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  4. 10 Best Healthy Snacks for Kids in 2022 (Nutritionist-Reviewed)
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10 Best Healthy Snacks for Kids in 2022 (Nutritionist-Reviewed)

Childhood is when bodies are built and taste preferences are made, so it’s important that kids eat healthy–including snacks. That’s why we’ve decided to figure out what makes a great healthy snack. We found that the best snacks include whole food ingredients and are free from overly processed and artificial ones. 


They’re also low on added sugars and cater to any allergies or dietary restrictions. Keeping these things in mind, we’ve put together a list of some of our favorite healthy snacks for kids, with FreeYumm taking first place. We also created a buying guide with the help of nutritionist Kara Swanson to help you evaluate your choices. Read on for more!

Last updated 09/26/2023
Kara Swanson
Expert
Nutritionist
Kara Swanson

Kara Swanson is a certified nutritionist and the founder of Life Well Lived. She is married to her best friend and the proud mother of three. Her passion is to make nutrition simple+easy+delicious!

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Table of Contents

How to Choose a Healthy Snack for Kids – Buying Guide

When looking for healthy snacks, be aware that packaging can often be misleading. Always be sure to read the whole label yourself before making your purchase.
1

Know What Ingredients Are Good and What to Cut Back On

The largest factor in what makes a snack healthy or not is its ingredients list, so definitely make sure to take a closer look at it before purchasing any one snack.

Look for Whole, Healthful Ingredients to Keep Kids Energized

Look for Whole, Healthful Ingredients to Keep Kids Energized
When deciding on a snack for your little ones, you should not only make sure that it tastes good but also ensure that it’s good for them as well! Ingredients like fruits, nuts, and whole grains will give them the energy they need to learn and grow. Some snacks even sneak in a couple of servings of vitamin-packed veggies without picky kids knowing the difference.


On the other hand, excess processed grains, oils, sugars, and preservatives can have the opposite effect, making kids feel lethargic.


As a good rule of thumb, look for snacks with ingredients you’d be able to easily find in your own pantry or local grocery store.

Kara Swanson
Nutritionist
Kara Swanson

Ingredients are key when it comes to choosing snacks for our kids. There are so many snack options vying for our attention that it can be really easy to be persuaded to eat something unhealthy because of a misleading label. Get smart about ingredients and look for snacks that are made with whole grains, fruits, nuts, and ingredients you can pronounce.

Pay Attention to Added Sugars and Avoid When Possible

Pay Attention to Added Sugars and Avoid When Possible
While kids love sweet things and a little sugar isn’t too bad, you still want most of their sugars to come from whole food sources like fruits. But even if you’re diligent to pick out snacks without “sugar” in the ingredient list, added sugars can still sneak their way in as ingredients like honey, agave nectar, and brown rice syrup.


Thankfully, most kids’ snacks will have a separate “added sugars” section in the nutrition facts, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled for that.

Kara Swanson
Nutritionist
Kara Swanson

This is tricky because - let's be honest - sugar is in almost everything these days. But it's really important we pay attention to the sugars being added to snacks. Save a sugar-filled snack for a special treat and ditch the added sugars as much as possible for everyday eats.

Find Snacks With Both Fruits and Vegetables

Find Snacks With Both Fruits and Vegetables

Kids actually tend not to get the recommended levels of fruits and vegetables per day, so snack time is the perfect time to sneak in some nutritious servings for your little ones! 


In general, moderately active kids ages two to three should have one cup each of veggies and fruit per day. Kids aged four to eight should have 1.5 cups of fruits and 1.5 to two cups of veggies per day, while kids aged nine to 13 should have anywhere from 1.5 to two cups of fruits and two to three cups of veggies per day.

Kara Swanson
Nutritionist
Kara Swanson

As a nutritionist, I see how kids are not getting the recommended fruits and vegetables they need every day. 


It's vital that we teach our kids healthy habits now so that they can stick to them for the rest of their lives. There are so many great snack options where they actually sneak in vegetables and your kids won't even know it!

Consider Protein and Fat Content

Consider Protein and Fat Content

Fat may seem like an issue with many foods, as they have been linked with heart disease, but it can actually be good for you


Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats are the healthiest, but saturated fats are still fine, as long as you don't intake them at levels that are more than 10% of your calorie count per day. They take a while to digest too, so they help keep you satisfied for longer.


Protein has a bevy of benefits when consumed. It helps reduce hunger, increase muscle mass, increases how much fat is burned, and boost your metabolism, amongst other great effects. Like fat, protein also helps you stay full for longer, so they're a great addition to prevent cravings and to satiate hunger in children.

Kara Swanson
Nutritionist
Kara Swanson

We live in a fat heavy society where unhealthy fats are a main ingredient. But not all fat is bad for you. Stick to healthy fats that are found in nuts, nut butters, and avocados. And don't get too hung up on protein, it's the least common deficiency and many actually consume too much.

2

Look for Single Serving Snacks for Convenience

Look for Single Serving Snacks for Convenience
If you’re planning on including these snacks into your kids’ lunchboxes or taking them on the go, it might make sense to look for snacks that come prepackaged as single servings. This will make portioning it out easier and save you some precious time.


On the other hand, if these snacks will only be for home or you’re trying to cut down on waste, feel free to look for larger containers.

Kara Swanson
Nutritionist
Kara Swanson

If you're running out the door, having a special bin in the pantry for single-serving snacks is a lifesaver. If you want to save some money, portion the snacks out in baggies so you have them on hand when you need them. 


My daughter goes to preschool and because she needs to have a gluten-free snack she brings her own, so I have a special bin of single-serving snacks she can bring with her every day.

3

Satisfy Your Kid With Cute Extras

Satisfy Your Kid With Cute Extras

Snacks can be fun and healthy at the same time! They can come in adorable shapes, such as bunnies or stars, or come with extras, such as collectible cards. Besides being tasty and nutritious, and if your child is a picky eater, snacks that have additional content can keep your children happy and wanting more. 


If you do end up with a snack that's in regular old rectangle shapes, you can also add your own touches to the lunchbox overall to make it more fun for the kids—such as cutting out shaped sandwiches with cookie cutters or arranging the food to look like a cartoon character. This element of fun will encourage your kids to eat what's there.

Kara Swanson
Nutritionist
Kara Swanson

Kids love eating snacks in fun shapes and I also found that they love variety too. This is a great way to sneak in some fresh veggies and fruit. I love adding a few carrots or some apple slices to their snack bowls and most of the time they don't even notice!

Was the Buying Guide helpful?

10 Best Healthy Snacks for Kids

When looking for the right snack for your kids, alongside ingredients and health benefits, be sure to consider their personal tastes and preferences too. Please note that these products were not picked by Kara Swanson, but chosen through extensive research and by combing through customer reviews by our staff at mybest. For more on our selection process, check out our content policy.
Popularity
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Price
Key features
1

FreeYumm

Allergen Free Granola Bars15 bars, 3 packs

FreeYumm Allergen Free Granola Bars 1

$30.29

High Mid

An Allergy Friendly, Soft-Baked Snack

2

Banana Joe

Banana Chips6 count

Banana Joe Banana Chips 1

$19.90

High Mid

A Healthy Alternative to Chips for Kids

3

Orchard Valley Harvest

Antioxidant Mix

Orchard Valley Harvest Antioxidant Mix 1

$5.99

Low Mid

Fruits and Nuts Provide Vitamins and Minerals

4

Enlightened

Bada Bean Bada Boom Broad Bean Snack6 count

Enlightened Bada Bean Bada Boom Broad Bean Snack 1

$24.69

High Mid

High in Protein to Satisfy Your Little Ones

5

GoGo squeeZ

Applesauce on the Go

GoGo squeeZ Applesauce on the Go 1

$7.19

Low Mid

The Perfect Balance of Sweet and Nutritious

6

BEAR

Real Fruit Yoyos30 count

BEAR Real Fruit Yoyos 1

$25.67

High Mid

All Ages Can Enjoy These Fruit Snacks

7

Off The Eaten Path

Veggie Crisps16 count

Off The Eaten Path Veggie Crisps 1

$24.64

High Mid

Snack on These in the Afternoon for Sustained Energy

8

Annie’s

Homegrown Bunny Snacks Variety Pack12 count

Annie’s Homegrown Bunny Snacks Variety Pack 1

$5.30

Low Mid

Classic Snacks Turned Healthy

9

Happy Tot Organics

Fiber & Protein Soft-Baked Oat Bars5 count

Happy Tot Organics Fiber & Protein Soft-Baked Oat Bars 1

$3.99

Low Mid

Perfect for Toddlers and Younger Children

10

Nature’s Bandits

Organic Fruit & Veggie Stix5 count

Nature’s Bandits Organic Fruit & Veggie Stix 1

$4.99

Low Mid

Fruit and Veggie Chews With Collectible Characters

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

FreeYummAllergen Free Granola Bars15 bars, 3 packs

Allergen Free Granola Bars 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$30.29
High Mid
Reference price
$30.29
High Mid

An Allergy Friendly, Soft-Baked Snack

These granola bars are perfect for kids to take to school. They’re free from the Big Eight allergens and are made in a facility where there’s no risk of cross-contamination. They're made of healthy whole foods and natural sweeteners. And, besides honey apple, they also come in three other flavors: blueberry, chocolate, and raspberry.

Reviewers write that they don’t taste overly “healthy” and that kids love the taste. They have the texture of a soft oatmeal cookie without being gooey or sticky–perfect for little fingers.
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No.2

Banana JoeBanana Chips6 count

Reference price
$19.90
High Mid

A Healthy Alternative to Chips for Kids

These banana chips are the perfect substitute for kids who love potato chips. They’re thin, crispy, and packed with pro- and pre-biotics that support gut health. The bananas are sourced from family-owned farms, and the fruits are picked, cooked, and packaged all on the same day for maximum freshness. 

Besides pro- and pre-biotics, the chips are full of potassium, fiber, and vitamins. Reviewers write that these chips taste great for both kids and adults. For those who don’t like bananas–don’t worry, they really don’t taste much like bananas at all.
No.3

Orchard Valley HarvestAntioxidant Mix

Antioxidant Mix 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$5.99
Low Mid

Fruits and Nuts Provide Vitamins and Minerals

This antioxidant mix includes a range of flavors and textures that your little one is sure to love. It has no artificial ingredients, colors, or flavors and is a great source of vitamins and minerals. Each snack is individually wrapped, so you can easily grab them on the go!

Reviewers write that there’s a good balance of fruits and nuts and that it makes a great tasting, low-sugar, high-fiber snack for kids.
No.4

EnlightenedBada Bean Bada Boom Broad Bean Snack6 count

Bada Bean Bada Boom Broad Bean Snack 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$24.69
High Mid
Reference price
$24.69
High Mid

High in Protein to Satisfy Your Little Ones

For kids who like crunch, these crispy broad beans should do the trick. Made with only whole ingredients, they pack seven grams of protein and five grams of fiber per serving–all while tasting great. If you're not a fan of BBQ, they also come in 11 other sweet and savory flavors—and they even have larger 4.2-ounce packs!

They're only 100 calories per serving and contain only one gram of added sugar, so you can snack on them guilt-free. Reviewers love the barbecue flavor and write that they can be pretty addictive–so be sure to portion out each serving to ensure that your kids (or you!) aren’t overeating.
No.5

GoGo squeeZApplesauce on the Go

Applesauce on the Go 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$7.19
Low Mid

The Perfect Balance of Sweet and Nutritious

This pack of apple, banana, and strawberry flavored apple sauces is completely free from added sugars and is great for even the youngest children. On top of containing just three or four ingredients each, each pouch is resealable and BPA-free.

Reviewers write that even kids with a sweet tooth love these applesauces. They’ve also said that you can freeze them to use them as ice packs and that they’ll be nice and slushy by the time lunch rolls around.
No.6

BEARReal Fruit Yoyos30 count

Real Fruit Yoyos 1
Source:amazon.com
Real Fruit Yoyos 2
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$25.67
High Mid
Reference price
$25.67
High Mid

All Ages Can Enjoy These Fruit Snacks

These fruit strips include a serving of vegetables to help picky kids sneak in some extra vitamins. They’re not sticky, so you don’t have to worry about gooey fingers, and each pack comes with a card with information on a different foreign country. 

They're also baked gently to ensure they're filled with vitamins, minerals, and fiber straight from the originally picked fruit! Reviewers write that even picky eaters love these four-ingredient fruit leathers but that they make a great healthy snack for both kids and adults.

No.7

Off The Eaten PathVeggie Crisps16 count

Veggie Crisps 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$24.64
High Mid
Reference price
$24.64
High Mid

Snack on These in the Afternoon for Sustained Energy

This light and crunchy snack is packed full of whole ingredients like rice and beans that add four grams each of fiber and protein per serving. They’re bursting with flavor, but they don’t contain any artificial flavoring. Each chip is made from a mix of rice, peas, and black beans, which you can actually see studded throughout!

With a filling, four grams of protein in each serving, you'll also feel pleasantly satisfied after eating these snacks. Reviewers write that although these may look like average rice cakes, they’re surprisingly tasty. They’re the perfect size for an afternoon snack, and they won’t leave kids feeling sluggish after.
No.8

Annie’sHomegrown Bunny Snacks Variety Pack12 count

Reference price
$5.30
Low Mid

Classic Snacks Turned Healthy

This variety pack comes with three snacks, cheddar bunnies, cheddar squares, and bunny grahams, all of which are tried and true Annie’s favorites. All flavors are certified organic, and with such cute shapes, children will surely squeal in delight when seeing them in their lunch packs.

Though reviewers say that each pack contains a small amount in them, they also write that both flavors are basically healthier versions of other classic kids’ snacks and that kids love them just as much. 
No.9

Happy Tot OrganicsFiber & Protein Soft-Baked Oat Bars5 count

Fiber & Protein Soft-Baked Oat Bars 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$3.99
Low Mid

Perfect for Toddlers and Younger Children

These soft, chewy bars are designed for toddlers and young children. They’re the perfect size for small hands and include one serving of fruit and one serving of vegetables. With four grams of fiber, two grams of protein, and seven grams of whole grains, they're also super filling.

Reviewers write that little ones love these bars and that they keep kids full without any sugar spikes. They’re a great texture for teething kids and crumble easily to prevent choking.
No.10

Nature’s BanditsOrganic Fruit & Veggie Stix5 count

Organic Fruit & Veggie Stix 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$4.99
Low Mid
Reference price
$4.99
Low Mid

Fruit and Veggie Chews With Collectible Characters

These snacks are the perfect gummy candy alternative. They’re packed with whole fruits and vegetables and contain no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. Each pack also comes with a collectible character card, making it extra fun for kids!

Reviewers also note that each packet comes with only a few sticks inside, so be aware that the serving sizes are a bit small. However, more write that these chews are full of flavor, and kids and adults alike adore them. 

Supplement Your Snacks With Missing Food Groups

Supplement Your Snacks With Missing Food Groups

If you're worried about your kids not getting enough servings of any one certain food group, you can always pack their lunches with other extras to supplement their healthy snacks. 


For instance, snacks don't always have dairy included. Feel free to add in milk, yogurt, or cheeses into their lunch boxes to give them their daily recommended serving. You can find more information on serving sizes for kids here.


Also, when packing their lunches in general, make sure to balance out each part of their meal. Think of the rainbow when prepping, and make sure to add a lot of variety, so your kids can get used to eating nutrition-packed foods. 

Kara Swanson
Nutritionist
Kara Swanson

Make sure your children are eating a balanced diet that is heavy on fruits and vegetables. Explore different veggies and fruits. 


It's fun to get your kids involved too! Have them pick out a new fruit or veggie to try when you're at the grocery store. My girls love doing this and we've even discovered some new favorites! Plus, they feel more in control because they got to pick it out.

An Extra Tip from Kara Swanson

An Extra Tip from Kara Swanson

Now that you know how to choose a healthy snack for your kid, expert Kara Swanson has a bit of advice on how to keep them on the right track. Always make sure to portion out foods and try to keep snacks limited to fresh and nutritious offerings!

Kara Swanson
Nutritionist
Kara Swanson

I try to find a really good balance when it comes to snacks. They get one "pantry" snack a day which is something like pretzels, veggie chips, or popcorn. 


Then if they are still hungry or want another snack, they have to have fresh fruit, applesauce, veggies, dried fruit, or nuts. This ensures they still get to have a "fun" snack which they love but also eat some nutrient-dense foods too!

Looking to Fill Your Kitchen With Only Healthy Foods?

Carbs and sodium aren’t poisonous, but it’s definitely better to consume in moderation. Opting for a more healthy diet boosts energy levels, productivity, and mood. And that holds as true for you as it does for your child. So next time you run out of snacks or condiments, consider swapping out for these healthy options.

Top 5 Healthy Snacks for Kids

No. 1: FreeYummAllergen Free Granola Bars15 bars, 3 packs

No. 2: Banana JoeBanana Chips6 count

No. 3: Orchard Valley HarvestAntioxidant Mix

No. 4: EnlightenedBada Bean Bada Boom Broad Bean Snack6 count

No. 5: GoGo squeeZApplesauce on the Go

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