Healthy back-to-school snack ideas!

It’s hard to believe school is two weeks away and summer break is almost over. Although most kids are back to school and not always too enthusiastic about it, there are some things to be excited about - like fun school snacks.

More and more, we are seeing more creative ways to be healthy, especially when it comes to kids. If you’re looking for some new back-to-school snack recipe ideas, then this article is for you.

First thing’s first, when thinking about your snacks for the week, start by:

Plan ahead

If you’re a parent or kid with a very busy schedule, make sure to plan ahead. Create a weekly lunch and snack menu to help you stay organized. This will also help you keep track of snacks you have tried and enjoyed for future reference.

Spice things up and try new snacks

To avoid food boredom, switch up your snack rotation. This allows you to try new food and figure out what you like or don’t like.

Make a grocery list

To make your life easier, make a grocery list before heading to the store. This helps minimize frustration, keeps you organized and food waste.

Include different macronutrients

Fats, protein and carbohydrates are the foundation of a healthy mind and diet. Balanced snacks help keep your kids full without dipping blood glucose levels.

Healthy back to school snacks for kids

Veggies and hummus

For this snack, you can use broccoli, carrots, cucumber, tomatoes, celery and bell peppers. These vegetables are loaded with micronutrients and hummus is a great source of protein.

Apples and cheese

This is a classic go-to snack but it will always be tasty. Apples are a great source of fiber and pairs well with sharp cheddar cheese. Try to avoid low-fat cheeses as they have been stripped of their healthy nutrients.

Healthy blueberry bran muffins

Depending on the type of ingredients, in general, bran muffins can be healthier than your regular go-to muffins. If you’re making them at home, you can add different types of fruits, swap out refined sugar for natural sweeteners and add chia and flax seeds. These muffins are great for kids and provide tons of energy.

Carrot zucchini loaf

Compared to other traditional loaves, which are often loaded with sugar, you can make a healthier version and include carrots and zucchinis. This is a great alternative and keeps kids full during the day.

Pinwheel sandwiches

Pinwheel sandwiches are a fun and creative way to up your sandwich game. You can add different types of meats, cheeses and veggies. They’re a great source of protein and nutrients.

Hard-boiled eggs

Eggs are a complete source of protein and will satiate kids during the school day. You can spice things up and some salt and pepper for extra flavour.

Homemade granola

When you make homemade granola, you can make it as healthy as you want. You can add dried fruits (such as apricots, pineapple, cranberries etc), nuts and oats. Granola can be a great source of protein and energy for kids during the day.

At Pacific First Aid, we offer Food Safety Courses, offered both in-person and online. If you're a parent that’s learning how to cook or wanting to learn more about safety in the kitchen. If your kids are old enough where they can also prepare homemade snacks for themselves, you can pass down these new skills and create a safety plan for children and a first aid checklist for preparing food.