It’s hard to believe that the summer is winding down and back-to-school season is upon us once again! Here in the South, many kids (including my own) started school the first and second week of August. We have been busy prepping school supplies, updating wardrobes, and stocking the fridge with healthy foods for lunches and after school snacks.
Honestly, as much as I love to cook – kids lunches and snacks can be overwhelming. It’s hard coming up with new ideas that are nutritious and the kids will actually eat! So today I wanted to share a few of our favorite easy and healthy back-to-school snacks.
- Trail Mix. Yes, this is an oldie but goodie! We love trail mix around here for many reasons. It’s super simple to make and I can whip up large batches in literally minutes. I like to portion into reusable snack bags that the kids can grab after school while they do homework, read, relax, or head out to play sports. Another reason we love is that trail mix is delicious and can be customized to everyone’s preferences. You can add tons of healthy ingredients like nuts, dried fruit, chia seeds and add a sprinkle of chocolate chips or something fun for the kids.
How To Make: Add equal portions of cereal, pretzels, nuts, popcorn, dried fruit, chocolate chips, coconut flakes, chia seeds, etc. Store in an airtight container.
- “Sushi” for Kids. This is such a fun and cute snack that can also be packed for lunches!
How To Make: Cut the crusts off a piece of bread (make sure this is a soft sandwich bread). Using a rolling pin, “roll out” the slice of bread. Spread with cream cheese or peanut butter and top with thinly sliced fruit such as strawberries, kiwi, or banana. Roll it up and slice into “sushi rolls” using a sharp knife. This can also be made using deli meant and thinly sliced veggies such as carrots and cucumber.
- Roasted Edamame. You guys…this is a crunchy, healthy, salty snack that everyone loves to munch on. You can’t stop eating these…like chips only way better for you!
How To Make: Toss together 2 cups fresh, shelled edamame (can use frozen too but make sure they are thawed and dry) with 1 Tbsp of olive oil, and 1 tsp of kosher salt. Place in an even layer onto baking sheet and roast at 425 degrees for 20-30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes or so.
- Granola Energy Bites. These bite-sized granola bites are packed with nutrition and are the perfect ways for kids to refuel after school! Lucas especially loves to eat a few of these right before baseball practice.
How To Make: Toss together the following ingredients into a large bowl and mix to combine: 2 cups rolled oats, 2 cups unsweetened coconut flakes, 1 cup creamy peanut butter or sunbutter, 1 cup ground flaxseed or chia seeds, 1 cup mini chocolate chips, 3/4 cup honey, 1 Tbsp pure vanilla extract, 1 tsp cinnamon, ¼ tsp kosher salt, and ¼ cup rainbow sprinkles (optional). Spray hands with cooking spray and roll into tightly compacted balls. Store in the refrigerator for 1 week or make an extra batch and freeze.
Now that the kiddos are fueled up with yummy and healthy snacks, they need the back-to-school gear too! From the coolest personalized backpacks like the All-Star Backpack or the cute Little Critters Backpack for the youngest of students to Water Bottles and Snack Bags for girls and Water Bottles and Snack Bags for boys, you can find the perfect, personalized back-to-school supplies. And of course a First Day of School Frame to remember the moment!