After-School Bites: Quick Snacks to Refuel Busy Kids
After a long day at school, kids are often seeking a quick snack that will keep them energised and satisfied until dinner. But after-school snack time doesn’t need to be a hassle - with a little creativity and simple ingredients, you can whip up a variety of quick, healthy, and delicious after-school snacks that are perfect for refuelling busy kids. And the best part? You don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen. So, let’s dive into our top after-school snack ideas to refuel them until dinner.
Healthy Snack Ideas for Busy School Days
When your kids come home hungry and tired, a nutritious snack will help them recharge for the rest of their day. Healthy after-school snacks should be satisfying, quick, and fun to eat, and with the right ingredients, you can make them in just a few minutes.
Veggie Sticks with Hummus
Crunchy vegetables like carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers paired with hummus make for an easy and healthy snack. With adult supervision, you can also encourage children to cut these veggies on a chopping board, helping them develop their skills from a young age. This snack provides plenty of vitamins, fibre, and healthy fats, while the hummus adds a creamy, flavourful dip that makes eating vegetables fun. It’s a great light, after-school snack idea that will still leave them eager for dinner.
Simply pack the veggies with a spoonful of hummus in the Munchies on the Move snack pot, and they can grab their snack and go!
Frozen Strawberry & Yoghurt Bites
For a healthy yet delicious after-school snack, frozen strawberry and yoghurt bites are perfect for kids and teenagers alike! These bites are ideal for a warm summer's day and can be prepared ahead of time, making them a convenient go-to snack.
Simply slice a punnet of strawberries and mix them with 1 cup (approximately 240g) of plain Greek yoghurt in a bowl. You can also use flavoured varieties such as vanilla or strawberry for added sweetness. Once mixed, spoon dollops of the mixture onto a tray with baking paper and pop them in the freezer for 2-3 hours.
Once they’re frozen, you’ll have a sweet, creamy, bite-sized snack that’s perfect for hot days or after-school cravings. For an extra crunch, sprinkle a bit of granola or crushed nuts on top before freezing – it’s a treat that’s not only great for kids, but adults will love it too!
Quick and Easy After-School Snacks
When you're short on time but need a snack to keep the kids satisfied, these ideas are the perfect go-to. With minimal preparation, you can offer a quick snack that still gives your kids the nutrients they need.
Cheese and Whole Wheat Crackers
For a snack that’s ready in seconds, serve cheese slices with whole wheat crackers. Packed with protein, fibre, and healthy fats, it's perfect for keeping your kids full and satisfied. Pair this healthy after-school snack with a side of fresh fruit or veggie sticks for a quick and balanced treat.
You can find cheese slices in our fridge range in-store, along with whole wheat crackers. For a more indulgent option, grab some Ritz crackers online, and you'll have a snack that's both easy to prepare and packed with the nutrients your kids need after a busy day.
Fruit and Nut Energy Bites
Energy bites are a quick, nutritious snack that’s perfect for busy kids. They provide an energy boost and are loaded with vitamins, fibre, and healthy fats. To make a batch of energy bites, combine 1 cup of dried fruits (like raisins, cranberries or apricots), ½ cup of mixed nuts (such as almonds, walnuts, or cashews), and 1-2 tablespoons of honey to bind it all together. You can also add a tablespoon of peanut butter for extra flavour and creaminess.
Fruit Smoothies
A homemade smoothie is an excellent way to get a variety of nutrients into your kids. Blend up some frozen fruit, milk, and a bit of yogurt for a refreshing treat that’s packed with vitamins. You can use fruits like mango, strawberries, or peaches for a tropical smoothie or add some greens like spinach for an extra nutritional punch. Simply fill in a Disney Princess or Mickey Mouse water bottle for younger children or an insulated tumbler for teenagers.
Filling After-School Snacks for Teens
Teens often come home hungry after school and need a more substantial snack to fuel them through the evening. These ideas are perfect for older kids who need more energy after a long day at school.
Hummus with Pita Bread
Hummus with pita bread is a filling and nutritious after-school snack for teenagers. The pita bread provides complex carbohydrates, while the hummus offers healthy fats and protein. Add a side of vegetables or olives for a complete snack that’s satisfying and tasty.
Delicious Granola Bars
Granola bars are a classic after-school snack, and they’re easy to make in batches ahead of time – perfect after the Sunday reset. To prepare, combine 160g of rolled oats, 120g of honey, 70g of dried fruit, and a mix of nuts. For an extra nutty flavour, add 15g of peanut butter. Mix all the ingredients, then press the mixture into bars on a lined baking tray with baking paper. Refrigerate for at least an hour. This recipe will prepare 12-15 bars, which are perfect for the week ahead. Once set, cut them into bars, and they’re ready to grab and go!
For a quick option, consider the Cadbury Brunch Peanut Butter Bars for a sweet alternative that is also perfect for packed lunches! For a fruity option, the Go Ahead Raspberry Fruit Slices offer a light and tasty snack, whilst the Belvita Breakfast Biscuits provide a balanced, tasty snack.
Easy After-School Snacks That Kids Will Love
With these quick and healthy snack ideas, you can keep your kids refuelled after school without spending too much time in the kitchen. Whether you need a simple snack or something more filling, we have all the ingredients you need to create tasty and nutritious treats for your little ones. So, the next time your kids come home hungry, you’ll have plenty of ideas to keep them satisfied until dinner.
Check out our food and drink range online or in-store for everything you need to make these after-school snacks a hit!
