There are a few ways you can save time when making snacks for your children.

The list of suggested snacks below all take a only few minutes to prepare. To further save time, at the start of each week you could write a list or chart of the snacks you intend your child to have through the week, or prepare as many snacks as you can in one go, in advance, either at the beginning or end of the week – or a quieter time that fits in with you.

Doing this with your child can be beneficial too, as it helps them know what to expect. But remember, you don’t have to serve homemade snacks every day – we’re looking for the small wins where we can.

10 quick and healthy snacks you can make in under ten minutes:

A close-up of a mischievous young girl holding a piece of apple up to her mouth imitating a smile. She is wearing casual clothing, in the kitchen of their home.
  1. Thinly sliced apples (or other fruits) with a small amount of peanut butter or almond butter.
  2. Carrot, cucumber and pepper sticks (or other raw vegetables) with hummus or yoghurt-based dip.
  3. Banana slices dipped in natural yoghurt.
  4. A small bowl of Greek yoghurt topped with fresh berries.
  5. Wholegrain crackers paired with a slice of cheese or cream cheese.
  6. 'Ants on a log': celery sticks filled with peanut butter and topped with raisins.
  7. Popcorn, nuts or seeds (for over-fives only due to choking hazard).
  8. Dried wholegrain cereal.
  9. Hard-boiled egg.
  10. Savoury sandwich.

Watch: Priya Tew’s healthier snacks to keep kids feeling fuller for longer.

A close-up of a mischievous young girl holding a piece of apple up to her mouth imitating a smile. She is wearing casual clothing, in the kitchen of their home.
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How can I make snacking fun and easy with kids?

Clinical psychologist Dr Danielle Grey says: “Rather than becoming anxious about our children’s diet, it’s important to create a space that fosters curiosity and a willingness to try new foods… By taking the pressure off and supporting your children to enjoy food, and understanding the importance of nutrition for our physical and emotional wellbeing, you’ll support them to feel confident to make healthy choices.”

Try our Snack Bingo activity to make choosing new snacks fun for your kids – they can cross off each snack they try.

Try the Snack Swap challenge: Challenge your child to see how many of the healthy snack options above (or any other options that would be more nutritious than their current snack choices) they could try each week. Different snacks will help to provide that all-important balance of nutrients.

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10 tips to make snacking with kids easier

  1. Emphasise the importance of overall eating patterns rather than stressing about every single meal or snack. A balanced diet over time is more important than each individual food choice.
  2. Try not to label foods as ‘good’ or ‘bad’. Instead, talk about ‘everyday’ foods that are nutritious and ‘sometimes’ foods that are enjoyed in moderation.
  3. Teach children that all foods – including those ‘sometimes’ foods – can fit into a balanced and varied diet. However, tell your child not to worry if they have a condition like avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) and can only eat certain foods. Speak to their GP for more advice on how to manage this.
  4. Create a relaxed and enjoyable meal or snack time atmosphere. Avoid pressuring children to eat certain foods or finish their plates. Mealtimes should be a time for family connection and enjoyment, not stress.
  5. Be a role model by eating a variety of foods and showing a balanced approach to eating. Children learn by watching their parents.
A side-view shot of a smiling father and his young daughter sitting opposite each other on a train journey. They are both leaning on the table, the young girl taking a piece of popcorn from the plastic container which her father is offering to her.
  1. Offer a variety of foods to ensure balanced nutrition, but keep it fun and enjoyable. Present food creatively and involve children in food preparation where possible.
  2. Encourage children to listen to their bodies and eat when they’re hungry and stop when they’re full. This helps them develop a healthy relationship with food.
  3. Teach children the basics of food labels, but don't focus on reading every detail. Emphasise understanding the main components like serving size, key nutrients, and the traffic light system for quick guidance.
  4. Understand that children have their own food preferences and dislikes. Respect these while gently encouraging them to try new foods.
  5. Remember, consistency is key, not perfection.
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What snacks can I give my child if they have an allergy?

If your child has an allergy or intolerance, there are still lots of options for snacks you can buy or make in advance at home. Always check the ingredients for any allergens before using them.

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Wheat-free snack ideas

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Dairy-free snack ideas

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Nut-free snack ideas

As with all snacks, please be aware of any allergies your child has, and always read the labels.

Advice and expertise across our Happy Family Eating content was provided by children’s dietitian Angharad Banner - an independent and NHS dietitian.