Try This List of Kid-Approved Snacks That Aren’t Just Goldfish

If your kids are anything like mine, then they’re always hungry. It seems that not an hour goes by when I don’t have my son or daughter telling me they’re starving and need something to eat. If I always gave in, my grocery bill would be through the roof. Still, I make it a point to have a couple of kid-approved snacks ready to go in case the kiddos really are hungry. Some parents struggle with what to feed their children at snack time. You don’t want anything super unhealthy or something that will fill them up before dinner. 

If this sounds like you, don’t worry – we have you covered. Consider the snacks on this list, and you’ll never be empty-handed when your kids are looking for something to munch on.

Pretzels

First on our list of kid-approved snacks, we have good ol’ pretzels. There are many varieties of pretzels, and most of them are pretty low in calories and fat. Pretzels also contain carbohydrates, which can provide your kids with the energy they need to run around and stay active. Best of all, pretzels are a snack that both kids and adults can enjoy at the same time, so everyone wins.

Cheez-Its

A snacking go-to that my family loves is a good handful of Cheez-It snacks. We love them because each square snack provides a flavor punch that always leaves us satisfied. The best thing is that there is a huge variety of flavors from which to choose, and there are always new ones coming out. Now, these aren’t super unhealthy, but they’re not the best thing for kids, either. For best results, eat them in moderation. Luckily, you can often get them in small portion-controlled packages.

Animal Crackers

Animal crackers have been a tasty treat for kids for many years. Some believe these crackers were developed in the mid-1800s and are still as amazing as ever. Kids love to put their hands in the package and pull out crackers in the shape of a variety of creatures. In addition to being fun, animal crackers are also more nutritious than many other cookies. They’re high in fiber and relatively low in sugar.

Yogurt

Add a tasty spoonful of yogurt to your list of kid-approved snacks. Yogurt comes in a variety of flavors, so there’s bound to be one that your child will love. It’s also easy to modify the yogurt to make it even more tasty by adding fruit or other toppings. Best of all, eating yogurt has many benefits, with live bacteria that might help your child's digestive system. 

Popcorn

Nothing is quite as exciting for a young kid as a bowl full of popcorn. Plus, you don’t need to be sitting in a movie theater to enjoy it. Put a bag in the microwave whenever your kids want a snack, and within two minutes, you’ll have a suitable portion that’s hot and ready to eat. You can purchase flavored popcorn or add your own salt, pepper, garlic seasoning, and other tasty toppings for the perfect snack. Keep in mind that popcorn can be a choking hazard and isn't recommended for kids under four.

Celery or Carrots with Peanut Butter

An easy but tasty addition to your list of kid-approved snacks is a healthy dose of either carrots or celery with peanut butter. Get individual carrots or a larger piece of celery that is cut into four pieces. To bring things up a notch, turn this dish into the classic “ants on a log” by adding a few raisins to the top of each piece. This is a tasty snack that provides a balance of protein, carbs, and other healthy elements.

Nuts

A bowl of nuts can do wonders for your kids when snack time comes around. Almonds, pistachios, cashews. Any nuts will do. It doesn’t take too many to fulfill your child’s appetite. Best of all, most nuts are very healthy. They’ll provide a good dose of fiber, antioxidants, and healthy fats. Give your kids nuts early in their lives, and you could prevent a nut allergy down the line. However, young children can have nuts if they're crushed or ground, but whole nuts aren't recommended for kids under five.

Cottage Cheese

While it’s not everyone’s favorite, cottage cheese is a great addition to any list of kid-approved snacks. It’s also one of the most healthy snacks that anyone can eat. A serving contains calcium, vitamin B12, selenium, and a ton of fiber. It’s exactly what a growing child needs. You can make cottage cheese even more delicious by adding berries or chocolate.

Pickles

When my kids are looking for a snack, they always ask for pickles, and your children may do the same. There are many different pickle varieties, so you may have to experiment a bit to find the right fit for your family. For the healthiest option, opt for pickles that contain live cultures because they contain probiotic bacteria, which is great for the digestive system. Pickles with vinegar don’t have this benefit. 

Kale Chips

There are many snacks you may never have considered before, like kale chips. Kale is one of the tastiest superfoods out there, with many nutrients, including vitamins K, A, and C. Plus, the snack is famously low in calories. Kale chips are the next best thing to eating leafy kale on its own, but kids may not like that as much. Here are instructions for making your own kale chips at home.

Hummus

Many kids enjoy a snack that allows them to dip one thing into another, so consider serving a vegetable with hummus. Try pairing hummus with carrots, bell peppers, broccoli, or healthy chips, and it’ll be a treat your kids will be asking for day after day. The main ingredient in hummus is chickpeas, which contain folate, fiber, and a host of antioxidants. You can allow them to spread it on thick, and you’ll still know that they’re having a healthy meal.

Fruit Slices

When eaten in moderation, you really can’t go wrong with slices of fruit. Though some of it may contain a high amount of sugar, most fruit is top-notch. Apples, oranges, plums, peaches, mangos – they’re all delicious. If your kids want more, you can add more complex flavors by adding peanut butter, nutmeg, cinnamon, or even a dash of salt. When your kids come to you begging for a piece of fruit, you’ll know you’re doing the right thing.

Fruit Smoothie

You can bring your love of fruit to the next level by preparing fruit smoothies for the kids. You can make them on demand or make them the night before, so they’re ready in the morning. Consider making the smoothie with low-fat milk so your children get the calcium that they need every day. You can even sneak some vegetables into the smoothie. It’s even more healthy goodness, and your kids won’t even notice they’re there.

Fruit Snacks

You don’t need to prepare all of your children’s snacks from scratch. Instead, consider the fruit snacks that they sell at the store. Most of the fruit snacks you’ll find are relatively healthy, especially when eaten in moderation. Plus, there are a lot of options out there, and many of the snacks feature characters from their favorite TV shows, movies, and video games. So your kids will have a blast while they enjoy their afternoon snack.

Olives

This is another odd one for many parents, but bear with us. Olives are a salty treat that is easy to eat, and they can even be a bit of fun due to their small size. Black or green olives are both great choices. There are even olives packed with garlic and other ingredients inside of them. In addition to being tasty, olives are loaded with healthy elements, including vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and monounsaturated fats. Olives are a snack that everyone in the family can enjoy.

Cheese and Crackers

A final treat to add to your list of healthy, kid-approved snacks is the classic combination of cheese and crackers. It’s like a childhood version of the classic charcuterie board. You can go with American cheese or mix it up and try different cheeses every week. For the crackers, consider going with a whole-grain option that will be a bit healthier than the alternatives. If your kids just like cheese, then consider having a few packages of string cheese on you at all times.

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