Easy, Healthy Snack Ideas for School Lunches

When you have a picky eater, it can be challenging to ensure they have enough healthy eats to keep them fuelled at school. This makes it essential to have a go-to list of tasty and healthy snack ideas they like that you can toss into their lunch bag. To take some of the stress out of school-time snacks, we’ve rounded up 8 easy and delicious homemade snacks that are school safe and picky eater-approved.

Healthy Snack Ideas for School Lunches:

High Fiber Banana Sweet Potato Pumpkin Bread

Fiber is not only great for helping to keep little bellies feeling full, it can also help your kiddo keep things moving if constipation is an issue. With both oat bran and chia seeds, this recipe for Banana Sweet Potato Pumpkin Bread is packed with fiber and is sweetened with just maple syrup and banana. Bake it in mini loaves or muffins to easily pack into lunches.

Get the recipe from Your Kids Table

Homemade Goldfish Crackers

They might be a staple in your child’s lunch box, but making your own fishy crackers at home is super easy with this straightforward recipe. Not only do you know exactly what’s going into them, you can keep your little one busy for a weekend afternoon mixing, rolling, and cutting out the shapes for these addictive little crackers.

Get the recipe from Dinners, Dishes, and Desserts

Photo credit: Against All Grain

Homemade Fruit By The Foot

Rolled up fruit snacks might be delicious, but they tend to be full of sugar. If you’re looking for another option for this tasty snack, this recipe for Homemade Fruit By The Foot features just five simple ingredients, and can easily be customized using your child’s favourite fruit.

Get the recipe from Against All Grain

Photo credit: Angela Liddon

Homemade Wheat Thins

If your kids are anything like my boys, crackers are a food group all their own. This recipe for Homemade Wheat Thins is filled with wholesome ingredients and comes together quickly. Pair it with a some tuna salad, bean dip, or guacamole for a balanced and delicious snack option.

Get the recipe from Oh She Glows

Apple Pie Gummies

What kid doesn’t love a small spot of candy in their lunch box? These Apple Pie Gummies are fun and delicious for kids of all ages, and feature a healthy serving of gelatin. Cut them into squares or set them in a shaped mold for a fun school snack.

Get the recipe from Eat, Heal, Thrive

Photo credit: From My Bowl

No-Bake Granola Bars

This recipe for No-Bake Granola Bars cuts back on the added sweeteners without sacrificing on taste, and can easily be customized using your kiddo’s favourite add-ins. Plus, there’s no baking required—which means tiny kitchen helpers can get involved putting them together. Just make sure to stick with seeds and seed butters to keep them school-friendly.

Get the recipe from From My Bowl

S’mores Popcorn

A bit more decadent than our other picks, this gourmet S’mores Popcorn is perfect for a family movie night on the weekend, with the leftovers making for a wonderful lunch box treat once school’s back in session.

Get the recipe from Cravings of a Lunatic

Photo credit: A Beautiful Plate

Instant Pot Applesauce

Applesauce is a lunch box favourite, but the cost of those individually-packed containers can really add up. Plus, it really is super easy to make your own at home, and takes just a few ingredients. If you don’t have an Instant Pot (what are you waiting for, seriously?!) you can easily adapt this Instant Pot Applesauce recipe for the stove top.

Get the recipe from A Beautiful Plate