What better time to start cleaning up your families diet and add some 'made from scratch' items into the lunchbox? Even if you can only manage one from scratch item a week - every little bit helps! I have some great back to school snack ideas here to inspire you.
Disclaimer: This post includes affiliate links, and I will earn a commission if you purchase through these links. Please note that I’ve linked to these products purely because I recommend them and they are from companies I trust and use myself.
Back to School Snacks
With three kids in care, ranging from daycare to preschool to first grade, I understand the importance of having great snacks on hand for hungry little bellies (I mean seriously, do they ever stop eating???).
So I have put together this super handy round-up of back to school snack ideas to get your creative juices flowing while packing those little lunchboxes every day.
Before we start, if you are looking for a great lunch box for your littles, this is the one I use. You can switch up the inside layer, and the kids just love guessing what color they are going to get that day 🙂 It's affordable too!
Back to School Snack Ideas
Back To School Snacks
What better time to start cleaning up your families diet and add some ‘made from scratch’ items into the lunchbox? Even if you can only manage one from scratch item a week – every little bit helps! I have some great recipes to inspire you here in the Back to School Snacks Recipe Round-Up.
Loaded Fruit and Nut Mix with Dark Chocolate Studs
Don't feel like you need to stick to the exact ingredients and measurements. Make this your own and have fun with it. Get the kids to make it themselves, set out all of the ingredients and let them create their own special trail mix. Customizable for allergies and nut-free schools.
Freezer Friendly Apple Vanilla and Blueberry Mini Muffins
These blueberry mini muffins are freezer friendly and kid-approved. A great little grab and go snack in the summer months.
Blueberry Breakfast Bites
Grab and Go Coconut and Blueberry Oatmeal Bars
Healthy, filling and delicious, these Coconut and Blueberry Oatmeal Bars tick all the boxes for a great grab-n-go breakfast, a lunch box snack or an afternoon pick me up. They are a whiz to put together and make your kitchen smell amazing too.
Blueberry Crumble Bites
These little bites of flavour provide all the energy you need in an afternoon pick-me-up snack, with only the good stuff added!
Pumpkin Breakfast Cookies
These Pumpkin Breakfast Cookies, sweetened only with honey, would make a great grab-and-go option for those mornings when you don’t all have time for a sit down together! From LeelaLicious.
White Chocolate Cranberry Scones
These amazing White Chocolate and Cranberry Scones use yogurt to make them super moist and a bit healthier for a great on the go breakfast option. From Plating pixels
Apple and Blueberry Quinoa Breakfast Pot
Or if you like to prep in advance, make up some Apple Quinoa Breakfast Pots in cute little mason jars and be ready for the week ahead! The kids can grab them from the fridge on a busy morning and enjoy them at school or before school care.
Brown Butter Apple Spice Muffins
Yummy muffins to satisfy that sweet craving when it hits mid afternoon...and we all know it will.
Apple Carrot and Ginger Mini Muffins
These little Apple, Carrot and Ginger Mini Muffins have been a huge hit with my kids. I have even sent them in for preschool snack for the class a couple of times, and they always get gobbled up. Freezer friendly too which is always a bonus!
Easy No Bake Cashew and Coconut Date Balls
Cashew and Coconut Date Balls are a great grab-n-go snack to have in the fridge. Combine raw cashews with sticky dates, throw in some brown rice puffs for a bit of crunch, some coconut for texture, and you have a satisfying little snack that comes together in a jiffy. Make it fun and get the kids together to help whip them up.
Oatmeal Sweet Potato Banana and Date Muffins
Studded with sticky dates and rolled oats, these Oatmeal Sweet Potato Banana and Date Muffins are the perfect addition to lunchboxes or an after school snack. Both filling and nutritious they tick all the boxes.
Keto Mini Apple Cinnamon Grain Free Muffins
These Mini Apple Cinnamon Grain-Free Muffins are the perfect addition to school or work lunchboxes. Gluten-free and sugar-free muffins also make a perfect little afternoon snack with a cup of tea or coffee. They are also keto-friendly and freeze well to make meal prep during a busy week easy and delicious.
Healthy Toddler Banana Oat Muffins – 3 Ways!
Quick, healthy and customizable...what more could you want?
Healthy Homemade Nut Free Granola Bars :: Nut Free School Zone Safe and Naturally Refined Sugar Free!
Nut school free approved and naturally sweetened!
Healthier Baked Banana Breakfast Doughnuts
If you like baked banana and baked doughnuts, then this is definitely the recipe for you. Light and fluffy, egg, dairy and gluten-free, these homemade breakfast doughnuts are ready to take your breakfast game to a whole new level.
Clove and Cranberry Apple Sauce in the Instant Pot
This makes a fun and flavourful addition to little lunches. Pair with some yogurt and you are good to go.
3 Ingredient Slow Cooker Applesauce
A cinch to prepare and always a favorite addition to lunchboxes. Pop in a reusable squeezy pouch or into a little container to brighten up your little one's lunch without all the added refined sugar from the store-bought versions.
Baked Zucchini, Feta and Quinoa Bites
These delicious little Baked Zucchini Feta and Quinoa Bites are packed full of great ingredients and flavors. Perfect as a main when paired with a salad, or as a fun addition to big and little lunch boxes.
The Easiest Zucchini and Sweet Corn Fritters Recipe
This Zucchini and Sweet Corn Fritters Recipe is a super quick snack to put together, using only 5 ingredients. Have them as is, with some tomato ketchup, or dress them up with some creme fraiche, chives and salmon.
Bombay Veggie Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Feta and Broccoli Fritters
For something a bit different from the normal sandwich, why don’t you try some of my Broccoli and Feta. This is another one where I make a big batch and freeze – this is a great way to meal prep and definitely takes some of the hassle out of deciding what to send with them.
5 Ingredient Cheddar and Riced Broccoli Fritters
5 Ingredient Cheddar and Riced Broccoli Fritters make a great little afternoon snack for hungry bellies. They pack a whole lot of broccoli into each fritter, making it an easy way to sneak some extra greens into your diet. These are low carb, vegetarian and easily made gluten-free. A great way to use up leftover broccoli rice or broccoli from dinner the night before.
Spiced Cauliflower Parmesan Fritters
Packed full of veg and spice, these little fritters are the perfect snack to have on hand throughout the week. Serve with hummus, labne, ketchup, or a nice big salad for something more substantial.
Ricotta and Cauliflower Tater Tots
Put that leftover cauliflower rice to good use with these incredibly moreish Ricotta and Cauliflower Tater Tots. Just a handful of ingredients and a little bit of time will give you a snack that is perfect as a side on your dinner table or tucked away into a little ones lunch box with a side of organic ketchup.
Broccoli Cheddar Quinoa Bars
These Broccoli Cheddar Quinoa Bars are filled with tons of broccoli and quinoa. Lots of protein and fiber rich.
Homemade Gluten-Free Pizza Lunchables (Vegan, Allergy-Free, Grain-Free)
Lunchables without the scary ingredients! Homemade Gluten-Free Pizza Lunchables that are vegan, allergy-free, & grain-free too! This healthy, kid-loved, and mom-approved make-ahead lunch recipe will make the school year a bit more fun!
Paleo Sausage Cheese Balls
A perfect grab and go snack for school, these Paleo sausage cheese balls are a handy bite to eat warm or cold! We love how easy they are to make, and how portable they are.
Recipe ReDux #17 Garlic Kale Hummus
There are so many ways to use hummus, it’s not just a dip! This Garlic Kale Hummus is the perfect healthy flavor enhancer for any dish! Gluten-free, vegan, and packed with nutrition and flavor, the perfect addition to sandwiches.
Healthy Butternut Squash Dip
Or try this Butternut Squash Dip with a side of chopped veggies – I am thinking some carrot and celery sticks would be perfect.
Do you have any favorite back to school snacks you like to include in your kid's lunchbox? I would love to hear about them! Be sure to check out the second installment of my back to school snacks round ups for even more inspiration 🙂 Have a great week.
Don’t forget to follow Whole Food Bellies on Pinterest for more recipe inspiration! Or if Pinterest isn’t your style, bookmark this post! Let’s keep the conversation going- join my Facebook group!
If you tried this recipe please comment and rate it. I love hearing your feedback and answering your questions! And if you make this please tag me on Instagram with @wholefoodbellies so I can share it <3
Riya says
thanks for giving such a nice list of recipe....
will pin it..
pakistani cooking recipes says
Thanks for the awesome recipes. You saved my day. I am going to try it for my kids.
Donna1 says
You are VERY welcome 🙂
April @ Girl Gone Gourmet says
Thank you for including my cookies! Great round-up 🙂
Whole Food Bellies says
Very welcome, thanks for sharing with us 🙂
Pam @ Hodge Podge Moments says
I am drooling! All of these look SO good. I'm not even sure which one to click on first!
Whole Food Bellies says
Haha thanks Pam 🙂
Trista, Domesticated Momster says
You make eating healthy look so incredibly easy! Those grilled cheese sandwiches are going on my shopping list. Thank you for linking up more wonderful recipes with #foodpornthursdays.
Whole Food Bellies says
I know, how amazing do those sandwiches look!! Thanks for having me over at #foodpornthursdays 🙂
Catie says
My favs have to be the scones and the Taquitos. I get so bored with sandwiches. Although everything looks amazing! Thanks for sharing.#foodpornthursdays
Whole Food Bellies says
They are both fantastic! I know, I can't stand the sight of plain old sandwiches anymore 🙂
Shelly says
First, I want to eat EVERYTHING on this page! Those Pumpkin Breakfast Cookies sound absolutely amazing. I love just about anything pumpkin!
Whole Food Bellies says
Me too! I am so excited for all the pumpkin yumminess that fall brings!
ana says
I love how you said that change can be gradual it is good that you understand how difficult it is to change your routine. The taquitos look great http://www.fadedspring.co.uk/
Whole Food Bellies says
Oh definitely Ana!! It took me a long time to change to a whole food diet, I know how hard it can be to change life long habits 🙂
Denea Duran says
Pinning! These all look so yummy! Thanks for sharing!
ron says
OMG! Everything looks good. I will try all the dessert. Thank you!
Whole Food Bellies says
Haha I like your thinking ron 🙂
Stacey says
So many good recipes! I know my kids would love a few of these.
Whole Food Bellies says
I hope they do Stacey!
Bonnie @ Living a Fit and Full Life says
Such yummy foods!
Jaclyn says
Those broccoli and feta fritters look amazing. I LOOOVE feta!
Whole Food Bellies says
Thanks Jaclyn, I am totally addicted to feta too 🙂
Blanca says
What an awesome roundup. So many great recipes but I think my favorite would be the Bombay Veggie Grilled Cheese Sandwich.
Whole Food Bellies says
I know, how good does it look!
Bernadette Callahan (@AimlessMoments) says
These would be great after school snacks! The kids love granola so Im going to try the Banana Nut Granola Bars.
Tirralan - Tinseltown Mom says
Wow, what a wonderful selection of healthy recipes. There are so many to chose from. I love that butternut squash dip recipe and Broccoli and Feta Fritters. Looks like foods that would be on the display at Whole Foods Market.
Maria @closetohome says
Yum, I love all these recipes!!
Megan @ Wit & Wander says
Oh my! Those look amazing! I can't wait to try the Apple & Quinoa Breakfast Pots. Thanks for sharing!
Jenny says
I love all the grab and go breakfast options. Definitely needed on school days!
Julie @ Girl on the Move says
What a great roundup! And I loved what you said about even making just one lunch a week from scratch...changes don't always have to be made all at once in one big sweeping movement but can be made one small change at a time
Whole Food Bellies says
Definitely Julie! I am definitely a 'slowly does it' kinda person when it comes to big changes in life 🙂
Julia says
Great Recipes. My Favorite would have to be the Oatmeal Raisin Chocolate Chip cookies. Thanks for sharing.
Ali @ Home Crafts by Ali says
So many good looking recipes! Can't wait to try some of them soon.
Diane says
A lovely collection of back to school recipes! So many great lunch box treats! Thank you so much for including my homemade taquitos! Pinning and sharing!
Whole Food Bellies says
Thanks for sharing it with us Diane!
Rachel @ athletic avocado says
Yay! Thanks so much for featuring my granola bars! What a great round up! Def pinning 🙂
Whole Food Bellies says
Thank you for sharing - we have been loving them 🙂