Wyoming Action for Healthy Kids lists a number of common sense factors that make for good school snacks for children. Snacks should taste good so they are eaten. These snacks should be able to be eaten without making a lot of noise, which can be disruptive at school. They should be healthy snacks that can be eaten without making a mess so that school desks can be kept clean. Snacks that require refrigeration should be kept cold. Snacks should be small and not meals in themselves. Snacks can be chosen from the different food groups.
Grains
Foods that are in this category provide energy and help with digestion. Snacks in this category include cereal bars, animal crackers, whole grain cereal, mini bran muffins, graham crackers, breadsticks, whole grain crackers, granola, pretzels and bagel bites.
Vegetables and Fruits
Foods that are in this category can help improve night vision and helps bruises and cuts to heal more quickly. Snacks in this category include fruit cups, pure fruit juice and dried fruit such as cranberries, apricots, pineapple, raisins and blueberries. Other snacks in this category include cut vegetables, pure vegetable juice, pre-packed salads, fruit and yogurt.
Meat and Beans
Foods that are in this group help children to grow and build muscles. Snacks in this category include tuna salad, trail mix, bean dip, peanut butter, beef jerky, nuts, seeds, hard boiled eggs and cups of chili.
Milk
This group includes dairy products. Foods that are in this group help to build strong bones and teeth. Snacks in this category include low-fat and flavored milk, yogurt, cheese and crackers, smoothies and pudding cups. Cheese snacks can be in the form of cubes or string.
Mixing Groups
The Mayo Clinic suggests mixing foods from different groups, such as topping celery with peanut butter. Apples and bananas can also be topped with peanut butter. Fruit or graham crackers can be dipped into yogurt cups. Baby carrots and other raw vegetables can be dipped into fat-free ranch dressing.
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