Happy back-to-school season! I thought it would be a good time for some high-protein snack ideas for your kiddos (and you!) for after school or in their lunch boxes. 

1. Apple nachos

A fun twist on apples + peanut butter. Every 2 tbsp of peanut butter has about 8 grams of protein and if you want to boost the protein more you can use powdered peanut butter as well! You can mix the powdered peanut butter per the directions and mix it with regular peanut butter. 2 tbsp of powdered peanut butter has about 8 grams of protein as well!

Ingredients: 

• 1 apple, sliced
• 1-2 tbsp peanut butter
• Chocolate chips
• Granola (optional)

Directions:

Slice an apple and drizzle with some melted peanut butter (or your preferred nut butter) and top with chocolate chips and granola as desired. Enjoy!

2. Snack box

Love this idea for those particularly picky eaters. You can use a Tupperware container with many sections or even those craft boxes with many sections. Some ideas to put into each compartment with afternoon snacking:

• Cheese wedges
• Peanut butter pretzels
• Fruit
• Nuts
• Crackers
• Pieces of deli meat or pepperoni
• Pieces of beef jerky
• Cereal
• Carrot sticks, bell peppers, cucumber
• Hummus

You can also use this idea to introduce new foods without pressuring your child to try them. If it’s offered with other foods they love and are familiar with, they might be more likely to give it a try.

3. High-Protein S’mores Dip

This one tastes as good as it sounds. AND it’s protein packed! You’re getting nice protein from the Greek yogurt, nut butter, cottage cheese, and protein powder! Amazing. This one you’re not even going to want to share with your kids.

Ingredients: 

– 1 c plain Greek yogurt

– 1/4 c preferred nut butter

– 1/3 c cottage cheese

– 3-4 Tbsp of maple syrup or honey

– 1/3 c vanilla protein powder

– pinch of cinnamon and salt

– 1/4 c dark chocolate chips

– 2-3 graham crackers

Blend and top with a few marshmallows and crushed graham crackers. Store in the fridge and serve with fruit, crackers, or rice cakes!

4. Yogurt parfait

Don’t forget about a classic yogurt parfait as a high-protein snack option! And bonus – you could prep these for the week ahead. 

Some tips:

• Opt for a low-sugar or no-sugar-added yogurt to prevent a sugar high and crash
• Greek yogurt is great because the protein content is higher
• For granola – same thing, look for one with low or no added sugar. Purely Elizabeth or Bear Naked are good brands. You could also make your own granola at home (which is pretty easy btw). 

Ingredients:

• Preferred yogurt
• Preferred fruit (berries or bananas work great)
• Preferred granola 

Directions:

Layer the yogurt, fruit, and granola and repeat 2-3 times in a mason jar or any preferred container.

5. Copycat Perfect Bars

Who doesn’t love Perfect Bars? So good. But also – you can make them at home! Why do this? You can control all the ingredients and make adjustments based on your family’s preferences. You’ll save some money! Perfect bars aren’t the cheapest option, so it’s nice to make a batch at home sometimes. 

Ingredients:

1 1/2 c almond flour

3/4 c peanut butter or preferred nut butter

1/4 honey or maple syrup

1/2 c vanilla protein powder

1 tsp vanilla

Pinch of salt

3 Tbsp milk of choice

Optional mix-ins: chocolate chips, dried fruits, chopped nuts, etc.

Directions:

Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Press into an 8×8 pan or dish. Top with chocolate drizzle (melt chocolate chips with a little coconut oil) if desired! Let sit in the fridge or freezer to harden. Cut into preferred sizes and enjoy!

Need more back-to-school ideas? Check out these posts as well:

Back-to-school breakfast ideas

Back-to-school lunch ideas

PHFF for the whole family 

Happy snacking!

Coach Elle

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