Trade-Proof Snack Ideas to Pack for School

Pack up a healthy snack kids will be excited to eat. Here are 20 ideas to help you answer the eternal question: "What's for snack?"

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"Cactus" Snack Jar

Start to finish: 5 mins

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This adorable cactus jar is a perfect packable snack to take to school, sports practice or anywhere on the go! The applesauce cup fits into the lid of the jar for easy toting.

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Apricot-Sunflower Granola Bars

Start to finish: 1 hr 30 mins

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Easy to make at home, these nut-free granola bars can be adjusted to your taste preferences. Simply vary the add-ins to your taste, swapping 2 cups of any combination of small (or chopped) dried fruit, seeds and/or chocolate chips for the apricots and seeds in this version. We tested several sticky sweeteners, including maple syrup and honey, but found brown rice syrup held the bars together the best.

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Hummus-Covered Pretzel Rod

Start to finish: 5 mins

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Hummus adds a flavorful protein punch to a pretzel rod for a fun, healthy after-school snack that the kids can even help with.

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Crispy Peanut Butter Balls

Start to finish: 45 mins

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All you need are four simple ingredients to make healthier crispy peanut butter balls that kids and grownups will love. Make this easy recipe for a bite-size treat, on-the-go snack or easy homemade gift. You can swap the peanut butter for almond butter or even sunflower seed butter if you need a nut-free snack for school.

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Quick "Cheesecake"

Start to finish: 5 mins

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Schmear ricotta cheese and your favorite jam on graham crackers for an instant cheesecake.

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Maple-Cinnamon Applesauce

Start to finish: 50 mins

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Turn fresh fall apples into delicious maple-and-cinnamon-spiked homemade applesauce with this easy recipe.

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Mango Fruit Leather

Start to finish: 5 hrs 30 mins

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This no-sugar-added fruit snack is a healthy treat kids and adults will both love. It's perfect for packing in a lunchbox for school or work or just enjoying as a snack or better-for-you dessert at home.

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Lime & Parmesan Popcorn

Start to finish: 10 mins

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Skip the bag of microwaved popcorn and satisfy a snack craving by making your own flavored popcorn. In this healthy popcorn recipe, we use Parmesan cheese, lime zest and a hint of chili powder, but feel free to use your favorite spices. For the best flavor, opt for olive oil cooking spray to help the toppings stick to the popcorn.

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Raspberry Yogurt with Dark Chocolate

Start to finish: 5 mins

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Make your own flavored yogurt with fresh fruit and a touch of honey to cut down on added sugars. This healthy snack recipe is flavored with raspberries, but you can use any berries you have on hand.

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Mango-Date Energy Bites

Start to finish: 15 mins

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Sweet, sticky dates act as the glue for these no-cook energy balls. Perfect for hikes or during sports, this healthy snack travels well.

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S'mores Snack Mix

Start to finish: 5 mins

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This ode to a campfire classic has all the makings of a sweet s'mores treat in an easy-to-make snack mix kids can tote to school or soccer practice--or just have on hand as an after-school snack.

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Cream Cheese Dip and Crackers

Start to finish: 5 mins

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Sneaking green peppers into this quick fresh dip supplies added vitamin C.

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Wild Blueberry Bagel

Start to finish: 5 mins

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This yummy treat is chock-full of whole grains. Kids can help spread cream cheese and sprinkle cinnamon. If your child isn't a fan of cream cheese, swap it with natural peanut butter.

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Kohlrabi Slices with Ranch Dip

Start to finish: 5 mins

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Mix up your typical crudités snack by trying kohlrabi. One serving of this crunchy veggie packs a day's worth of vitamin C.

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Crunchy Chocolate-Raspberry Yogurt

Start to finish: 5 mins

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This fun snack features high-protein Greek yogurt. If kids won't eat plain yogurt, substitute vanilla fat-free Greek yogurt. (If you want to wean kids off sweet yogurt, mix together half of each kind.)