The Perfect Snack Drawer for Kids
A well-stocked snack drawer can make life so much easier for busy parents and provide kids with healthier, satisfying snack options. The key to creating the **perfect snack drawer for kids** is to keep it stocked with a variety of snacks that are not only tasty but also nutritious. You want options that fuel their energy, support their growth, and offer a balance of vitamins, minerals, and protein. Here’s how to build a kid-friendly snack drawer that’s easy to access, fun to use, and packed with healthy options:
1. Organize for Accessibility
Kids love to help themselves, so make sure the snack drawer is within their reach. Use clear bins or containers to keep things organized and visually appealing. Label sections to help them understand where each type of snack belongs (e.g., "Fruits," "Nuts & Seeds," "Crackers," etc.).
Tip: Choose containers with lids that can be easily opened by little hands, or opt for drawer organizers with separate compartments for easy sorting.
2. Include a Variety of Snacks
The Perfect Snack Drawer should offer a balance of flavours—sweet, savoury, crunchy, and soft. Include some kid favourites while making sure they’re nutrient-dense.
A. Healthy Crackers & Chips
Look for whole-grain, low-sodium, or baked options. They're crunchy and fun for dipping into hummus, guacamole, or yogurt.
Whole wheat crackers
Baked veggie chips (or homemade kale chips)
Rice cakes
Popcorn (without added butter or salt, or homemade)
B. Fresh Fruits & Veggies
Stocking fresh fruits and veggies helps encourage healthy snacking. Pre-packaged, grab-and-go items work best for younger kids, but you can also prepare a weekly fruit/veggie snack pack with pre-cut produce.
Apple slices (pair with peanut butter or cheese)
Baby carrots, celery sticks, and cucumber slices
Bananas
Grapes or berries (pre-wash for easy snacking)
Pineapple chunks or watermelon cubes (in a sealed container)
C. Protein-Packed Snacks
Protein helps kids feel fuller longer and is essential for their growing bodies. Consider options like nuts, seeds, or dairy-based snacks for sustained energy.
String cheese or cheese cubes
Greek yogurt (individual cups)
Hard-boiled eggs (pre-cooked for easy access)
Nut butter (peanut, almond, or sunflower butter)– pair with fruit, crackers, or rice cakes
Trail mix (with nuts, dried fruit, and a small amount of chocolate)
D. Whole Grains & Fibre
Whole grains and fibre are important for digestion and sustained energy. Offer snack options that are filling and nutritious, but still easy to eat.
Whole grain granola bars (look for low-sugar options)
Whole wheat pretzels
Oatmeal packets (you can even get individual servings for a quick snack)
Whole grain pita chips or pretzel crisps
E. Sweet Treats (in moderation)
Of course, kids love a little sweetness now and then. Opt for healthier treats that still satisfy that sweet tooth without too much added sugar.
Fruit cups (in natural juice, not syrup)
Apple sauce (unsweetened or with added cinnamon)
Dark chocolate squares or chocolate chips (perfect for a little sweetness)
Fruit bars (look for those made with 100% fruit)
F. Dips & Spreadable Snacks
Dips add extra flavour and fun to fruits and veggies. Keep a few healthy dip options in the snack drawer to make snacks more exciting.
Hummus (perfect for dipping veggies or whole wheat crackers)
Guacamole (for dipping chips or veggies)
Yogurt dips (for fruits like apple slices or strawberries)
G. Hydrating Snacks
In addition to water, consider stocking some hydrating snacks that are fun and easy for kids to grab when they're thirsty.
Coconut water (great for hydration)
Smoothie pouches (look for low-sugar or natural options)
Fruit-infused water (add fresh fruit slices to water for a fun twist)
3. Portion Control and Pre-Packaged Options
Pre-portioned snack bags or containers are a great way to keep snacks fresh and controlled. It also helps kids (and parents!) easily grab a healthy snack without worrying about portion sizes.
Single-serve hummus or guacamole packs
Pre-portioned trail mix or nut mix (homemade or store-bought)
Mini packs of raisins or dried fruit
Granola bar packs (look for lower sugar options)
Veggie snack packs (carrot sticks, cucumber slices, or snap peas)
4. Include Fun and Easy-to-Prepare Snacks
While keeping things healthy, make sure to add a bit of fun to the snack drawer to encourage your kids to make their own snack choices. Fun options can include:
DIY snack kits: Put together little bags or jars with ingredients for fun snacks, like making trail mix or mini parfaits. Include granola, dried fruit, nuts, and a bit of dark chocolate for a balanced snack.
Smoothie ingredients: Pre-portion fruit, spinach, and any add-ins like yogurt or protein powder for a quick smoothie snack.
“Ants on a log": Pre-cut celery sticks, with a side of peanut butter and raisins or sunflower seeds to sprinkle on top.
5. Keep a Healthy Balance
While it’s important to stock up on healthy options, it’s okay to include a couple of kid-friendly “treats” to satisfy those occasional cravings. Keep these in moderation to avoid overindulgence, but a little sweetness every now and then is important for balance.
Snack Drawer Tips:
Keep it fun: Labeling each section of the drawer and organizing by type of snack (protein, fruit, crunchy) can make snack time more fun and interactive for kids.
Involve kids: Let them help choose what goes in the drawer and let them "shop" for their snacks. This helps them feel empowered and more likely to reach for healthier options.
Mix it up: Kids can get bored with the same snacks every day, so try to rotate some new items in every week to keep things fresh.
Healthy snacks on hand: Keep snacks that require little to no prep work for quick, easy access.
Conclusion
A well-stocked, organized snack drawer makes healthy snacking fun and accessible for kids. By offering a variety of nutrient-dense options—like fruits, veggies, whole grains, and lean proteins—you can help your kids fuel their busy lives with snacks that are not only tasty but also good for them. Make sure to keep a balance of healthy options and occasional treats, and let the snack drawer be a fun, go-to source of energy throughout the day!
