Kids enjoying a healthy after-school snack.
After a long day at school, children often come home hungry and eager for something tasty. The key is to offer snacks that are healthy, appealing, and easy to prepare so kids stay energised for homework or play without compromising their dinner.
5 Healthy (and Tasty) Evening Snack Ideas for Kids:
1) Fruit Chaat – Nature’s Candy Bowl:
Cut up a mix of fresh seasonal fruits (banana, apple, mango, grapes – whatever your child likes) and sprinkle a little chaat masala and a squeeze of lemon.
This fruit chaat transforms ordinary fruit into a tangy-sweet treat. It’s packed with natural sugars for energy and plenty of vitamins and fiber.
2) Vegetable Paratha Rolls or Sandwiches:
Turn nutritious veggies into a fun handheld snack! Take a whole-wheat roti or paratha, fill it with sautéed vegetables (such as grated carrots, capsicum, corn, or spinach), and sprinkle it with a mild spice. Then, roll it up. You can even add paneer or cheese for protein.
3) Roasted Chickpeas (Chana):
If your child craves something crunchy, roasted chickpeas are the answer. Flavoured Roasted chana provides a punch of protein and fiber, minus the junk. In fact, this is a favourite “guilt-free” snack for Indian families – it keeps kids full and energised without excessive fat. You can roast them at home or buy pre-roasted chickpeas.
4) Makhana (Fox Nuts):
Phool makhana or fox nuts have become a popular healthy snack in India – and for good reason. These puffed lotus seeds are rich in nutrients, containing good carbohydrates, plant-based protein, and minerals such as magnesium and potassium. They are also gluten-free and very easy to digest, which is perfect for kids’ tummies.
5) Peanut Chikki or Dry Fruit Bars:
Another sweet yet healthy snack option is peanut chikki – the classic Indian nut brittle. Peanut chikki is essentially peanuts set in jaggery, and it’s rich in protein, healthy fats, and minerals from the peanuts. Jaggery (gud) is a better alternative to refined sugar as it retains iron and other minerals. It’s also convenient to store and carry. If not chikki, you can opt for dry fruit and nut bars.
These traditional treats prove that not all sweets are “bad” – some, like chikki, actually come with nutritional benefits for growing kids!
Making Snack-Time Fun and Healthy
With a bit of planning, your child’s evening snack can be both the highlight of their day and a weight off your mind. The ideas above demonstrate that healthy snacks can be delicious – from crunchy, roasted goodies to sweet, homemade treats. Kids are more likely to enjoy fruits, veggies, and grains when they’re presented in a fun, flavorful way.
Remember, the goal is balance. It’s okay to include a little sweetness (such as jaggery or dark chocolate) or a bit of salt and spice to make the snacks more enticing, as long as the core ingredients are wholesome.
