipes.
- Air fryer avocado fries – did you know you can make a super satisfying and low carb snack with avocado? Try this air fryer avocado fries recipe.
More Fun & Kid-Friendly Options
- English muffin pizzas – use an english muffin, top with tomato sauce, and sprinkle with shredded cheese (pepperoni optional). Pop in the air fryer or toaster oven.
- Banana pancakes – Super easy recipe, it says banana pancakes for toddlers but everyone loves them, even me.
- Tortilla wraps/pinwheels – There are so many variations you can try! Some sweet, some savory, check out these 8 wrap recipe ideas.
- Peanut butter and jelly sandwich – You can’t sleep on this classic. Switch it up with peanut butter banana, or apple, or add honey.
- Smoothie – Use a base of unsweetened almond milk, a banana, and vanilla protein powder, then add whichever fruit they choose.
Wrapping Up 30 Healthy Cheap After School Snacks for Kids
Don’t forget to check out our cheap healthy meals, cheap dinner recipes and cheap budget meals for large families too.
Having a variety of cheap after school snacks for kids on hand can save money, keep kids satisfied, and help them stay focused for the rest of the day. These snacks are simple, healthy, and easy to prepare, making them perfect for busy families. Try mixing and matching different options throughout the week to keep snack time exciting while giving kids the energy they need!
