Kids Snacks That Are Easy to Make

Fresh celery has an assertive, appealing flavor that pairs well with most ingredients and a natural cup shape that conveniently holds your choice of stuffing. Slice celery into finger-sized sticks. Ask kids to smear each one with peanut butter and sprinkle with raisins to create a classic “ants on a log” snack. Add shredded cheese and lunch meat to each stick for a simple nibble, or cream cheese and jam for a sweet treat.

Yogurt and granola parfaits look like dessert, but are nutritious enough to provide ample protein and fiber. Best of all, the quick snacks are easy enough for any school-aged child to create. Just put half of a single-serving yogurt cup into a clear glass bowl, sprinkle with granola, add the remaining yogurt, and add a second sprinkle of granola. Suggest strawberry yogurt with almond-raisin granola for a sweet snack, or lemon yogurt with honey-cinnamon granola for a zestier taste.

Plain microwave popcorn doesn’t have to stay plain for long if you keep seasonings and flavored powders in your cabinets. Any older kid can pop the popcorn in the microwave, pour it into a large bowl and sprinkle the seasoning all without help. Try grated Parmesan and garlic powder for an Italian taste, cinnamon and sugar for a sweet flavor, or a light sprinkle of Southwest-seasoned dip mix for a spicy kick.

Set out any dippers, such as baby carrots or pretzels, along with dip for a classic snack that may please even picky eaters. Pair baby carrots, cucumber sticks, celery sticks and cherry tomatoes with a creamy salad dressing for a healthy bite. Combine apple slices and mini pretzel sticks with strawberry applesauce for a creamy lactose-free snack. Try tortilla chips and cheese sticks with salsa for fiery flavor, or string cheese and pepperoni sticks with warm marinara sauce for a pizza-flavored nibble.

Cut down on starchy chips with healthy finger food. Combine nuts, seeds, dried fruit, baked munchies and other small snacks to create a big baggy of homemade snack mix. Kids can fill a mug with mix from the bag and wander off to eat their snack without supervision. Mix pumpkin seeds, pecans, dried apple, dried cranberries and pretzels for an autumn-flavored bite. Combine roasted peanuts, sliced almonds, dried cherries, toasted-wheat cereal and yogurt-covered raisins for a snack with a hint of sweet.