Busy lives and hungry, growing kids mean healthy snacks and lunches that will provide energy and nutrition are a necessity.

Whether it’s snack time at home or the kids are heading to school, sport, our just out and about, a quick and nutritious snack will give them a boost, and keep the hangries away.

We take a look at some of the most convenient, healthy, and full-of-goodness snacks and lunchbox fillers that you can have ready for your kids when they need a nutritious snack.

Grab what’s in the fridge!

If you have some leftover chicken and a few salad ingredients, Thai Chicken Rice Paper Rolls are quick and easy. Simply soak the rice paper in water for 30 seconds, fill and roll. Even easier is a Rice Noodle Salad – make a big batch and it will keep for a day or two.

Leftover meat can be popped in a wholemeal roll or sliced bread along with lettuce, cheese, a slice of tomato, and grated carrot for a tasty and filling sandwich.

If you have some old bread rolls, some bacon and cheese you can make some Cheese and Bacon Rolls ready to eat in just 15 minutes.

Pastry is your friend if you have left over chilli con carne or bolognaise  – simply pop the leftover meat in a pastry circle, brush with egg and seal and into the oven. Add some cheese for extra protein.

Dinner double-ups

If you have a few spare minutes while you’re cooking dinner keep the oven hot and make a batch of Bacon and Egg Mini Pies. For a less crumbly option you could make Bacon and Egg Cups. These can be eaten cold and are packed with protein.

If you’re cooking baked beans, reserve some for Mini Baked Bean Muffins as a great savoury lunchbox option with lots of protein. While you’re chopping the veg for dinner, pop some aside for Mini Capsicum Quiches. They’re simple to make thanks to a bread base instead of pastry. Add some chopped spinach for added vitamins and minerals.

Easy favourites

Banana Bread is another easy snack and this recipe uses wholemeal flour for added fibre. You can reduce the amount of sugar if you like too. It will keep in the fridge for ages, or you could slice and pop in a container with small pieces of baking paper between them to make them free flow, then pop in the freezer.

For a wheat-free snack, Toasted Quinoa and Oat Bars are super tasty and can be stored in the fridge for more than a week. Add a drizzle of chocolate for extra appeal.

Other easy snacks on the go include

• hard boiled eggs
• Nut-free Trail Mix
• beans
• carrot sticks
• celery sticks
• salami
• crackers and cheese
• cherry tomatoes

If the kids like to dip their veggie sticks, add a small pottle of hummus.

This article was written by Kidspot 

Read more:

• 10 Ways To Stay Healthy In Winter
• Easy snack ideas for kids
• Quick Dinner Recipes From Your Pantry

Written by Robyn

Robyn creates content on Kidspot NZ. Her hobbies include buying cleaning products and wondering why things don’t then clean themselves, eating cheese scones with her friends, and taking her kids to appointments. 

Favourite motto to live by: “This too will pass”