Need new snack ideas?

I don’t think there is an age group that doesn’t ask about simple snack ideas. We can always use new snack ideas, even those that bring to remembrance fun snacks we loved as kids….who says as adults we still can’t enjoy them?? Remember making ants on a log or mini pizzas? Yes, you can still enjoy these snacks even as an adult :)

As a busy mom, I am always trying to find new snacks to incorporate into my sons diet to increase variety and exposure to new foods. As a busy business owner, I need simple snacks that can fuel me for hours and be put together in a flash.

Focus on nutrient dense foods in a snack

What are nutrient dense foods? Foods that are high in nutrients in relation to their calorie content. We want to get the most bang for our buck and ensure the calories we consume are loaded with nutrients that nurture our bodies.

For children, this is especially important throughout times of growth and development and so that is why we want to focus on nutrient dense options. We also want to make sure fun foods are thrown in the mix from time to time, but that majority of snacks are those powerhouse nutrient rich ones.

As adults, it’s the same principle. While our portion size may look different than our kids, we want to make sure the focus is on those nutrient dense foods.

Top 20 list

Here is a list of 20 simple snacks (10 minutes or less to put together) that keep both adults and kids fueled, full, and energized throughout the day.

2.     Guacamole and multigrain tortilla chips

I love making homemade guacamole, but for convenience you can purchase individual snack guacamole cups. I look for multi grain tortilla chips or ones with added seeds and nuts for more fiber and protein.

3.     Quesadilla with cheese and turkey or chicken

This is by far a favorite snack and lunch option for both my son and myself. I use non-dairy cheese, and for my son we use organic shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese. I like to add organic turkey slices or chicken for more protein.

4.     Air popped popcorn

Did you know popcorn is a whole grain and a great source of fiber? We love air popping popcorn for a fun evening snack and adding our favorite toppings. I love sprinkling mine with nutritional yeast for added iron and B vitamins.

5.     Toast with nut/sun butter

Doesn’t get much simpler than this! This one can be made allergy friendly using sun butter or gluten free bread. I like to sprinkle chia seeds on my sons toast which he thinks are fun sprinkles.

6.     Toast with avocado

Want to jazz up your basic avocado toast? Add a hard boiled egg, or top with blueberries and drizzle with honey.

7.     All natural deli meat wrapped around a cheesestick

I’m pretty sure most kids (and adults!) love cheesesticks and pairing with a slice of turkey or ham for added protein.

8.     Coconut yogurt and mini chocolate chips

My son ate yogurt as an evening snack for about three months straight. Opt for plain Greek yogurt, or unsweetened non-dairy yogurt, like coconut yogurt and then sweeten it yourself. I love Enjoy Life brand mini chocolate chips which are allergy friendly.

10.     Mini pizza

My son LOVES making homemade pizza. Use pita bread, cheese, and tomato sauce for a quick snack version. Add toppings like turkey pepperoni or black olives for added protein and healthy fat.

11.     Lunchbox sushi

This one is so fun! What kid or adult wouldn’t love having this as a snack. Click here for the recipe.

12.     Whole grain waffles with nut/sun butter

Who says waffles are only for breakfast? I love eating breakfast foods any time of the day.

13.     No added sugar ice pops

These ice pops come together so quick, and are sure to please the whole family. Click here for the recipe.

14.     Mini bagel and cream cheese

A standard size bagel is typically both carb and calorie dense. Opt for a mini bagel which is the perfect size for both kids and adults.

15.     Overnight oats

This is my jam! Anything I can dump together overnight and have as a snack the next day is perfection. Add oats, chia seeds, dairy or non-dairy milk, nut/seed butter, cinnamon, really, any combo you like!

16.     Smoothies

You can make simple smoothies during the day using three ingredients: frozen fruit, kefir/Greek yogurt, milk of choice.

18.     Banana “nice cream”

Over the summer we tried this at a boardwalk vendor stand. It was so good! Simply take frozen bananas and blend. Add in nut butter, chocolate chips. granola to make this “nice cream.”

19.     Apple with nut/sun butter

I think I have posted about my love for this snack many times now :) If you haven’t tried this winning combo yet, give it a go! Super filling and delicious.

20.     Fruit kabobs with laughing cow cheese

Kids and adults love laughing cow cheese. Pair with your favorite fruit and put on a kabob to make it fun for kids!

We have reached the end of our snack list. I hope these snack ideas have inspired you to try something new and creative. Leave a comment below sharing which snack on the list you or your kids will try next.