When the kids are finally released for their learning duties at 3pm each day, almost every single one of them will get home and start looking for an after-school snack that will tide them over until dinner.
As a parent, it can be difficult to have tasty yet healthy snacks prepared in time for the after-school pantry rummage. It’s even harder to think of something new. With that in mind, we spoke to dietician, nutritionist and Don Smallgoods ambassador, Susie Burrell.
“Ideally, a snack food for children will keep them full for 2-3 hours and offer some positive nutritional properties, whether it’s calcium, fibre, protein or iron,” says Susie. “Nutrients such as fibre and protein will help to keep kids full, while calcium and iron will support optimal growth and development. Based on these guidelines, dairy or nut-based snacks, such as low fat milk drinks, yoghurt, or cheese are all good choices, especially when combined with low GI carbohydrates such as wholegrain crackers, fruit or vegetables.”

Top 10 After School Snacks
1 piece of fruit or vegetable plus one of the following:
- Cheese and wholegrain crackers
- Snack plate of chopped veges, rolled up ham or chicken, cheese and crackers
- 100% nut spread (peanut butter) with dipping vegetables
- Toasted ham, cheese and tomato wrap
- Greek yoghurt with berries
- Homemade zucchini slice
- Packet of roasted broadbeans or popcorn
- Hommus or avo dip with wholegrain crackers
- Corn thins with 100% peanut butter and banana
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5 healthy snacks perfect for the school lunchbox
5 healthy alternatives to your favourite snack foods
Looking for a healthy alternative to hot chips? Try the homemade sweet potato gem recipe in the video below.