Summer has flown by, and it’s almost time for the kiddos to go back to school. As parents, we want our kids to have nutritious snacks that will help them focus and grow. But with our already busy schedules, it’s hard to find the time to prepare healthy options. But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. Here are some easy, delicious, and macro-friendly back-to-school snacks that your kids will love – and so will you!
Back-to-School Snacks
Baked Oat Bars:
You and I know how important it is for our kids to have a macro-balanced meal in them before you’re all flying into the car with backpacks and sports equipment. But some mornings are just…well, crazy. When I’ve baked a dish of oat bars up beforehand and all I need to do is cut and serve, life suddenly becomes so much easier. Couple these oat bars with Two Good Vanilla Greek yogurt, a few tablespoons of almond milk Reddi Whip, some berries, and the nut butter of your choice, and your kids will be starting the day with the kind of macro-friendly and healthy brain food they need.
Snickerdoodle Zucchini Baked Oats
I LOVE baked oats, but honestly, even ⅓ cup of oats can blow through my daily carbs faster than I want. I need some for my chips, after all! That’s why I love these Snickerdoodle Zucchini Baked Oats. The volume of zucchini and protein in them allows me to fill my whole bowl while still being good to my macros. The flavors of cinnamon and vanilla just do it for me. These oats are definitely not like cake or quick bread. Think bread pudding. So, yes, you do get to eat dessert for breakfast.
Pumpkin Pie Baked Protein Oat Bars
Autumn is coming. We all know what that means: pumpkin spice everywhere. So before your cravings send you running to the nearest Starbucks (and the sugar count of that venti latte), try my Pumpkin Pie Baked Protein Oat Bars. You’ll get all the satisfaction and nostalgia that comes with that pumpkin-y flavor, while feeding your body with the veggies and protein you depend on to thrive. The macros for these bars are out of this world. And most importantly, kids love these. Nothing screams ‘back-to-school snacks’ like these bars.
Dairy-Free Lemon Blueberry Zucchini Oats
Lemon and blueberry are such a power couple, and you don’t have to resort to cake to mingle with them. These Dairy-Free Lemon Blueberry Baked Zucchini Oats are incredible for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or as a healthy dessert. I keep versatile foods around as a staple, especially when they are this delicious. When I hear one of those “I’m hungry!”s, I want to be offering my kids something protein-packed, healthy, and full of the kind of nutrients that super-food blueberries and zucchini bring. Bring some of these with you when you and the fam are headed off to those extracurriculars.
Never miss a recipe! Sign up for our emails!
Hot-Honey Salmon Bites
If you are looking for any opportunity to put your air fryer to use, you need to know about these Hot-Honey Salmon Bites. Put these bad boys in your air fryer for 5-7 minutes and you’re done. I’m all about keeping it simple. If you’re a fish person like me (and I know we all aren’t), the flavors in these bites of garlic, paprika, and honey are going to be addictive. Salmon is full of Omega-3s, known to be excellent for brain health, so these might be the perfect back-to-school snack when it’s the night before a big algebra test.
Overnight Pumpkin Chia Protein Pudding
Enough said. Tell me that Overnight Pumpkin Chia Protein Pudding doesn’t sound delicious. Overnight anything keeps things so easy. Everything in this pudding is good for you: pumpkin, chia seeds, cashew milk (or the milk of your choice), and vanilla protein powder. The jars in your fridge are going to be empty so fast, and you can fill new ones in less than a minute.
Veggies and Lentil Dip
Seriously, I love anything that I can use in twenty different ways, especially when we’re talking about back-to-school snacks. This Veggies and Lentil Dip can be served with pita chips, crackers, or over a bed of greens with chicken or fish. I even enjoy it as a salad. To make this extra macro-friendly, I added cucumber to stretch the volume (which doesn’t add macros) and Trader Joe’s fat-free feta, which just adds protein. Add some basil, balsamic vinegar, and bruschetta, and you and your family will not be able to get enough of this dip. It pairs excellently with Moroccan Chicken Skewers.
Protein Bars
Protein bars can make a quick and easy snack that you can offer to your children when they’re running late. Choose a protein bar that’s low in sugar and high in protein. You can check the ingredient list for natural sweeteners, such as dates or honey.
Some of my favorites are:
Energy Balls
Energy balls are perfect for those busy school days. They’re small, easy to store, and packed with nutrients to help keep our kids focused and energized. Plus, you can customize them to your child’s taste preferences. Here’s a simple energy ball recipe: In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of oats, 1 cup of nut butter, ¼ cup of honey, and ¼ cup of chocolate chips. Chill the mixture for 5-10 minutes. Once chilled, roll the mixture into balls. You can store these in the fridge for up to a week.
Easy and Healthy Back-to-School Snacks for Busy Parents
Back-to-school season can be hectic, but with these macro-friendly snacks, you’ll have one less thing to worry about. These snacks are not only healthy but also delicious and easy to make. Keeping healthy snacks convenient and readily available benefits not just the kids but the entire family. With a little bit of planning and preparation, your kids will have the perfect snacks to get them through their busy day at school, whether they eat them during a passing period or during after-school activities. So, give these snacks a try and see how much your kids will love them!
If you want to stay up to date on my latest creations, make sure you are hanging out with me on Instagram and TikTok. Trust me, you don’t want to miss out on anything. I always have so many ideas this time of year.
Disclosure: I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are my own. This post may contain affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission. Read the full privacy policy here.
Hi lillie, I was thrilled to see your energy bar recipe. Any chance you can add that into Fitness Pal for tracking.
Thanks!