For many kids, an after-school snack is essential for getting through the distance between lunch and dinner. School children spend a lot of time running and playing, burning energy and calories. Here are some affordable snacks that are a blast from the past and are sure to keep your kids happy and full until dinner.
1. Animal Crackers
Animal crackers have been around for a long time but are still as popular as ever. They were first baked in the early 1800s, making them one of the oldest child-marketed snacks. These vanilla-flavored, animal-shaped crackers are sure to be a hit.
2. Bugles™
While they aren’t as old as animal crackers, Bugles are another classic snack that has become popular on the consumer market again. Bugles are crispy, cone-shaped corn chips full of flavor. Everyone from grandparents to kids will enjoy Bugles.
3. Hershey’s Kisses®
You would be hard-pressed to find a child who doesn’t like chocolate. Hershey’s has been around for more than a century and still remains popular. Hershey’s Kisses are bite-sized chocolate snacks that will satisfy your kid’s sweet tooth without them consuming too much sugar before dinnertime.
4. Scooby Snacks™
In general, fruit snacks might make a great quick bite, but there are so many brands and flavors that it can be hard to choose. Look no further than Scooby Snacks: fruit-flavored gummy snacks that are shaped like beloved characters from the Scooby Doo television and film franchise.
5. Chips Ahoy!®
A favorite for decades, Chips Ahoy! are crispy chocolate chip cookies that are packaged in the perfect quantity for an after-school snack. Kids of all ages are sure to love these classic cookies.
6. Lunchables®
Don’t be fooled by the name—Lunchables aren’t just for lunchtime. While the traditional Lunchables of the early 2000s have more meal-oriented options like chicken nuggets and pizza, there are also Lunchables Snack Packs that contain crackers, deli meats, and sliced cheeses.
7. Pop-Tarts®
Pop-Tarts are often considered a breakfast food, but they can also make a great after-school snack. Pop-Tarts have been around for decades but are constantly evolving their line of products. Mini Pop-Tarts Bites, in particular, make a perfect snack.
8. Nilla® Wafers
Nilla wafers are one of the elders on our snack list. Developed in the 1800s, like animal crackers and Hershey’s, these wafers make a great ingredient for many baked goods. But as a snack, the vanilla-flavored cookies could also satisfy your kid’s sweet tooth and keep them full until dinner.
9. Gushers®
Gushers became widely popular among school-aged children in the 2000s. While they have ebbed and flowed in popularity over the years, these fruit-flavored, juice-filled snacks are sure to fill your child’s mouth with a burst of flavor.
10. Goldfish®
Goldfish are cheese-flavored snacks whose appearance matches their namesake: goldfish. They have been a hit with kids for generations, with new flavors and colors introduced over the years to keep things interesting.
11. Rice Krispies Treats®
Rice Krispies Treats are fluffy treats made by combining Rice Krispies® cereal with melted marshmallows and baking them. While homemade treats are delicious, you can also buy prepared and pre-packaged Rice Krispies Treats in stores for a quick snack.
12. Uncrustables®
Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are great for school lunch, but by the end of the day, sometimes the last thing you want to do is whip up a sandwich. Uncrustables are pre-packaged peanut butter and jelly sandwiches that already have the crust cut off, making them great for kids.
13. Trix® Yogurt
Trix yogurt is not only tasty and sweet but also a great way to provide picky eaters with the nutritional benefits of yogurt, such as probiotics. Trix packaging features a cute bunny that appeals to kids and comes in a variety of flavors and bright colors. As the ad says, “Trix are for kids!”
14. Chewy® Granola Bars
Chewy granola bars are small oatmeal snack bars that come in a variety of flavors, from chocolate chips to peanut butter. Made by the Quaker® brand, Chewy bars are easy to slip into your kid’s backpack for an easy after-school snack.
15. Snack Pack® Pudding
Snack Packs offer, as the name suggests, a snack-sized portion of pudding that comes in popular flavor options like vanilla and chocolate. They come in cartons of four, so your child can snack on them for most of the week.