9 Back-to-School Snack Ideas for Kids

Like lunch, snacks are a vital part of getting kids back into the school day routine. They provide the necessary energy and nutrients to keep students’ brains functioning at their best. Without snacks, kiddos may experience fatigue, lack of focus, and decreased productivity. Plus, they’ll also help to curb hunger and prevent overeating during meal times and raiding the fridge as soon as they get home. (Teenage boys not included. Other rules apply!)

The following back-to-school snack ideas will power your little ones through the day with ease.

Back-to-School Snack Ideas for Kids

Peach and Corn Salsa with Tortilla Chips

A bowl of peach and corn salsa sits to the top right of the frame, with a bigger bowl of tortilla chips in the bottom center.

Who doesn’t love salsa? This kid-friendly recipe is a delicious way to get your kids in the kitchen to help. The sweet and spicy flavors of the peach and corn salsa are not only deliciously enjoyed as a snack atop tortilla chips, but are also great condiments with grilled fish, chicken, or pork.

Maple-Glazed Bacon-Wrapped Carrots

On a white plate sits a bundle of maple-glazed bacon-wrapped carrots with a maple dipping sauce to the side and a glass of beer above the plate.

Looking for a bit of smokey sweetness with a maple glaze? These Bacon-Wrapped Carrots take advantage of fresh produce and salty deliciousness. Plus it’s a way to get your kids loving vegetables early on.

Peanut Butter and Jelly Rolls

A peanut butter and jelly roll sits on a piece of butcher's paper while another one sits in the upper left hand corner.

A kid’s daydream, the PB&J sandwich gets an upgrade. Our Peanut Butter and Jelly Rolls takes layers of peanut butter, brown sugar, cinnamon and drizzles them in a sweet raspberry jam.

S’mores Empanadas

Kid-friendly, parent approved! These dessert empanadas are a super fun take on the traditional s’more but with less mess. Have your kids grab a handful of extra chocolate chips to melt and drizzle over the top after baking. You might have to forget we said less mess…

Chili-Lime Popcorn

Popcorn is one of the most accessible kid-friendly snacks. Skip store-bought flavored popcorn with artificial ingredients and whip up a batch of chili-lime popcorn at home. This is a great basic recipe to get your littles into the kitchen with you. Once you show them the simple process, they can take the lead for future snack preparations.

Savory Zucchini Muffins

Savory zucchini muffins sit in a muffin tray with a flower over top.

Simple to make and easily adaptable for vegans, Savory Zucchini Muffins are a great school hand-held treat. Plus, you’ll get to make use of all those zucchinis from their peak season.

Easy Fruit Dip

Berries and pineapple on a white plate with a bowl of creamy white fruit dip, and a little gold spoon with some of the dip on a plate

Ditch the added sugar from marshmallow fluff, and incorporate some local honey for sweetness in this easy fruit drip recipe. Add cubes of pound cake, pretzels, or graham crackers to a variety of your kiddo’s favorite berries and fruits to create a tasty fruit board.

Snackle Box

A box to snackle gives kids just what they need to tackle the day. The options are endless, so use your imagination and pantry. Presenting mundane snacks like carrots and grapes in this way can reinvigorate joy in the little things.

Smoked Carrot Dip with Pretzels

This roasted carrot dip is a great make-ahead treat that is perfect as an after school snack for kids. Once they get the hang of this recipe, have them make a batch for you. Smoky and delicious. Kids will enjoy making this. You will enjoy eating it with them.

Story by Jordan Snowden

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