The most common question parents are asked—often multiple times a day—might be this: “Can I have a snack?” Between school, sports, and everything in between, snack food is a daily must-have for most families, but keeping the house stocked can feel like a full-time job.
Even when you have the chance to make something from scratch (we share some favorite healthy snack recipes below), some days you’re scrambling to grab a protein bar before running out the door. That’s why we love a combined approach to satisfy everyone’s needs without adding to your kitchen workload. It’s fun to make your own crackers, yogurt parfaits, and other homemade goodies, but it’s also fantastic to have a pantry stocked full of healthy snacks for kids of all ages, including baby snacks, toddler snacks, and teens.
Healthy snacks aren’t only a bridge between meals, but a crucial way to provide added nutrition that kids need to grow and learn. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics explains that snacks are important because they help kids “stay focused at school and on homework, give them needed nutrients, and help keep hunger at bay.” To tap into this trifecta of benefits, here’s our guide with everything you need, from protein picks to kid crowd-pleasers.
Baby Snacks
Packaged Baby Snacks
Toddler Snacks
School Snacks
Teenager Snacks
High-Protein Snacks for Kids
Gluten-Free Snacks for Kids
Vegan Snacks for Kids
High-Fiber Snacks for Kids
Salty Snacks for Kids
Low-Sodium Snacks for Kids
Sweet Snacks for Kids
Low-Sugar, No Added Sugar, and Sugar-Free Snacks for Kids
Nut-Free Snacks for Kids
Dairy-Free Snacks for Kids
Paleo Snacks for Kids
Organic Snacks for Kids
Dye-Free Snacks for Kids
Low-FODMAP Snacks for Kids
Low-Cholesterol Snacks for Kids
Mediterranean Diet Snacks for Kids
Kids Snacks for Late Night & Special Occasions
It’s never too early to prioritize healthy habits. A baby’s nutrition is simple at first—they get everything they need from breast milk or formula, but their rapid growth means they’ll soon be ready for solids. The CDC notes that the first two years of life are vital for healthy growth and development long-term. “Starting good nutrition practices early can help children develop healthy dietary patterns” that last into adulthood. Start their healthy snack routine strong by offering foods rich in all the good stuff like vitamins, minerals, and protein.
We see you running on empty when your infant is still figuring out how to sleep (and promise it gets better). These simple, recipe-free ideas are no-fuss yet filled with wholesome ingredients.
Banana and Avocado Mash
Sweet Potato Bites
Apple and Oatmeal Purée
For busy (or exhausted) parents, having healthy packaged snacks for babies on hand is a convenient way to ensure your nutrition bases are covered. Here are snack picks our members can’t get enough of.
Ready, Set, Food! Organic Peanut Butter Berry Puffs
Made with 9 top allergens and classic PB&J flavor, these melt-in-your mouth puffs are a snack time must-have. Glenda from Mississippi reports these are a hit with the whole family, sharing “my two-year-old grandson LOVES these” and calling them a “great snack for young and old.”
Amara Baby Food Plant-Based Yogurt Melt Mango Carrot
These yogurt melts are made with organic fruits and vegetables that introduce tropical flavor. In addition to loving the ingredients, Sarah from Texas shares another parenting win: “They are great car snacks too because they don’t create crumbs.”
Once Upon a Farm Fruit & Veggie Puffs
Organic sweet potato, avocado oil, and sorghum flour are the main ingredients in these fast-dissolving puffs with fresh strawberry flavor. Amanda from Arizona says “baby (and big kids) liked these, and they can be picky.”
The educational organization Healthy Children has a smart reminder for the toddler years, saying kids this age “use a lot of energy to grow and play, but they have small stomachs. They may not be able to eat enough at mealtime to make it between lunch and dinner.” Enter the never-ending snack rotation.
Toddlers need nutrition that keeps pace with their increased activity levels, growth, and development, but finding the right snacks doesn’t have to be daunting. These five ideas are easy to prepare, fun to eat, and deliver key nutrients too.
Veggie and Hummus Dippers
Open a jar of your favorite hummus or whip up your own (we like this creamy version with avocado oil) and add crunchy dippers alongside. Try bell peppers, carrots, cucumbers, and crackers.
Fruit and Cheese Cubes
Cut up fresh fruit like apples, pears, or grapes, and pair them with small cubes of cheese.
Make-Ahead Muffins
Muffins can be made ahead, frozen for snack time, and ready when you need them. Try our gluten-free blueberry batch or grab a pumpkin muffin mix. No matter which recipe you choose, add vital nutrients (and a crunchy topping) by sprinkling chopped pumpkin seeds, walnuts, or almonds on top before baking.
Yogurt and Berries
Mix plain yogurt with a handful of fresh berries for a snack that covers all the bases, offering protein (the yogurt), plus antioxidants and fiber (the berries).
Nut Butter and Banana Slices
Slice up a banana and smear a layer of almond butter or peanut butter on top. These bites are fun to eat, and the bananas deliver potassium, an essential mineral.
Afternoon play date? Check. Picky eaters? We’ve got you covered. When you need a healthy snack for on-the-move toddlers, reach for these essentials.
Solely Organic Whole Fruit Gummies, Mango & Guava
These sweet gummies are made with only three ingredients: organic mango, guava, and vitamin C. Plus, individual bags are extra convenient for kids’ lunches and on-the-go snacking.
YumEarth makes their fruit snacks with real juice concentrates (and no artificial flavors or synthetic colors). Bailee from Tennessee admits “my nephew devoured these in a few minutes.”
With nostalgic flavor from organic cheddar cheese, these bunnies are always a hit and the convenient bags are easy to tote anywhere. Kamile from Illinois calls them the “perfect size and portion for on-the-go.”
As Science Direct shares, “snacks consumed at school are an important source of energy and nutrients in children’s diets.” With a day of learning ahead, pack a healthy snack (or two) so your kids can stay sharp. And if you need inspiration, these 20 snacks are approved by the kids of Thrive Market staffers and our members.
Before your next grocery order, gather inspiration for healthy, easy snack ideas to keep your child energized and focused.
Veggie Wraps
Grab a whole grain tortilla or coconut wrap and fill it with creamy hummus, shredded carrots, sliced peppers, and spinach. After rolling it up, slice it into bite-sized pieces before packing. If your kids don’t like peppers, get them involved in choosing the fillings that sound good to them. For a Mediterranean spin, try cucumbers, chopped olives, and feta.
Fruit Kabobs
Pick your favorite fruit (like strawberries, grapes, and melon) and thread them onto skewers. Just don’t forget to pack a napkin—this is a juicy snack.
Cheese and Crackers
Pairing slices of cheese with crackers provides a good balance of protein and complex carbohydrates, perfect for a midday energy boost.
Greek Yogurt and Granola
Pack a small container of Greek yogurt and a separate helping of granola. Your child can mix them together at snack time for a protein-rich treat that includes healthy fats and fiber.
Apple Slices with Nut Butter
Slice up an apple and provide a small container of almond butter or peanut butter for dipping.
Trail Mix
For a custom batch of trail mix, mix any combination of nuts, seeds, dried fruits, and a few dark chocolate chips.
It’s not always realistic to make every snack from scratch, and simple swaps make it easy to still enjoy your favorites while opting for better ingredients. For potato chips, nix the spuds fried in partially hydrogenated oils and choose a bag made with avocado oil instead. And since kids can’t resist a piece of candy, treat them to pieces colored with vegetables instead of synthetic colors. Keeping with our philosophy of doing what works best for you, try these ultra-convenient packaged snacks for your busiest days.
Quinn Peanut Butter Filled Pretzels
Gluten-free and stuffed with peanut butter, these crunchy bites will be a hit. Debra from North Carolina sums it up: “Can’t go wrong with peanut butter and pretzels. Period.”
Thrive Market Organic Veggie Sticks
For another crunchy option, grab these sticks made with organic corn, tomatoes, spinach, and beets. Amanda from California says they’re “great for kids lunches.”
Annie’s combines baked breadsticks, cheddar, buttery-rich crackers, plus bunny-shaped pretzels for a snack mix with real variety. Amanda from New York shares “I wanted organic alternatives to my kids favorite snacks and this hits the mark!”
Simple Mills Farmhouse Cheddar Almond Flour Crackers Snack Pack
Made with almond flour and real cheddar cheese, farmhouse flavor will keep them coming back for more, while sunflower and flax seeds add nutritious fats. Kelly from Pennsylvania calls them “crunchy, cheesy, perfect, and yummy. Perfect for school lunches.”
With increased physical activity and significant cognitive development, teenagers have unique nutritional needs during these years of rapid growth. Enter: protein. As their appetite naturally increases, nutrient-dense snacks will keep teens fueled.
Teenagers often look for quick and easy snack options that they can prepare themselves. Get the fridge ready with these simple ideas.
Avocado Toast
Smoothie Bowls
Veggie Sticks and Hummus
Apple Slices with Peanut or Almond Butter
Fill their backpacks, sports bags, and overnight totes with snacks they’ll love.
Larabar Kids’ Bars, Chocolate Chip Cookie
With fresh-from-the-oven flavor, these handy bars happen to be gluten-free and are made with buckwheat flour, honey, and chia seeds.
Pipcorn Twists, Cinnamon Sugar
Made with upcycled heirloom corn and dusted with cinnamon and sugar, this snack ticks all the boxes. Sarah from Louisiana says “my kids love these twists and the grab-and-go bags are super convenient!”
Take chips and guac on the go with a crisp that’s baked with real avocado, pumpkin seeds, and a touch of cayenne pepper.
Proteins support nearly every process in the body and make up your cells, blood, and organs. High-protein snacks can deliver the amino acids teens need to support muscle growth, tissue repair, and overall development. Here are some of our favorite ideas.
Note: To be considered “high-protein”, a recipe must contain 20% or more of your (or your child’s) recommended daily protein intake. While that number varies depending on the person, these recipes may fit the bill.
Greek Yogurt with Honey and Nuts
A 7-ounce container of lowfat Greek yogurt delivers roughly 20g of protein. Add a drizzle of honey and a handful of nuts for a satisfying snack.
Protein Smoothie
Many protein powders offer 20g per scoop. Just add a banana, a handful of spinach, and almond milk for a nutritious breakfast or snack.
Edamame
Steamed edamame sprinkled with sea salt is a protein-packed snack that is easy to prepare—and each ½ cup serving has 9g of protein.
Hard-Boiled Eggs
At roughly 6g of protein per egg (depending on their size), keep a batch of hard-boiled eggs in the fridge to satisfy hunger cravings.
Nut Butter and Celery Sticks
Just 2 tablespoons of almond butter has 7g of protein. Spread it on celery sticks for a crunchy snack.
Jerky
Beef sticks are a portable way to get protein when you need it. Each stick has 9g, and easily slips into backpacks and sports bags.
Fill up tummies with snacks that deliver ample protein for whatever the day holds.
Note: To be considered “high-protein”, a product must contain 20% or more of your (or your child’s) recommended daily protein intake. While that number varies depending on the person, these products may fit the bill.
Aloha Protein Bar, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough
Take your dessert to go with a plant-based bar that offers 14g of protein per serving. Linsey from Pennsylvania says “my son and husband love this flavor. Perfect for busy schedules.”
Switch up your jerky rotation with an option straight from the sea. Spiced with crack pepper, this wild Alaskan pollock delivers protein, selenium, and vitamin D.
KIND Breakfast Bars, Peanut Butter
Running late to school? KIND’s bars are satisfyingly chewy and made with peanut butter, oats, millet, and quinoa.
For kids with food sensitivities, there are plenty of wholesome gluten-free options available.
Siete Grain Free Puff Snacks, Queso
Made with lentil flour plus a dairy-free cheese-inspired flavor of nutritional yeast, tomato powder, and garlic powder, these chips are light, crunchy, and perfect for dipping. Amy from California says “Kids love it. Good alternative to other junk brands.”
Lundberg Lightly Salted Rice Cakes
Rice cakes can be a crunchy snack on their own, but you can also top them with avocado, hummus, or turkey slices with mustard. For more inspiration, here are four ideas to transform plain rice cakes.
Inspired by a smoothie, this bar packs organic blueberry, banana, and sweet potato into every gluten-free bite.
Keep snack sessions plant-based with these popular vegan picks.
HIPPEAS Chickpea Puffs, Vegan White Cheddar
Chickpea flour and spices make these plant-based puffs extra delicious, no dairy required. Shelly from Minnesota shares “These are perfect for my child with food sensitivities and I love that they have a little protein as well!”
Made with tahini, maple, and coconut, these square-shaped bites are soft, sweet, and chewy with hints of tropical flavor.
Move over, beef jerky. Dried shiitake mushrooms and BBQ-inspired spices lend a smoky flavor with a meaty texture.
Support healthy digestion with high-fiber snacks.
Brami Italian Snacking Lupini Beans
This Mediterranean bean offers 3g of protein per serving and is lightly pickled for a unique snack experience. Nichole says “they’re great alone or added to a snack board for grazing.”
For after-school noshing, put together a quick plate of crackers and cheese. These crunchy rounds are baked with quinoa, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds, plus garlic and onion powder for flavor.
Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free Oatmeal Cups
Oatmeal cups aren’t only for breakfast. With 8g of fiber per serving, it’s a great option for older kids who can make it themselves—just add water.
Here’s how to satisfy a salt tooth without too much added sodium.
Cheese has a naturally salty flavor, and this ingredient is made from one thing only: cheddar cheese. Baked and crispy, you can snack on them solo or add to an after-school platter with salami and olives.
Harvest Snaps Green Pea Snacks
Lightly salted and big on flavor, these crispy peas are baked, not fried. Celeste from Alabama says her toddler loves them, adding “I like to mix in a bowl with some sweet potato chips for a salty and a little sweet healthy crunch snack.”
Lesser Evil Spaceballs Cheddar Snacks
With a light and airy texture, these puffs balls are perfectly seasoned with vegan spices and tossed with avocado oil and Himalayan salt. Annie from Maine says “I can’t find this product anywhere else, and my kids are always asking for it to take along for snacks.”
For parents looking to reduce their kids’ sodium intake, these snacks are excellent choices.
Thrive Market Movie Popcorn Kernels
Make it a movie night at home with these salt-free popcorn kernels, made with extra-fluffy, U.S.-grown butterfly kernels purchased directly from family farms. Michelle from Massachusetts says it both “Tastes good and fun for the kids to make.”
Apple Slices with No Salt Added Nut Butter
You can still enjoy a sweet and savory combo without the addition of extra salt. Slice up crisp, sweet apples and dip them into your favorite no salt added nut butter.
It’s a favorite snack seasoned with microsalt®—small grains that dissolve immediately for balanced flavor with less salt than traditional chips. Brittany from Missouri says “it’s unbelievable these are so good.”
Try fruit-based snacks or skip the corn syrup and opt for treats sweetened with honey and coconut sugar instead.
Made with just bananas and cinnamon, these crunchy fruit slices are always a hit. Kara from Florida has lots of ideas for how to use them: “This product would be a great topping for ice cream, yogurt or granola. I can see it added to trail mix, as well.”
Thrive Market Organic Fruit Circles
When the kids ask for candy, hand them a bag of fruit circles made with mangoes, acai, and summer berries.
Simple Mills Sweet Thins, Honey Cinnamon
Made with watermelon seed flour and flax seeds, these crackers are sweetened with coconut sugar and honey. Kylea from Florida admits she originally bought them as a snack for her 18-month-old but “after trying one, I ate the entire box.”
At Thrive Market, we label a product as low-sugar if it has 5g sugar or less. These snacks—whether low-sugar, no added sugar, or sugar-free—can still satisfy your kid’s sweet tooth, especially when they’re sweetened with the likes of maple syrup, honey, or coconut sugar. To minimize the sweet stuff even more, you can also turn to recipes made with alternatives like monk fruit or allulose.
GoodPop Sparkling Juice, Fruit Punch
In a kid-friendly fruit punch flavor, this mini can blends fruit juice with sparkling water for a fun and fizzy beverage. Brianna from New Jersey shares “I got this to get my kids to love something other than sugary sodas… It was a win!”
Fresh Berries
What’s naturally sweet, filled with fiber and antioxidants, and equally nutritious in fresh or frozen form? Berries! When they’re out of season, thaw frozen mixed berries to top yogurt, pancakes, or chia seed pudding.
GoodSam No Sugar Added Dark Chocolate Bar
Sweetened with allulose and infused with peppermint flavor, this dark chocolate bar is ultra satisfying. Georgia from Wisconsin calls it “the best dark chocolate I’ve had in a long time.”
Crack the candy code with these sugar-free gummy bears that taste just as sweet as the originals thanks to allulose, a sugar alternative derived from fruits like figs or raisins. Esther from Texas calls them “perfect,” with “just the right amount of sweet great texture.”
For kids with nut allergies or school environments with nut-free policies, these options avoid nuts but deliver on flavor.
Flock Foods Chicken Skin Strips
This seriously crunchy snack can be enjoyed straight from the bag, added to lunch boxes, or served with after school platters.
When it’s snack day at school and you don’t know what to bring, Annie’s makes it easy with a variety pack of tree nut-free graham crackers and cheddar bunnies.
Sweet Nothings Squeezable Smoothie
This portable smoothie uses strawberries and beets for an on-the-go snack—try it after sports games for a refreshing way to refuel. Stacy from Texas says “I put these in the freezer and my kiddos love them!”
If your kiddos are lactose intolerant or have a dairy allergy, steer clear without sacrificing flavor, texture, or nutrition.
CHOMPS Mini Grass-Fed Beef Chomplings
Each mini stick has 4g of protein per serving and is the perfect size to tuck into backpacks and sports bags. Rachel from Florida calls them “yummy and tasty,” saying they’re an “easy on-the-go snack for our toddler who is a big meat eater.”
LesserEvil Organic Popcorn, Himalayan Salt
Popped in coconut oil and tossed with Himalayan salt, this crunchy and addictive bag is dairy-free, vegan, and gluten-free.
Siete Kettle Cooked Potato Chips, Salt and Vinegar
Vinegar adds pizazz, Serrano peppers bring a little heat, and sea salt ensures every bite is seasoned to perfection, no dairy required.
Extend your paleo lifestyle to snack time with nutrient-dense options the whole family can enjoy.
EPIC Bison Bacon Cranberry Bar
Protein bars are a convenient must-have for busy days. This one combines high-quality meat with fruits and spices, offering 7g of protein per serving.
In convenient snack-size bags, these popular paleo snacks combine crunchy banana chips, pecans, and cashews with three tasty flavors: savory, ranch, and chipotle BBQ. Rachel from Wisconsin says “we love this and so do my toddlers. A good clean yummy snack.”
Thrive Market Organic Raw Cashews
Use these organic nuts as a base for your own trail mix, make your own nut milk, or soak them to create sauces and dips. Paula from Connecticut says “never thought unsalted nuts could taste so good. They’re creamy and nutty and make a good snack!
Say hello to the Certified Organic snacks our members can’t get enough of, made with ingredients grown with practices that enhance soil quality, promote biodiversity, help conserve clean water, and prohibit synthetic fertilizers. .
Thrive Market Organic Dark Chocolate Covered Almonds
These nuts are made with stone-ground organic cacao sourced straight from farmers and sweetened with coconut sugar. Jenny from California admits “my son and I ate through a bag within two days. The chocolate to almond ratio was perfect.”
Thrive Market Organic Apple Sauce, Cinnamon
Perfectly portioned apple sauce cups are always a kid favorite. Made from a delicious blend of ripe and juicy, USDA certified organic apples and swirled with a touch of organic cinnamon, these cups are always great to have in your pantry or fridge.
It’s easy to avoid synthetic colors and dyes without minimizing snack time fun. Stock the pantry with these soon-to-be favorites.
YumEarth Organic Giggles Candy Bites
When dessert’s on the menu, serve up nostalgic candy that’s colored with vegetables and free from common allergens. Jessica from Texas says “we wanted to find something that wasn’t terrible to put in our littles’ lunch box as a treat, and these are perfect.”
Thrive Market Organic Sprouted Trail Mix
This bag is filled with crunchy, sprouted almonds and cashews, plus tart dried cherries and chocolate-covered cranberries for a power snack to fuel all ages.
Sweet and salty (and dye-free), these snackable clusters feature toasted coconut, sprouted pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds. Enjoy them by the handful, or top yogurt for a healthy after school snack.
A low-FODMAP diet avoids certain categories of foods that may upset digestion. If your kids need some extra support, offer snacks to keep their stomachs happy.
Thrive Market Organic Coconut Wraps
These versatile wraps can be filled with low FODMAP ingredients like turkey, lettuce, and your favorite spread for a quick lunch or snack.
BelliWelli Probiotic Snack Bar
Send them to school with a snack bar made with almond butter, oat flour, and chocolate chips. The oven-baked recipe also features probiotics and a dose of fiber too. Jenna from Kentucky says “They taste like chocolate chip cookies with none of the blah feeling after!”
Daily Crunch Sprouted Almonds & Pepitas
A crunchy blend of nuts and seeds gets a lot more exciting with the addition of pickle-inspired seasonings like coriander, mustard, and turmeric. Denise from California insists “if you’re a pickle lover, you need these.”
If your pediatrician recommends a low-cholesterol diet, here are some snacks to keep on hand.
Cholesterol-free and dusted with ranch-inspired seasonings, these sweet potato chips are perfectly sweet and savory. (They’re also kettle-cooked in avocado oil.)
This mild jar adds a flavor boost to your favorite chips, no cholesterol needed. Rose from Texas says it’s one of the best salsa’s she’s tried, adding “I rest easy knowing I am giving our family quality food.”
Thrive Market Movie Theater Popcorn
Free from cholesterol, this bag is ready for your next movie night. Extra fluffy butterfly kernels are purchased directly from family farms—just olive oil, nutritional yeast, or your favorite seasonings.
The Mediterranean diet is rich in nutritious fats, fiber, and protein, and that includes snacks.
Thrive Market Organic Olive Tapenade
Chopped Kalamata and Amfissa green olives (plus roasted red peppers, capers, and herbs) add briny flavor to this Greek-inspired spread. Cheryl from Florida says “it’s perfect with cheese and crackers!”
Thrive Market Organic Pitted Medjool Dates
Plump and sweet, dates are known for nutrients like magnesium, potassium, and biotin. Add them to a snack plate for an instant burst of energy.
Wild Planet Wild Sardines in Extra Virgin Olive Oil
If you think you don’t like sardines, hear us out. Not only are these tiny fish nutritional powerhouses (each can has 14g of protein, plus calcium), but they’re tender, meaty, and perfect for snacks. Eat them straight from the can or add to toast, rice bowls, or mash them with mayo.
When kids need a snack before bedtime, reach for ingredients that are light, nutritious, and promote good sleep. A blend of macronutrients—protein, carbohydrates, and fat—means a balanced bite before bed.
Bananas with Almond Butter
Bananas contain potassium (and are also a carb), while almond butter contains both protein and fat.
Greek Yogurt with Honey and Nuts
This combination offers protein from yogurt, fat from nuts, and carbohydrates from honey in a satisfying bite.
Oatmeal with Berries
End the day with a small bowl of fiber-rich oatmeal. For a sweet topping, thaw a few frozen cherries, which contain melatonin and may help regulate sleep.
Warm Milk with Cinnamon and Honey
Warm milk contains tryptophan, an amino acid that may support better sleep, while cinnamon (believed to aid insomnia) and honey add cozy flavor.
Halloween is a time for fun and treats, but you can still offer healthier options that kids will love. Take a break from processed sugar with these family-friendly ideas.
Fruit Mummies
Wrap banana or apple slices with thin strips of whole grain tortillas or coconut wraps to resemble mummies. Add mini chocolate chips for eyes to complete the transformation.
Pumpkin Hummus
You can make pumpkin hummus two ways. Serve traditional hummus in a hollowed-out mini pumpkin for a festive addition to the table. Or, add pumpkin purée to chickpeas and maple syrup for a fall-inspired dip.
Ghost Popcorn Bags
Art project alert! Draw ghost faces on the outside of small paper bags, then fill them with air-popped popcorn for a spooky treat.
Monster Apple Bites
Make apples even more fun to eat by spreading slices with almond butter, adding sunflower seeds for teeth, and a strawberry slice for a monster tongue.
Homemade Candy Recipes
You can also make your own candy to celebrate the season. Try paleo-friendly caramel bars, coconut bites coated with chocolate and almonds, or crunchy chocolate-covered pumpkin seed brittle.
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