16 After-School Snacks For Hangry Kids

Food Shutterstock Because a bag of chips is only going to last about two minutes in their belly. by Samantha Darby Updated: Feb. 20, 2024 Originally Published: Sep. 28, 2022

Shutterstock It’s a fact — kids are hangry after school. And you know just a banana isn’t going to satisfy them. So when they come home ready to eat the fridge, try one of these fulfilling and delicious snacks. Some require a little prep, but it’s worth it when faced with a hangry 3rd grader. Shutterstock

You just can’t go wrong with the classic peanut butter and apple slices. Crunchy, sweet, and just the right amount of protein to dissolve their hanger. Shutterstock

Nothing like a tiny pizza to take the edge off a long day at school. These ham pizza snacks are so easy to whip up, and offer a lot of protein mixed with fats and carbs for a well-rounded snack. Pork/Yummly

I know we already mentioned apple slices and peanut butter, but you can get a little extra fancy with these apple cookie snacks . Get your kid even more invested by letting them decorate their own apple cookie with whatever toppings they want. Life in the Lofthouse/Yummly

Don’t go making a whole charcuterie board — just cube up your kid’s favorite cheese, add pepperoni or their favorite lunch meat, and toss on a couple of crackers. Boom. The perfect after-school snack. Grace Cary/Moment/Getty Images

Trail mix is an after-school classic, so up the ante a bit with these trail mix cookies . With coconut, chopped almonds, raisins, oats, and chocolate chips, and M&Ms, your kids are sure to fall in love — but also get a nice, full tummy to last them until dinner. All Things Mamma/Yummly

How pretty are these protein strawberry snacks ? And you won’t believe what’s in them — white beans and strawberries. That’s it. The white beans have a mild enough taste that your kids won’t notice anything but the strawberry, but the beans give them tons of protein. How brilliant. Green Smoothie Gourmet/Yummly

I love any kind of no-bake snack, and these no-bake energy bites are a must. My own picky girls love these — they’re super easy to whip up, they stay well in the fridge, and you can put a plate of them at the table along with some cheese or a great pairing. Redefined Mom/Yummly

You just can’t go wrong with a muffin. These pumpkin snickerdoodle muffins offer plenty of texture and flavor for kids who just want to eat something delicious, and when paired with some grapes or berries, you’ve got a nice, well-rounded after-school snack. Mel's Kitchen Cafe

My kids aren’t big veggie lovers, but if I put them in patty form with ranch or cheese to dip? Then maybe they’ll take a bite. These kid-approved broccoli fritters are pretty easy to pull together and could be a good snack along with some fruit or cheese. Cleanfoodcrush.com/Yummly

OK, maybe don’t mention the kale part of these protein blueberry kale smoothies — if you have a good enough blender, your kid won’t even notice with all the berries and perfect purple color. This is a great choice if your child prefers to play or veg out on the tablet once home from school. Damn Delicious

Edamame is known for being an excellent source of protein, so buy one of those easy steam-in-the-microwave bags and pour them into a bowl with a dash of salt. Shutterstock

Is there anything prettier than a rainbow snack board ? Choose things your kids actually enjoy — grapes, crackers, cheese, dipping sauces — and just set it out gently as they come home from school and back away slowly. Don’t even make eye contact. Cooking Curries/Yummly

Obsessed with how cute these egg BLT sliders are, but also imagining how fast they’ll go if your kids like hard-boiled eggs. It’s a really great, satisfying after-school snack since it’s packed full of protein, and it’s also a bit of a novelty to eat, which is always fun. The Comfort of Cooking

OK, this might take some prep work on Sunday afternoon, but then you’ve got a super filling, delicious snack for the week. Warm these Greek meatballs up and your kids can dip to their heart’s content once they’re home from school. Recipe Runner/Yummly

Oatmeal isn’t just a breakfast food. Whip up a pot of oatmeal just before the kids get home and then put out a bunch of different toppings so they can make their own oatmeal bowl full of protein and fiber. Shutterstock

Made with your regular kitchen staples — plus protein powder — in a blender, these little peanut butter protein snack muffins are a filling and yummy snack for kids. Top them with jam or honey! Chocolate Salad/Yummly

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