Has your snack game been a little ho-hum lately? It can be easy to fall into a snack rut, eating the same unsatisfying foods week after week. 

However, there is no reason snack time can’t be full of variety, fun, and nutrition. If you’re searching for some new snack ideas the whole family will enjoy, we’re here to help. These are some of our favorite healthy, natural snack choices.

Energy bites

Want a snack that’s easy for the little ones to prepare? No bake energy balls are super easy and fun to make, often made with ingredients you already have on hand like oats, honey, nuts and seed. We love adding healthy fats like coconut oil or any nut butter. Make sure to choose your family’s favourite add-ins, whether they love dried cranberries, cashews, or chocolate chips. The sky's the limit here.  Use a seed butter instead of a nut butter to make the balls a nutrient dense school safe snack. 

Hummus 

Making your own hummus couldn’t be easier—or tastier. With just a handful of ingredients and a food processor, you can blend up a protein-filled snack that the whole family will enjoy. Serve with fresh veggies, whole grain crackers, or pita bread. Hummus can also double as a condiment to spread on burgers, wraps and sandwiches.

Chia pudding

If you haven’t gotten on the chia pudding train yet, now is the time. Packed full of protein, fibre, vitamins, and minerals, you absolutely cannot beat the nutritional value of chia seeds. And chia pudding is a simple, tasty snack option that hits the spot at any time of day. Pair it with your favourite chopped fruit for a healthy and delicious treat.

Kale chips

If you’re skeptical about kale chips, that’s completely understandable. But we promise that a well-crafted kale chip is the perfect antidote to those mid-afternoon snack cravings. The trick? Coat your kale well with oil before baking or frying. Then, season generously. There are no rules for what should pair with your kale chips, but we recommend chili powder and cayenne pepper for a spicy kick, or maple syrup for a touch of sweetness.

Edamame

Edamame—also known as fresh soybeans—are undoubtedly an underrated snack food. Nutrient-rich and completely satisfying, they are tasty as an appetizer or a late-night snack. Fresh in-shell soybeans are best, but frozen also does the trick. To cook them, pan fry, boil, or steam the edamame until tender, and then sprinkle with salt. 

Flax or protein muffins

A healthy muffin is the perfect snack to have ready on the counter or tucked away in the freezer. A nutritious and satisfying option, a good flax muffin is chock full of fibre that keeps you full and satisfied between meals. Add vanilla or chocolate protein for added nutrients. The best muffin recipes are low in sugar, substituting fresh or dried fruit to add sweetness. You always use gluten-free flour too. 

Fruit popsicles

Making popsicles is a fun and cheerful summer activity the whole family will love. Use juice or yogurt as a base, and then add fresh seasonal fruits for more colour and flavour. To get started you will need a popsicle mold—but it’s a relatively affordable investment that your family will  use for years to come.