10 Healthy Snacks for After-School Energy and Focus

Afternoons can be a tough time for kids, and that's why the snacks you serve matter. Instead of reaching for chips or candy, offer your kids these smarter snack choices that keep them energized and focused! A good balance of protein and other clean ingredients gives your young ones the fuel they need to power through homework, activities, or playtime. From crunchy protein-packed bites to naturally sweet options, kids will surely enjoy these treats minus the slump!

Grain-Free Chocolate Granola

Chocolate granola on a baking tray with parchment paper with an ice cream scoop in it. — Image Credit: Fit as a Mama Bear

Chewy bites with a rich chocolate flavor this gluten-free protein granola is the perfect snack or smoothie topper. Totally grain-free but with 8 grams of protein, it’s a chocolate granola made up of all the nuts and seeds in your cupboard and sweetened with maple syrup. To learn more: Chocolate Protein Granola

Greek Yogurt Protein Bars

Three yogurt protein bars stacked together and around them a separate yogurt bar, peanut butter in a spoon and scattered pieces of chocolate chips. — Image Credit: Fit as a Mama Bear

Creamy, refreshing, and with 13 grams of protein, these frozen yogurt protein bars make for a delicious snack any time of the day. Swirled with peanut butter and chocolate chips for the ultimate flavor combo, these Greek yogurt protein bars are a high-protein snack you’ll make over and over.

Get the recipe: Frozen Yogurt Protein Bars

Blueberry and Chia Seed Pudding

Made with frozen blueberries and nutrient-dense chia seeds this dairy-free chia pudding is not only good for you but incredibly easy to make too! So why not give it a try and see how it can power up your day!

Get the recipe: Blueberry Chia Pudding

Refreshing Watermelon Smoothie

Three mason jars lined up filled with a pink watermelon mint smoothie topped with cut lime and a green straw in each and sliced watermelon behind them — Image Credit: Fit as a Mama Bear

Beat the heat this summer with this watermelon mint smoothie! Only six ingredients and ultra-refreshing, this smoothie is a heatwave staple. Made with coconut water for maximum hydration, it comes out a creamy burst of flavor.

Get the recipe: Watermelon Smoothie

Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Protein Muffins

Gluten-free protein muffins with chocolate chips in red muffin cups on a baking tray with more chocolate chips behind them and another muffin on a red napkin — Photo credit: Fit as a Mama Bear

Soft, moist, and sweetened with chocolate chips! These chocolate chip protein muffins make the perfect snack. With 10 grams of protein per muffin and naturally gluten-free, these protein muffins will become an easy household staple.

Get the recipe: Chocolate Chip Protein Muffins

Peanut Butter Cup Protein Bars

Peanut butter chocolate protein bars with a bowl of peanut butter beside them. — Photo Credit: Fit as a Mama Bear

They taste like a peanut butter cup but have 13 grams of protein and only 12 net grams of carbs. These 4 ingredient protein bars are the high-protein snack you’ll rely on when you’re craving for sweets kicks in.

Get the recipe: 4-Ingredient Protein Bars

Dairy-Free Chocolate Glazed Donuts

Chocolate glazed donuts with sprinkles ona cooling rack. — Photo Credit: Fit as a Mama Bear

Soft, fluffy donuts topped with a sticky, dairy-free chocolate glaze. These protein donuts make the perfect healthy dessert when you want something sweet but also something fueling.

Get the recipe: Healthy Chocolate Glazed Donuts

Salted Caramel Vegan Smoothie

Mason jar with caramel protein shake topped with coconut whipped cream, caramel sauce and chocolate chips two red straws in the smoothie and chocolate chips on a cutting board behind it. — Image credit: Fit as a Mama Bear

Enjoy this sweet and salty indulgence any time of the day! A salted caramel protein shake worthy of dessert. Made with vanilla vegan protein powder and drizzled with homemade caramel sauce, this dairy-free protein shake is the perfect afternoon pick me up.

Get the recipe: Salted Caramel Smoothie

Lemon Date Energy Bars

three fruit and nut bars wrapped in parchment paper with blueberries around it — Image Credit: Fit as a Mama Bear

Soft and healthy these lemon date energy bars are the perfect energy boost. Slightly chewy and with only five ingredients, these homemade energy bars are great to take on long exercise bouts.To learn more: Lemon Energy Bars

Strawberry and Cream Yogurt Parfait

Two mason jars with dairy-free yogurt parfaits layered with yogurt, berries, and granola on a cutting board. — Image Credit: Fit as a Mama Bear

This strawberry and cream yogurt parfait makes a healthy, make-ahead breakfast recipe or snack idea for toddlers. Made with fresh or frozen strawberries, dairy-free yogurt, and sweetened natural honey. A tasty and simple meal prep recipe!

Get the recipe: Strawberry and Cream Yogurt Parfait