Unless your kid is an impressively adventurous eater, finding snacks that they love (and don’t get sick of after a week) can be quite the project. We tapped our editors to find the best munchies out there that won’t come back home in your kid’s lunchbox, from salty nibbles to better-for-you snack bars to sweet, post-sandwich treats. Read on for 25 of the best snacks for kids that will win over every finnicky eater in your home.
The 25 Best Snacks for Kids That Are Picky Eater-Approved, According to Our Editors
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2. Gogo Squeez Fruit On The Go
Put anything in a squeeze pouch and little ones will eat it up—it’s just a fact. Since this on-the-go applesauce is made with nothing but juicy apples (which contain lots of natural fiber, BTW), it tastes sweet without the help of added sugar.
3. Angie’s Boomchickapop Sea Salt Popcorn
Popcorn is a naturally whole-grain snack. All it needs to turn dangerously bingeable is a dash of sunflower oil and a sprinkle of sea salt.
4. Earth’s Best Organic Sunny Days Snack Bars
Elmo-obsessed tots will go gaga for these veggie-rich bars (especially the sweet potato-carrot variety). The filling is encased in a wholesome mix of wheat, oat and corn cereal crust, and their soft texture makes them easy for tiny mouths to chew.
5. Pirate’s Booty Aged White Cheddar Cheese Puffs
OK, even we have no self-control around these crunchy, gluten-free puffs made from rice and corn. Coated in lip-smacking aged white cheddar cheese powder, this baked gem will never get old to your kids.
7. 365 By Whole Foods Market Veggie Straws
You may have a tough time getting your kid to eat cooked or raw vegetables, but they’ll have no qualms about noshing on these uber-crunchy veggie snacks made with potato, tomato and spinach. They’re vegan, gluten-free and contain 30 percent less fat than regular potato chips.
8. Sun-maid Vanilla Yogurt-covered Raisins
Raisins (aka dried grapes) are loaded with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. But if you can’t get your kids to eat them plain, we’re betting a creamy yogurt coating will change their minds. There are PB&J, Chocolate and Chocolate-Peanut Butter varieties, but vanilla is a safe bet for picky eaters.
9. That’s It. Fun-size Fruit Bars
They’re non-GMO, gluten-free and prime for school lunches and quick breakfasts. The bars are also free of the top eight allergens and contain nothing but two types of fruit each. Flavors include Apples + Bananas and Apples + Cranberries.
10. Stonyfield Organic Kids Strawberry Banana Yogurt Pouches
Live active cultures, bone-building calcium and 5 grams of protein keep you happy, while organic fruits and just enough cane sugar take care of the kids. The packaging also makes the yogurt a breeze to take on the road.
12. Welch’s Fruit Snacks
Packed with vitamins and made with real fruit purées, these soft, chewy fruit snacks are an easy win. Personally, we’re partial to the Mixed Fruit assortment that includes grape, peach, orange, strawberry and raspberry gummies.
13. Annie’s Organic Cheddar Bunnies
You’d be hard-pressed to find a parent that hasn’t heard of these adorable snack crackers (their reputation for winning over picky kids precedes them). They’re made with organic wheat and real cheese from cows raised without antibiotics or synthetic hormones.
14. Clif Kid Zbars
Clif Bar’s kid-friendly version of their famous energy bars is packed with whole grains, fiber and healthy fats. But since they come in flavors like Iced Oatmeal Cookie and Chocolate Chip, your kid will be none the wiser.
15. Crispy Green Freeze-dried Fruit
No toddler can resist these crispy, wholesome banana chips. Free of added sugar, the chips pair seamlessly with your kid’s daily PB&J (or soy butter & jelly). And if banana isn’t their jam, try apple, mango, pear, pineapple or tangerine chips instead.
16. Madegood Organic Chocolate Chip Granola Bars
Not only are many granola bars teeming with sugar, but they’re often made with nuts to boot. Avoid allergy issues with these vegan, nut-free, gluten-free bars that are hiding a nutritious surprise: a full serving of vegetables.
17. Sprout Organic Crinklez
Greens-averse toddlers at the table? These popped veggie snacks are sure to satisfy. They’re made from protein-rich chickpeas and vegetables, like carrots, spinach and beets, but the cheddar cheese seasoning will distract their keen taste buds.
20. Goldfish
There’s something sweet about sending your kids to school with the same snacks you got when you were their age. Case in point: Goldfish, the beloved snack crackers—baked with real cheddar cheese—that are essentially irresistible. Count on us stealing from the kids’ stash once they’re in bed.
21. Nature’s Bakery Gluten-free Fig Bars
Protein? Check. Fiber? Check. Kid-friendly fruit flavors without any artificial ingredients, preservatives or high fructose corn syrup? You bet. Made with real fruit and ancient grains, these bars are also nut- and dairy-free, in case your kid is sensitive to those allergens.
22. Taylor Farms Apples & Cheese Snack Pack
Aka the easiest lunch of all time. Send the kids to school with protein, calcium and lots of vitamins and minerals with the help of this pre-assembled snack tray that requires no slicing or assembly on your part (score).
24. Sunchips
This alternative to potato chips has stood the test of time for a reason. Each serving packs a whopping 14 to 19 grams of whole grains, but the best part is their salty-yet-slightly-sweet flavor. Original is always a safe bet, but we have a feeling your kids will love French Onion and Harvest Cheddar, too.
25. Kidfresh Chicken Nuggets
When all else fails, chicken nuggets always save the day. And we love these because the antibiotic-free chicken is coated in whole-grain breading (there’s 10 grams in every serving) and there’s puréed cauliflower hidden in the patties.