The summer holidays are just around the corner, which means one thing for parents, hungry kids! Whether you’re heading out on day trips, spending afternoons in the garden, visiting the park, or simply trying to keep everyone entertained at home, having a selection of healthy snacks ready to grab can make life so much easier and so much cheaper too!
When children are active all day, they naturally need plenty of energy. While it’s tempting to rely on crisps, sweets and sugary treats, choosing healthier snacks can help keep energy levels more stable, reduce sugar crashes, and provide the nutrients growing bodies need.
The good news? Healthy doesn’t have to mean boring.
Gone are the days when healthy snacks were limited to carrot sticks and apple slices. Today’s options are fun, convenient, full of flavour and, most importantly, snacks that many kids genuinely enjoy eating.
Here are 8 healthy snack ideas that deserve a place in your summer snack cupboard.
1. Babybel Cheese
These individually wrapped mini cheeses are perfect for picnics and days out as well as being used as grab and go snacks they can help themselves to when at home. Babybel’s are free from added colours, flavours and preservatives and are packed with calcium and protein to help keep them fuller for longer, and the wax wrapper makes them fun for children to unwrap themselves. They also taste delicious and are popular with both younger kids and teenagers too!
2. Holy Moly Guacamole Snack Pots
Avocados are naturally rich in healthy fats, fibre and vitamins, making them a nutritious alternative to creamy dips and the Holy Moly Kids Simply Avocado Pots, Breakfast Avocado & Toast pots, and three Guacamole Chip & Dip pots are a must try this summer! They are nutritious and delicious and will be loved by the adults just as much as the kids. We recommend serving these up with veg sticks, breadsticks or tortilla chis.
3. The Protein Ball Co.
Protein balls are a brilliant grab and go snack, especially for older children and the ones created by the protein ball co come in a variety of amazing flavours all of which are minimally processed bite size balls made with real ingredients such as oats, dates and coconut. And for the more adventures kids they have now created some luxurious stuffed balls that have gooey centres creating a fantastic two textured treat.
If your children are off to sports clubs over the holidays then these are the snack for them.
4. Nourish Products
Nourish is another brilliant company that offers healthy snacks that are bound to be popular with the older children and teenagers this summer., especially those that are on the go a lot. Their range offers wholesome snacks made with simple ingredients, many of their which contain oats, seeds and dried fruit, making them a satisfying option when children need something filling between meals. Some of our favourites include
- The Nutty One
- Cacao Coconut Cookies
- Strawberry Coconut Bites
5. GoGo squeeZ Fruit Pouches
The GoGo SqueeZ pouches are convenient fruit pouches that are perfect for days out and busy afternoons and are proving very popular with younger children. Each pouch is made from 100% fruit with no preservatives and they gluten free.
They’re easy to pop into a picnic bag and can be eaten on the go mess free making them a quick and simple way to include more fruit in your child’s diet without the fuss.
You can even use them as a healthier sauce over ice cream – trust us it works!
6. Greek Yogurt with Berries
Greek yoghurt is high in protein and calcium and makes a filling snack that can be enjoyed at any time of day. You can add fresh or frozen fruit or a drizzle of honey for natural sweetness, or even freeze small portions into ice lolly moulds for a refreshing summer treat. Our favourite is the Brooklea one available in Aldi.
7. Frozen Yogurt Bark
Another great snack that can be made at home with the Greek yoghurt is frozen yoghurt bark. Simply spread some Greek yogurt onto a tray, top with chopped strawberries, blueberries and a sprinkle of granola, then freeze. Break into pieces for a refreshing snack on hot afternoons. Kids will love it just as much as the grown ups.
8. Homemade Popcorn
Air-popped popcorn is a wholegrain snack that’s surprisingly nutritious. Lightly season with a little cinnamon instead of lots of salt or butter to make it healthier. Getting the kids involved in the actually making of the popcorn is also a great summer activity too.
Healthy Snacks Don’t Have to Be Perfect
Healthy eating isn’t about banning treats or expecting children to snack on vegetables all day. It’s about finding a balance and making nutritious choices easy and enjoyable, especially over summer when the kids are home and want to snack more than normal.
By keeping a variety of wholesome snacks ready in the fridge, cupboard or picnic bag, they’ll be less likely to reach for less nutritious options when hunger strikes. Mixing protein, fibre and healthy fats with naturally sweet fruit can help children stay fuller for longer while giving them the energy they need for all those summer adventures.
The best snacks are the ones children will actually eat, so don’t be afraid to try different options and discover your family’s favourites. With so many convenient and tasty choices now available, healthy snacking has never been easier or more exciting.