If you’re looking for healthy snack ideas for your kids, there are so many delicious foods to choose from. Especially if you have young athletes, it’s important to have variety. You can’t feed them carrot sticks all the time, just like they certainly can’t live on sugar. It’s all about balance. Healthy snacks for young athletes can help them feel nourished on and off the field.

Whether you’re throwing snack baggies together before carting the kids off to practice or coming home to watch cartoons after a game well played, there are plenty of snack ideas to choose from. Sometimes, kids need simplicity. Other times, it’s fun to mix it up.

If you’re at a loss making this week’s grocery list, look no further. There are so many exciting snacks that the whole family can enjoy, especially your young athletes. 

1. Homemade Granola

Making your own granola is a great way to get creative in the kitchen without taking on a whole baking project. Granola is a fantastic snack for any time of day, and you can personalize it to your liking. 

By starting with a basic recipe, you can add your favorite nuts, dried fruit or any other bits that would make it extra delicious. The nuts and seeds you include in your child’s granola can promote long-lasting energy that’ll keep them going all day.

2. Granola Bars

While you can buy granola bars at the store, you can also make your own if you’re in the mood for a project. These can work as a bit more of a portable snack than loose granola. 

Granola bars are versatile in that they can make for a project or a low maintenance snack. You can find a few basic recipes, or even use the same staples you like in your homemade granola to make your bars.

3. Fruit Smoothies

Smoothies can also be a portable snack for your kids to take on the go. If your kids enjoy fruity treats, it might make them eager to try creative smoothie recipes you put together. You can go big or go basic — it’s really up to you.

4. Hummus

While this dip made from blended up chickpeas might seem like more of a grown up snack, it’s savory, delicious and packed with healthy protein. Hummus can go on anything, from the traditional chips to veggies — or even toast, if you’re in the mood. 

5. Pretzels

Pretzels are a basic and easy on the go snack for any kid. They’re filling, delicious and unoffending to even the pickiest of eaters. Pretzels are a great snack for those days where you just don’t know where the time has gone. Toss a few in a baggie, and you’re ready to go!

6. Popcorn

Popcorn is a great snack for those days when your little athlete comes home hungry but dinner is nearly done. It’s a great tide-you-over snack, but won’t fill anybody up completely. If you’re looking for something light, pop some in the microwave. It’s not just for the movies. 

7. Fresh Fruit

Whether you toss your young athlete an apple on the way out the door or you get to work slicing up a watermelon, fresh fruit is a classic snack that often gets overlooked. For the most part it’s simple, easy and of course there’s no cooking required.

8. Fresh Vegetables

Similar to fresh fruit, fresh vegetables are an easy and healthy snack that can work in a number of ways. Veggies like sliced bell peppers, carrots and celery are great for travel, while lettuce wraps, avocado and other raw vegetables work well for more calm times. Veggies are basic, but they’re healthy and energizing, and they give your kids the nutrients they need.

There are so many healthy snacks that your young athletes can enjoy. Whether you whip up gourmet granola in the kitchen or slice up an apple with two minutes to spare, your kids will get the energy they need when you provide them with yummy, healthy snacks. 

Which healthy snacks are you itching to add to your grocery list?