When the school day ends, hunger pangs begin. But don’t let your kids reach for chips or candy. Instead, provide them with nutritious and delicious snacks that will satisfy their cravings and keep them energized until dinner. Here are five easy and budget-friendly snack ideas that are perfect for after-school munchies.
1. Homemade Hummus with Veggie Sticks
Ingredients:
- 1 can chickpeas
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons tahini
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt to taste
- Assorted fresh vegetables (like carrots, cucumber, and bell peppers)
Instructions:
- Rinse the chickpeas under cold water and drain.
- In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, garlic, tahini, and lemon juice.
- Process until smooth, adding a bit of water if needed. Season with salt to taste.
- Slice the fresh vegetables into sticks. Serve with the homemade hummus.
Hummus is a great source of protein and fiber, while fresh veggies offer essential vitamins and minerals. This snack is not only nutritious but also very economical, especially if you buy the chickpeas in bulk.
2. DIY Popcorn
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup popcorn kernels
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the popcorn kernels and cover the pot.
- Shake the pot occasionally to prevent the kernels from burning.
- When the popping slows down, remove the pot from heat and let it sit for a minute.
- Sprinkle with salt and serve.
3. Banana and Peanut Butter Roll-Ups
Ingredients:
- 1 whole wheat tortilla
- 1 ripe banana
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter
- A drizzle of honey (optional)
Instructions:
- Spread the peanut butter evenly over the whole wheat tortilla.
- Peel the banana and place it at one end of the tortilla.
- Roll the tortilla around the banana, making sure it’s tightly wrapped.
- Slice into rounds, drizzle with a little honey if desired, and serve.
This snack is packed with protein from the peanut butter and is a good source of fiber from the whole wheat tortilla and banana. The natural sweetness of the banana makes this snack feel like a treat, without the need for added sugar.
4. Yogurt and Fresh Fruit Parfaits
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of plain or Greek yogurt
- 1 cup of mixed fresh fruit (like berries, peaches, or kiwi)
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- A handful of granola or nuts (optional)
Instructions:
- In a glass or jar, layer half of the yogurt at the bottom.
- Add half of the fruit as the next layer.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining yogurt and fruit.
- Drizzle the honey or maple syrup on top, and sprinkle with granola or nuts if using.
Yogurt parfaits are an excellent source of calcium and probiotics. Using fresh fruit adds vitamins and fiber, and a drizzle of honey provides natural sweetness. Making your own parfaits at home allows you to control the ingredients and sugar content, and is often less expensive than buying premade versions at the store.
These simple and affordable after-school snacks are not only tasty, but they’re also healthy and satisfying. They’re perfect for busy families who want to ensure their kids are getting the nutrients they need, without breaking the bank. Keep these ingredients on hand for a quick and easy snack solution.
