21 Easy After School Snacks for the Kiddos

If you’re looking for after school snacks to keep the kids occupied and healthy, you’re not alone. Instead of letting them snack on store-bought, processed treats, you can be ready with these healthy snacks that you can feel good about feeding them.

Stock your pantry (or cookie jars) with any of these easy school snacks, and you’ll be ready when the kids ask, “What can I eat?” We promise, they’re all super simple to make and many can be whipped up in minutes. Even you can partake in these yummy treats as they are healthy and fit easily into your Nutrisystem plan. And the best part? They’re so easy to make, you can easily get the kids involved with whipping these treats up!

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Here are 21 healthy (and easy) snacks for the kiddos:

1. Cake Batter Rice Krispies >

These fun cake batter bars will have your kids believing they just had a major indulgence. In reality, a serving is just 68 calories, so they’re not only delicious for the kiddos, but perfect for you to stick to your healthy meal plan. Instead of the store-bought version of these popular treats (which typically includes a lot of added sugar), this version uses more healthful ingredients like brown rice syrup, cashew butter and even some vanilla whey protein powder. You don’t have to feel guilty about enjoying one either. These treats count as two Extras on the Nutrisystem plan.

2. Skinny Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting >

These brownies are super decadent. Thanks to their secret primary ingredient, mashed sweet potato, they’re actually healthier than your classic, go-to brownie. These ooey-gooey brownies are frosted with a sweet topping made from cream cheese, Greek yogurt, egg white, vanilla and stevia. It’s a sweet treat that your kids will love. At only 112 calories and one SmartCarb on the Nutrisystem plan, you can enjoy them too.

3. Black Bean Brownie Dip >

Your kids would never guess that this indulgent chocolatey dip is actually made from black beans! With other healthy ingredients like cashew butter and medjool dates, this is a dip that you can feel good about your kids eating. Pair it with some fresh fruit, and you’ve really packed in the nutrition for their after school snacks. For you, a serving is 81 calories and counts as one SmartCarb.

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4. Healthy Red Velvet Brownies >

These healthy brownies combine the flavors of chocolate brownies with red velvet cake. But don’t tell your kids their primary ingredients are nutrient-rich beets and whole grain oats. They’ll honestly never know just how healthy these treats are as they taste so good. One brownie is just 103 calories and counts as one SmartCarb and one Extra on your Nutrisystem plan, so you can dig in too.

5. 4-Ingredient Peanut Butter Rice Krispies >

When your kids are home from school craving something sweet, you won’t have any qualms about them reaching for this simple, 4-ingredient treat. Made from crisp rice cereal, honey, peanut butter and vanilla extract, they’re super easy to make. Instead of marshmallow, peanut butter adds creaminess and holds it all together. One serving is 71 calories and counts as two Extras on your Nutrisystem plan.

6. No-Bake Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bites >

These delicious bite-sized treats contain healthy ingredients like raw almonds, Medjool dates and nonfat Greek yogurt. Best of all, this creamy dessert requires no baking. They’re creamy and satisfyingly sweet. The recipe makes 20 bites with two counting as one serving. Even you can enjoy it on your Nutrisystem plan as one serving is 115 calories and counts only one PowerFuel.

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7. No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Granola Bars >

With store-bought, highly processed granola bars, you are likely getting a lot of sugar without much nutrition. But with these healthy homemade bars, you know exactly what you’re getting. They’re easy to make and filled with simple and wholesome ingredients like peanut butter, honey, rolled oats and chocolate chips. These granola bars are 199 calories each and count as one SmartCarb and one PowerFuel on your Nutrisystem plan.

8. Gluten-Free Chewy Ginger Cookies >

Looking for a simple cookie that will stave off your kids’ cravings? These delicious cookies are your answer. Celebrate going back to school with this autumn-inspired treat. The recipe uses healthy ingredients like egg whites, coconut oil and fall seasoning blend of ginger, cinnamon and nutmeg. These healthy cookies can even be enjoyed on your Nutrisystem plan! One serving is 102 calories and counts as three extras on Nutrisystem—so you can dig in too.

9. Skinny S’mores Frozen Yogurt >

This delicious frozen yogurt incorporates the beloved s’mores flavors of marshmallows, graham crackers and chocolate. However, it uses a healthy combination of frozen bananas and vanilla yogurt as the base of its frozen yogurt. Your kids aren’t the only one who can enjoy this frozen treat. And for your own healthy goals?Each serving clocks in at just 174 calories and counts as one SmartCarb and two Extras on your Nutrisystem plan.

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10. Grasshopper “Candy” Bars >

As we head full speed into fall, the amount of candy on the grocery store shelves only seems to grow. Crush your kids candy cravings with this healthier alternative. If you need a sweet treat on Halloween, these peppermint candy bars are a great option so that you can stick to your Nutrisystem plan. One bar is a mere 61 calories and counts as two Extras on Nutrisystem.

11. Raspberry Chickpea Blondies >

Fiber-packed chickpeas, sunflower seed butter, oats and raspberries are at the heart of this blondie recipe. This snack is so good, your kids won’t even know they are filled with all these nutritious ingredients. They are easy to make and serve as the perfect after school indulgence. One bar is only 65 calories and counts as two Extras on your Nutrisystem plan.

12. 4-Ingredient Quinoa Chocolate Bars >

These simple 4-ingredient bars combine coconut oil, cocoa powder, quinoa and stevia. They create a delicious snack that will satisfy your child’s sweet tooth in a healthier way. If candy bars are your child’s favorite indulgence, then these guilt-free bars are the way to go. One bar is only 87 calories and counts as one SmartCarb on the Nutrisystem plan.

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13. Lightened-Up Caramel Corn >

Add this one to the list of your kiddos favorite after school snacks. Although loads of sugar usually accompany caramel corn, our version uses sugar-free maple syrup, coconut oil and vanilla extract to sweeten it up in a healthier way. It’s easy to make and a great snack for your kids to enjoy after a long day. It’s also a perfect diet-friendly snack that even you can enjoy! One cup of this caramel corn is 85 calories and counts as three Extras on your Nutrisystem plan.

14. Maple Walnut Cookies >

Want something healthy to fill the cookie jar? These cookies will become your go-to. Made from healthful ingredients like rolled oats, wheat flour and apple sauce, they’re hearty and delicious while not packing in a lot of unnecessary sugar. One cookie is 122 calories and counts as one SmartCarb and one Extra on the Nutrisystem plan.

15. Skinny Chocolate Donuts >

Donuts for snack might sound too good to be true. Our version makes some healthful switches that keep this treat on the light and healthy side. Baking them (or using the air fryer) instead of traditional fry cooking helps to reduce the calories. Crisp on the outside but soft and doughy on the inside, they will feel like a decadent dessert to your kids. Each donut is only 135 calories and counts as one SmartCarb and two Extras on the Nutrisystem plan.

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16. Strawberry Oatmeal Cookies >

Add this tasty treat to your cookie jar and list of easy snacks for the kids. In just 15 minutes, you can whip up these cookies using healthy ingredients like oats, strawberries, apple sauce and Greek yogurt. You will also love these cookies and can enjoy them on your weight loss plan. Two cookies are just 78 calories and count as two Extras on Nutrisystem.

17. BBQ Sweet Potato Chips >

If it’s a salty snack that the kids reach for after school, then you’ll definitely want to whip up a batch of these healthy chips. Using a sweet potato, these chips give the indulgent crunch and enjoyment of a classic potato chip while delivering much more nutrition. A serving is 120 calories and counts as one SmartCarb and one Extra on the Nutrisystem plan.

18. Air Fryer Salt and Vinegar Chips >

If it’s salt and vinegar chips that your kids crave, they will love this homemade version. They’re easy to make in the air fryer (or oven) and are much healthier than the store-bought variety. You can munch on these chips too, as one serving is just 97 calories and counts as one SmartCarb on the Nutrisystem plan.

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19. Buffalo Blue Cheese Dip >

Buffalo dip is a favorite snack for many. However, the store-bought version is typically packed with calories. Instead, this version uses ingredients like nonfat Greek yogurt, real blue cheese and some buffalo hot sauce to give your kiddos the same flavors they love but in a healthier version. It’s also a great way to get some veggies in them! Serve it with some sliced carrots or celery to dip. A serving is just 24 calories and counts as one Extra on the Nutrisystem plan.

20. Sriracha Snack Mix >

Snack mixes are fun and satisfying snacks for the kids. When you make your own, you control exactly what goes in. This healthy version includes wholesome ingredients like healthy cereal, roasted edamame, sunflower seeds and more. Sriracha, onion powder and garlic powder give it a zesty kick. A serving is just 109 calories and counts as one SmartCarb on the Nutrisystem plan.

21. Crispy Nacho Cheese Chips >

If the first snack your child wants to grab after school are cheesy nacho chips, then you’ll want to whip up this healthier version. They’re made with mini corn tortillas and are seasoned with spices like chili powder, paprika and garlic. They are much healthier than the greasy nacho chips that you might buy at your grocery store. Plus, a serving only has 125 calories and count as one SmartCarb on your Nutrisystem plan—so they’re a great snack for you too.