Healthy Lunchbox Snacks That Kids Love

If your child is refusing to eat what you put in their lunchbox, it might be time to change it up. How do you find snack options that are both healthy and appealing to little ones? And an even bigger question: how do busy parents find time to prepare a variety of interesting lunchbox snacks? 

In this article, we explore some delicious lunchbox snack ideas that will get your kids excited about lunchtime. From fruit-based treats to protein-rich nibbles, we've got you covered with a variety of recipe ideas that cater to different taste preferences—all with the nourishment your kids need to grow and learn.

Fruity Lunchbox Snacks

A common piece of nutritional advice is to “eat the rainbow.” This is a reminder to include a variety of colorful fruits and veggies into every meal if you want maintain a balanced diet. If your child likes (or even tolerates) fruit, these fun lunchbox snacks are winners.

Fruit Skewers

Colorful and fun fruit skewers are a great way to encourage your kids to eat more fruit. Thread bite-sized pieces of their favorite fruits like strawberries, grapes, pineapple, and melon onto skewers for a portable and visually appealing snack. Include a cup of yogurt or nut butter in their lunch for dipping.

Homemade Fruit Leathers

Skip the store-bought fruit roll ups and make your own healthy fruit “leathers” at home. Puree fresh or frozen fruits like strawberries, mango, or mixed berries, and then spread the mixture thinly onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at a low temperature until dried and leathery. Allow them to cool, roll them up, and slice them into strips for a chewy and naturally sweet snack with zero preservatives.

Yogurt Parfaits

Layer creamy yogurt with fresh or frozen fruits like berries, diced peaches, or mango in a portable container for a parfait-style snack. Add a sprinkle of granola or nuts for extra crunch and nutrition. For a fun spin on this snack, add a drop of food coloring in the yogurt and mix it up before assembling the parfait!

“Candy” Apple Sandwiches

Spread nut butter or cream cheese between two round slices of apple for a simple and satisfying snack. You can also add a sprinkle of cinnamon or raisins for extra flavor.

Fruit-based snacks are not only delicious but also packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber to keep your kids energized and alert. Encourage them to get involved in the lunch-making process to instill a sense of autonomy, independence, and joy.

Veggie Snacks for Kids Lunches

How do you get your child to eat their greens? It’s a timeless question. Fortunately, there are so many options to work with today that it’s possible to get them excited for veggies by lunchtime.

Veggie Shapes and Dip

Cut up fresh veggies like carrots, celery, bell peppers, and cucumbers into sticks or slices—or even fun cutout shapes. Include a side of creamy hummus, light ranch, or cream cheese for dipping. This healthy snack is not only delicious but also provides a variety of essential vitamins and minerals.

Cucumber Sandwiches

Many kids tolerate the smooth, cooling taste of sliced cucumbers. Make it easy for them to eat by combining cucumber sleeves with some tasty ingredients. Layer the slices with cream cheese or a flavored hummus spread. Top with another cucumber slice to create a refreshing and crunchy sandwich. You can also add sliced tomatoes, deli meat, or sprouts for extra flavor and nutrition.

Baked Zucchini Chips

Thinly slice some zucchini into rounds, toss with a light coating of olive oil and your favorite seasonings (like garlic powder, paprika, or Italian herbs), and bake on low until crispy. These baked zucchini chips are a healthier alternative to traditional potato chips and pack a nutritious punch. For an alternative option, try baking your own kale chips at home.

Roasted Chickpeas

Toss cooked chickpeas with a drizzle of olive oil and your choice of spices (like cumin, chili powder, or ranch seasoning), and roast them in the oven until crispy. These fiber-rich roasted chickpeas make for a satisfying and crunchy snack. They’re a great alternative to Corn Nuts.

Veggie “Muffins”

Bake up a batch of veggie-packed muffins! Your child gets to enjoy the taste and texture of a satisfying muffin packed with shredded zucchini, carrots, spinach, or bell peppers that you incorporate into the batter. 

Protein-Packed Lunch Snacks for Kids

Protein is the dense and hearty fuel that sustains energy and brain function. To add some protein to your child’s lunch at school, meal prep these creative snacks that are sure to impress.

Veggie Tots

Blend together cooked lentils, shredded veggies like carrots and zucchini, eggs, breadcrumbs, and spices. Form into tater tot shapes and bake until crispy on the outside. Serve with a yogurt-based dipping sauce.

Quinoa Protein Bites

Mix cooked quinoa with nut butter, protein powder, honey, and mix-ins like dried fruit, coconut, or chocolate chips. Roll into bite-sized balls and refrigerate for a portable protein snack.

Frozen Yogurt Bark

Spread plain Greek yogurt onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Top with sliced fruit, nuts, seeds, coconut, and a drizzle of honey or nut butter. Freeze until set and break into pieces.

Chickpea Chocolate Chip Cookies

Make cookies using chickpea flour or pureed chickpeas as the base, adding nut butter, eggs, and chocolate chips for protein and sweetness.

Whole Grain Snacks for Kids

Don’t forget to include grains for simple snacks that provide essential fiber and keep young bellies full. 

Fancy Crackers 

Instead of plain crackers, jazz them up with fun and nutritious toppings. Spread whole grain crackers with nut butter or cream cheese, and top with sliced fruit, nuts, seeds, or a drizzle of honey for added flavor and texture.

Homemade Granola Bars

Make your own granola bars using a base of rolled oats, nuts, seeds, and dried fruit. Bind them together with nut butter, honey, or mashed bananas for a chewy and satisfying snack. Get creative with mix-ins like chocolate chips, coconut flakes, or nut butters.

Popcorn Trail Mix

Toss air-popped popcorn with a variety of whole grains with similar texture like puffed quinoa, puffed amaranth, or puffed millet. Add in nuts, dried fruit, and a sprinkle of dark chocolate chips for a crunchy and nutrient-dense trail mix.

Whole Grain Muffins

Bake up a batch of whole grain muffins using a combination of flours like whole wheat, oat, or buckwheat. Add in some finely-grated fruits or veggies like carrots, zucchini, or applesauce for extra moisture and nutrition.

Pretzel Dip

Instead of plain pretzels, opt for whole grain varieties and serve them with fun and nutritious dips. Depending on your child’s preferences, you can include hummus, guacamole, cheese dip, or nut butter for added protein and healthy fats.

Whole Grain Cereal Bars

Mix together your kids' favorite whole grain cereals with melted nut butter, honey, and dried fruit. Press the mixture into a pan and let it cool before cutting into bars for a crunchy and satisfying snack.

Family Daily App: Plan Healthy Kids Lunches and More

Packing healthy and appealing lunchbox snacks is a simple way to help your kids stay energized and nourished throughout their school day. By involving them in snack preparation, you can not only make snack time more enjoyable but also instill healthy eating habits from an early age. 

Want more family-friendly recipe ideas plus a way to plan weekly snacks? Download the Family Daily app to set up a shared family calendar and begin simplifying your family’s meal planning today.