25 Healthy Snacks for Kids — Free Printable List by Food Group | MyPlate

25 Healthy Snacks for Kids

A free printable list of 25 healthy snack ideas for kids, grouped by MyPlate's five food groups: fruits, vegetables, grains, protein, and dairy. Kid-friendly, allergy-aware, and ready to print for home or the classroom.

1. From the fruit group

Apple or pear slices with a thin spread of nut butter (use seed butter for nut-free schools). A small cup of rinsed grapes or blueberries. Clementine or orange segments that are easy to peel. Frozen banana coins on a warm afternoon. Unsweetened applesauce with a shake of cinnamon.

2. From the vegetable group

Baby carrots or cucumber rounds with a spoonful of hummus. Bell pepper strips in a few different colors. Cherry tomatoes (halved for younger kids) with a sprinkle of cheese. Steamed green beans or sugar snap peas, cooled. Celery sticks with a swipe of soft cheese or seed butter.

3. From the grains group

Whole-grain crackers with a slice of cheese. Air-popped popcorn for older kids. A whole-wheat tortilla rolled up with a thin spread. Whole-grain toast triangles with a little mashed avocado. A bowl of low-sugar whole-grain cereal, dry or with milk.

4. From the protein group

A hard-boiled egg, peeled and halved. Roasted chickpeas or a small handful of unsalted nuts (use seeds for nut-free settings). Edamame popped from the pod. A spoonful of bean dip or hummus with whole-grain pita. Turkey or chicken roll-ups — no bread needed.

5. From the dairy group

Plain or low-sugar yogurt with fruit stirred in. A string-cheese stick. Cottage cheese with peach or pineapple. A glass of milk, or fortified soy milk. Frozen yogurt tubes for a cool treat.

6. Mix and match to stay full

Pairing two food groups makes a snack more filling and keeps energy steady between meals. Try apple slices with cheese, whole-grain crackers with turkey, or veggie sticks with hummus. Let kids build their own combo from what's in the fridge.

7. Keep it safe for little ones

For younger children, cut round or firm foods like grapes, cherry tomatoes, and raw carrot into small pieces, and hold off on popcorn and whole nuts until about age 4. Swap nut butters for seed butters wherever nut allergies are a concern.

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