Dr. Ann’s Top Picks of the Healthiest Snacks for Kids
- Cut fresh veggies (baby carrots, celery sticks, bell pepper strips, broccoli/cauliflower florets, etc.) – serve along with a “healthy dip” like hummus, low-fat salad dressing, guacamole, or salsa.
- Low-fat yogurt – plain, sweetened with blended fresh fruit or a bit of frozen concentrated fruit juice is best. If you use low-fat fruit flavored yogurts, mix half and half with plain to reduce the sugar content. Greek-style yogurts are especially yummy for kids.
- Nuts or seeds – almonds, cashews, walnuts, peanuts, etc. Don’t forget about sunflower seeds and toasted pumpkin seeds.
- Fresh, frozen or dried fruit – serve fresh cut up fruit in an interesting cup or bowl. Even better, create a “healthful” fruit/yogurt parfait by alternating layers of fruit with low-fat yogurt and granola.
- Roasted soy nuts – offer them! Most kids find them delicious.
- Reduced-fat cheese – you can now find an amazing array of cheeses made from 2% milk in a variety of kid friendly packaging.
- Whole grain crackers, like Ak-mak™, Kashi TLC™, or Triscuits™ with 2% milk cheese, peanut butter, almond nut butter, hummus, salsa, or spreadable fruit.
- Healthy cereals – dry or with skim or low-fat milk. To select a healthy cereal, be sure it contains at least 3 grams of fiber per serving and less than 12 grams of sugar per serving.
- Granola bars
- Air-popped popcorn
- Hard-boiled omega-3 fortified eggs
- Low-fat cottage cheese with fruit
- Stone ground tortilla chips with a healthy dip
- Fruit smoothies made with yogurt or low-fat milk. Throw in a tablespoon of wheat germ for an additional nutrition punch.
- A piece of dark chocolate or a cup of hot cocoa made with low-fat/skim milk and “real” cocoa powder
Copyright 2010, Just Wellness, LLC
About this tip sheet
This tip sheet was created by Ann Kulze M.D., a well-respected physician and nutrition expert. Dr. Kulze is also a member
of the Prevent Cancer Foundation’s Board of Directors. This tip sheet has been edited for adherence to recent findings by
the Foundation’s Programs staff.
All information on this tip sheet should be considered general health information published to aid the reader in their
personal quest for holistic wellness. Our goal is to support readers in maximizing their wellness and vitality.
