School is hard work. It’s only natural for growing kids to ransack the cupboard for a bit of sustenance when they get home.
The thing is, shopping for kid-approved snacks at the supermarket is just another task for adults. Thankfully, we live in an age where it takes just a few clicks to order food online. Which snacks are best for hungry kids? Favorites range from gourmet microwave meals to inexpensive soup cups.
What you need to know: Sun Chips contain more fiber than many other types of chips, and with multiple savory flavors to choose from, a value pack like this is sure to please.
What you’ll love: Flavors like Harvest Cheddar and French Onion will whet the appetite of your hungry student as well as others in the household. 30 1.5-ounce bags are included in this bundle.
What you should consider: Although Sun Chips have more fiber than other chips, they also have a lot of sodium and fat.
Where to buy: Sold by Staples and Amazon
Lay’s Classic Potato Chips, 40-Pack
What you need to know: A time-tested favorite in portion-controlled 1-ounce packages.
What you’ll love: Lay’s are crunchy, salty and delicious. You save money when you buy these snack bags in bulk. They also go nicely in a lunchbox or bag.
What you should consider: It would be fairly easy for most kids to consume several bags at once. Some people find it more practical to buy a bulk pack of 1.5-ounce bags instead.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Otis Spunkmeyer Chocolate Chocolate Chip Muffins
What you need to know: Large, moist and rich, these muffins are sure to satisfy a student with a sweet tooth.
What you’ll love: Muffins arrive individually wrapped in a pack of 24. They don’t need to be stored in the freezer or heated in the microwave.
What you should consider: These muffins are high in calories and extremely decadent, so you probably wouldn’t want your child to eat one every day.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
What you need to know: Clif Bars were introduced in the 1990s by a long-distance cyclist who was tired of eating bland, unappetizing energy bars. These bars taste great and are healthy, too.
What you’ll love: Chocolate chip bars have 2 grams of fiber. The soft-baked, chewy texture has a satisfying mouthfeel. Ingredients are organic. Per-bar cost is not exorbitant.
What you should consider: Bars contain soy and are made in a factory that produces nut products. These should not be confused with protein Z bars.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Nature Valley Chewy Protein Granola Bars
What you need to know: These bars contain whole grains, a sweet and salty flavor combination that satisfies and 10 grams of protein per bar.
What you’ll love: The protein boost doesn’t come at the expense of taste. This variety pack contains three flavors, two of which feature chocolate. Cost per bar is under $1.
What you should consider: These bars contain soy protein, which some people prefer to avoid, and it includes nut ingredients.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Hickory Farms All-Natural Beef Summer Sausage
What you need to know: If your kid loves summer sausage, treat them to the best with this hormone-free gourmet American beef summer sausage from Hickory Farms.
What you’ll love: An excellent high-protein snack for a growing kid. The company sells several versions of its summer sausage product: this package comes with two 7-ounce sticks that are ideal for after-school nibbling. If your child has adventurous taste buds, you may want to investigate Hickory Farms’ Spicy Beef Summer Sausage as well.
What you should consider: Although high in protein, the sausage also contains a high amount of fat, including saturated fat.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Jack Link’s Classic Beef Sticks
What you need to know: This is an affordable 50-pack of beef sticks for the hungry meat lover.
What you’ll love: An excellent value for the money. Individually wrapped for portability; great for the lunch box as well as after school. Delectable smoky flavor.
What you should consider: Some are surprised to learn there are only 3 grams of protein per stick as well as 6 grams of fat.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Maruchan Instant Lunch Hot and Spicy Beef Cups
What you need to know: These noodle cups are easy to prepare and taste delicious. They’re available in other flavors, including chicken.
What you’ll love: The price is very low, and the soup is filling.
What you should consider: Although very easy to make, the hot water required for preparation can pose a burn hazard, especially for younger kids.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon (beef) and Staples (chicken)
Stonyfield Wild Berry Smoothies
What you need to know: This four-pack of organic smoothies tastes great and delivers 6 grams of protein per bottle.
What you’ll love: Certified USDA non-GMO and organic. Gluten-free and Kosher certified. Appealing berry flavor.
What you should consider: Some people dislike the taste.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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Melissa Nott writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
