We have lots of simple ideas for home-made snacks, plus tips to help you pick up healthier packaged snacks in the shops

Quick and easy snack ideas
We are all spending a lot more time at home at the moment, and it can be tempting to give the kids more snacks than usual.
Fruit and veg snacks are always the best choice, but if they are having packaged snacks, just remember to aim for 2 a day max.
Quick home-made snack ideas
DIY snacks can be healthier and often cheaper than packaged ones. Preparing them with the kids can also be lots of fun and a great activity to do together.
Your children will love these great snack ideas – why not give them a try today!
Try these healthier snacks!
Yoghurt with mandarin segments
Toasted malt loaf with strawberries
Sugar snap peas with low-fat hummus
Sliced fruit with yoghurt dip
Home-made popcorn
Toasted pitta with tuna, mayo and yoghurt dip
Mashed avocado and boiled egg
Cheesy oatcakes with tomatoes
Rice cakes with low-fat cream cheese and cucumber
Hummus with veggie fingers
Boiled eggs
Choosing healthier snacks in the shops
If you're short on time, here are some good ideas for snacks that you can pick up in the shops:
- a slice of malt loaf
- lower-fat, lower-sugar fromage frais
- plain rice cakes or crackers with lower-fat cheese
- sugar-free jelly
- a crumpet
- a scotch pancake
Many products also have traffic light labels on the front of packs, which can be a really useful guide when choosing which ones to buy.
Pick snacks with more greens and ambers on the label, and cut down on snacks that show any reds.
Just remember – when it comes to packaged snacks, aim for 2 a day max to help you keep an eye on how much the kids are having.
Tips for healthier snacking
-
Food Facts
Nuts and seeds
Nuts and seeds are a healthier snack, but they're high in energy, so remember to keep an eye on the amount you eat and don't give whole nuts to kids under 5.
-
Food Facts
Make it fun
Offer your kids a range of brightly coloured fruit and veg, cut into shapes, or draw funny faces on a banana or satsuma.
-
Quiz
Dried fruit
Dried fruit counts towards your 5 A Day, but it can stick to teeth and could lead to painful tooth decay. When should it only be eaten?
-
Food Facts
Leave it on the shelf
The simplest trick in the book – if you don't have sweets in the house, you cannot eat them. You will save money, too!
-
Quiz
Everyday sugar
Which of these everyday items can be high in added sugars?
-
Food Facts
Add bite-sized fruit
Try chopped apple, peeled satsuma segments, strawberries, halved grapes, tinned pineapple or melon slices to make it easier for kids to eat.
Join Change4Life
Be the first to hear about new Change4Life tips, recipes, competitions and offers. Millions of families have already made healthier changes — you can too!