In an ideal world, we would spend hours in the kitchen whipping up snacks from scratch. As much as I wish that’s what I do, we don’t live in an ideal world [sigh]. Life gets in the way. Life with kids gets even more hectic. When I’m behind on grocery shopping and have zero fresh fruit or veggies, I resort to my plan B: healthy packaged snacks for kids.
For you, it might just be tough finding SOMEthing or ANYthing to give your picky eaters.
Have a Goldfish-obsessed child? Throw in some crunchy Good Bean roasted chickpeas with their next snack.
Does your little one go crazy for melt-in-your-mouth Cheetos? Snap Pea Crisps might be their new favourite snack (and better for them).
Are you ready to put an end to mealtime battles? This list of Healthy Packaged Snacks for Kids is a great place to start.
Introducing Healthy Packaged Snacks for Kids
When whole foods are not an option, we want packaged foods made with whole foods. We should aim for high fiber, high protein, and low sugar. Instead of avoiding the middle aisles of a grocery store, I’ve searched high and low for healthy packaged snacks for Kids that they will love, and most importantly, you can feel good about giving them.
Most packaged foods are filled with “crap” and added sweeteners, which send our children on a blood sugar roller coaster (tantrums anyone?).
But there are better options out there. I looked, I tried, and now I’m sharing!
In my list of the top 19 healthy packaged snacks for kids, you can expect snacks that are:
- A source of fiber (to keep our kids fuller longer, with other health benefits including regular bowels!)
- A source of protein (important for growth, health, hormones, blood sugar balancing, etc)
- A source of nutrition (minerals, vitamins, etc)
- Free of added sugars (or have some sweetness that is paired with fiber/protein/fat to tame the sugar rush)
- Free of artificial colours or flavours
The “Better” and “Good” snacks have higher amounts of sugar and processing but still have some great nutritional qualities.
BEST Healthy Packaged Snacks for Kids
Seaweed Snacks
Sustainably-grown roasted seaweed snack with a touch of organic extra virgin olive oil and a pinch of sea salt. There are no artificial colours, preservatives or GMOs and are a healthy alternative to chips. Although these sea snacks are not significant for their protein or fibre content, they have no sugar and are a significant source of iodine, magnesium, potassium, iron, zinc, copper and selenium.
Roasted Lentils
Get them here: Canada
This is a new take on the roasted chickpea. We’ve now got roasted lentils in the house! They are a very high source of fiber, high in protein, Nut Free, Gluten Free, Vegan.
Roasted Chickpeas
This chickpea snack is roasted and packs a good crunch. Sienna loves the plain ol’ Sea Salt version and one of my favourites is the Cinnamon Sugar (yes, I admittedly have a sweet tooth). They are a little higher in sugar than other snacks, but have an impressive 5 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber. The company website proudly boasts that one serving of their chickpeas offers as much fibre as eating two cups of broccoli and as much folate as three cups of spinach.
Mary’s Gone Crackers
These are certified organic, wheat free and gluten free. These crackers are delicious on their own or topped with your favourite topping. Both parents and kids will devour these with a satisfying crunch and moms can feel good knowing that they have no sugar, 3 grams of fiber and 3 grams of protein.
LÄRABAR Original Apple Pie
Grab them here: Canada, USA equivalent
This was the first packaged snack I gave to Sienna, when I used to break all the mealtime rules. Before I knew that grazing was counterproductive for kids, I would let Sienna snack throughout the day and have a LARABAR on hand for those ‘just in case’ moments. I love that they are so simply made with dried fruit and nuts being the main ingredients. While they provide a good boost of energy, the healthy fats (10 grams), protein (4 grams) and fiber (5 grams) help to balance the blood sugar spike. They also contain no dairy, gluten, soy, or grains and are made entirely from plant-based foods. Even their bars with chocolate chips are 100% vegan.
Pumpkin Seed Butter (put on crackers, banana, bread, etc)
Grab them here: Canada, USA equivalent
I’m a convert. I used to be all about the almond butter, cashew butter, and even peanut butter back in the day. But knowing what I know now as a Nutritionist, pumpkin seeds are where we get more nutrients for our buck. I love spreading some on a banana, a homemade dehydrated onion bread, or on rice crackers. It does have more of an earthy taste and appearance but don’t let the green tinge scare you off. You and your kids will get a boost of incredibly important minerals including magnesium (for energy and relaxation) and zinc (for immune strength), plus antioxidants.
Kale Chips
Grab them here: Canada, USA equivalent
My little addiction. And they seem to be becoming a fave for my kids as well…not at 4 months old though! (this is an old photo). These “chips” are not only healthy, but the company uses environmentally friendly “cooking” methods. They have 2 grams of protein, 1 gram of fiber and only 1 gram of sugar. As an added nutritional bonus, kale is packed with vitamins and nutrients such as vitamin A, C, B6, manganese, copper and potassium. Note: This snack does contain nuts (cashews).
Coconut Strips
This is my latest discovery as far as packaged snacks go and I am pretty excited about it. The ingredients: Dried coconut (some have flavouring). That’s it! Coconut alone is a nutrient-dense food with healthy fats, 4 grams of fibre, and 2 grams of protein. They are kosher, vegan, organic, GMO-free, gluten-free, and free of everything a mom or dad might worry about. If you’re looking for some variety they also come in a few different flavours.
Skout Organic Blueberry Blast Kids Bar
Get them here: Canada, USA
I know, I know. We want kids to eat more veggies. Well, here’s your Plan B (or Plan Z if you feel like you’ve tried it all). These bars leave all the icky ingredients behind and are designed with kids in mind. This one is school-friendly and contains 2 grams of protein from the sunflower seeds and 2 grams of fiber. With only 5 ingredients, it’s almost like you made this one yourself!
Hummus (pair with crackers, fruit, veg, whatever!)
Get them here: Canada (this is a mix), USA
Pre-cut veggies like carrots and cucumber and/or Mary’s Gone Crackers plus these convenient mini hummus cups and you have yourself a nutritious snack packed with vitamins and minerals. I like that hummus is versatile and does not have to be solely used as a dip. It can also be used on a baked potatoes or roasted veggies instead of sour cream or sauces. You can even try it as a sandwich spread alternative. This hummus has 2.5 grams of protein, 2 grams of fiber and ONLY 1.5 gram of sugar.
BETTER Healthy Packaged Snacks for Kids
Snap Peas
Made with 70% whole green pea, these non-GMO pea pods are baked and lightly salted. They can be enjoyed as part of a meal or as a snack. One serving size is packed with 4 grams of protein, 3 grams of fibre and only 1 gram of sugar. These peas are especially beneficial for picky eaters who prefer something that’s crispy and easy to eat. The closest in flavour/texture to a chip without being a “chip”.
GoGo Quinoa Cookies
Get them here: Canada, USA (almond flour cookies)
I first discovered these vegan and gluten-free cookies at Costco, but you can now buy on Amazon. Since that moment, they’ve made an appearance in our cupboard a few times. Why? Well, they are the perfect size for small children (and someone like me who just needs a few nibbles). Two cookies come with 1 gram of protein, 1 gram of fibre and 6 grams of sugar (way better than any Oreo)! What I could do without is the individual wrapping for each cookie, but I’m sure it’s beneficial for packing snacks and lunches to go.
GMO-Free Popcorn
Get them here: Canada (make your own!), USA
Air-popped popcorn is so light and simple. The best brands have just 3 ingredients – unrefined oil, sea salt and GMO-free popcorn. Popcorn also boasts 2 grams of protein, 5 grams of fiber and less than 1 gram of sugar. Knowing that corn is one of the most contaminated foods, you’ll want to make sure your popcorn is organic. And of course, choking is always something to be careful with for the young ones (4 and under).
RW Garcia Artisan Crackers
I stumbled on this brand of gluten-free crackers in Costco and my girls love them for snacks on the go. In the words of the company “Snack with confidence knowing that these delicious crackers are made with all non-GMO ingredients and are trans fat and cholesterol free”. Their nutritional profile isn’t so bad either with 2 grams each of protein and fibre, along with 2 grams of sugar. I don’t love the use of sunflower oils but it could be worse right?
The better cracker is Mary’s Gone Crackers but kids can be hit and miss with this brand because of their seedy texture. My girls are just used to seeing them all time (and mommy enjoying them) that they make a regular appearance in their snack.
Wholly Guacamole
If I didn’t know better I would most likely mistake this guacamole as homemade. It provides healthy fats with Haas avocado being the main ingredient, complemented by vinegar, onion, jalapeno peppers, salt and garlic. This guacamole has 6 grams of fat and 1 gram of fiber in just 2 tablespoons and is great paired with veggies, crackers or just straight up on a spoon.
Yoggu Coconut Yogurt
Get them here: Canada, USA 
We aren’t a big dairy-eating family but yogurt is one of my (and my girl’s) favourite snacks. Topped with chia, shredded coconut, raspberries and some granola – yum. The odd time I’ll grab some sheep or goat yogurt, but this coconut-based yogurt is in my fridge at all times. This yogurt has such a rich and creamy coconut base. We like the unsweetened variety which is delicious on its own or with some added fruit for added sweetness. It has an impressive 5 grams of fiber, 3 gram of protein and 0 grams of sugar.
GOOD Healthy Packaged Snacks for Kids
That’s It Fruit Bars
The title in these says it all. These are clean, free of preservatives and made of just fruit. They are a good, kid-sized alternative to fruit snacks and fruit leathers.They have 4 grams of fiber, 1 gram of protein, and 19 grams of all-natural sugar. A definite crowd-pleaser!
Hippie Snacks Banana Bread Crisps
If your kids like banana bread, they will LOVE these! Crispy and full of guilt-free ingredients, this is one you don’t want to miss! With 4 grams of protein, 2 grams of fibre and 4 grams of sugar, what’s not to love?! This brand also carries a ton of other savory options and flavours too!
Nature’s Bakery Raspberry Fig Bar
I don’t know any kids that would refuse a bar, but it is usually a high sugar, processed granola bar that they opt for. These bars have 3 gram of protein and 3 grams of fiber. They are high in sugar with 19 grams of sugar, but the ingredients are much more appealing than a conventional granola bar – no artificial colours or flavours and no high fructose corn syrup. If you don’t have time to make a homemade bar then these are a good back-up.
BONUS Ideas
Love Child Oaty Chomps
Get them here: Canada
Love Child just might be the brand I hear most about from parents. Finally, a clean packaged product that has some goodness to offer. Your little one will love these fruit and grain bars! They are a delicious all-natural gluten-free snack made with no added sugars (not even fruit concentrate). These perfectly sized bars come with 1 gram of protein and 2 grams of fiber. They do have 7 grams of sugar but it’s all from natural sources. So you can let them chow down on these every once in a while sans guilt.
Elan Organic Dried Apricots
Of course, fresh fruit is wonderful and the best option, but dried fruit still offers a nutrient punch (it just lacks the hydration). I particularly love dried unsulfured apricots. Their dark amber colour isn’t as pleasing to the eye as the bright peachy variety, but at least you’ll know they are free of preservatives. Nutritionally they are rich in iron, copper, fiber, vitamins A and C. For 8 pieces, the natural sugars are higher (24 grams) but they a high in fiber (2 grams) and some protein too (1 gram). Dried apricots are great an energy boost for before and after physical activity. BUT they are heavy on the sugar, so be sure to pair with nuts, seeds or other protein (or fat) to stabilize blood sugars.
Made Good Granola Minis
When I ask parents what their favourite on-the-go snack is for their little ones, I can almost guarantee to see this show up on the list. They come in the perfect bite size ball for small mouths and are allergen-free (hence perfect for taking to school). They’re also slow to digest, keeping kids fuller longer with 2 gram of protein and 2 grams of fibre. There are 6 grams of sugar in the bars but it’s tough to tell how much of it is derived from the fruit ingredients versus the added cane sugar.
That’s the list!
For now…
Often, we worry about what kids are eating at their main meals. But if the right foods are offered at the right times, snacks can play an important role in managing kids’ hunger and boosting nutrition.
For parents with picky eaters who have limited food choices, snacks like these can be added insurance that they’re getting some nutrition that their bodies need to thrive. I’m sure I’ve missed other worthy packaged snacks that deserve to be added to the list above. If so, please do send them my way!
Great list with some of our regulars and a few we are eager to try! Thanks for making being a health conscious mom a bit easier each day 🙂
You are very welcome Marla! Glad to hear there are few new ones for you to explore at home.
Great post! We are also fans of the Made Good products (bars and granola bites) and Simply Protein Strawberry bars.
Made Good is there! The picture wasn’t showing up which is why you might have missed it 🙂 It is one of the snacks I most commonly hear as a favourite from parents. Couldn’t leave it out!
Thanks for mentioning Simply Bar, Stephanie. I hesitated adding it to the list because soy is mostly GMO and heavily sprayed with pesticides, etc. It may end up in the “good” list at some point though.
Have you ever tried banana brownies (sold at Moberley Natural Foods). They’re amazing and super portable. The only ingredient is bananas and they taste fantastic.
I think we’ve found #20!! Forgot about these, Fran! Definitely adding the Banana Brownies on the list as soon as I get the chance. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you so much for this list! I guess my only comment is that a couple of them don’t meet the litterless/plastic criteria that schools and personal preference lead us to strive towards (I’m thinking the hummus and apple sauce suggestions) – but those ones are easy to substitute with scoops of the same in glass containers.
So glad you pointed this out. I had a few words about this in the post but it was getting to lengthy so had it removed. I am on the same page and was reluctant to include GoGo Quinoa cookies for this reason – all that wrapping!! AH! Instead what I plan to do is message the company(s) directly and share this concern.
For the apple sauce you can simply buy the large jar. For the hummus there is also a larger container. I will add this to the commentary under both 🙂
I love Mary’s crackers too, Danielle, but I’ve been traumatized… I used to buy them all the time, but Cara has choked on them – for real – at least three times (I mean gagging / coughing & then she stopped because she couldn’t breathe). Not to mention all the times she just gagged on them & caused my heart to skip beats. So, anyone with a child who tends to overstuff or not chew properly may want to avoid these.
Great post! Thank you! Where can I find these items?
Hi Jillian! You can find most at your local health food store or Costco for some (Beet Crackers, Hummus, Made Good). Depends where you are located.