According to Marilyn Tanner-Blasiar, a dietitian at Washington University School of Medicine, kids' snacks (except cheese) should have fewer than 200 calories per serving and contain a daily value of 8 percent or less in total fat. These snacks fit the bill. By Elinor Smith
Back to Nature Crispy Cheddars Crackers
Free of trans fats and artificial flavorings, these squares, bagged in individual servings, have a big cheese taste that belies their tiny size. With just 130 calories and 4.5 grams of fat, they're a smart pick, too.
To buy: $4 for eight 1-ounce bags, at supermarkets.
See More: Healthy Snacks.
Organic Valley Stringles Organic Part Skim Mozzarella String Cheese
Kids will love pulling apart (and eating) these cheese sticks. Their real mozzarella flavor puts them head and shoulders above the rubbery, bland competition.
To buy: $5 for eight ¾-ounce sticks, at supermarkets.
See More: 10 Sandwiches to Spice Up a Back-to-School Lunch
EnviroKidz Lemur Peanut Choco Drizzle Crispy Rice Bars
These gluten-free whole-grain bars look and taste like Rice Crispy Treats that have been lightly drizzled with chocolate and peanut butter. In other words: They're irresistible.
To buy: $5 for six 1-ounce bars, at supermarkets.
Danimals Crush Cup Strawberry Banana Slam
They may not win points for table manners with Grandma, but children will love slurping yogurt straight from these squeezable cups. The velvety, pale-pink snack is loaded with calcium, protein, and potassium.
To buy: $2.50 for four 4-ounce cups, at supermarkets.
Bearitos Original Baked Cheddar Puffs
You'll like these airy cheese puffs because they contain no artificial colors or flavorings. Your kids will like them because they are neon orange, super-cheesy, and deliver a satisfyingly noisy crunch.
To buy: $3 for one 5½-ounce bag, at supermarkets.
Fruitzi'O Freeze Dried Fruit Snacks Strawberries
A novelty snack with a big wow factor, these light, crispy, freeze-dried berries dissolve in your mouth. Their intense fresh fruit taste makes them a smart stand-in for more sugary desserts.
To buy: $4 for one 25-gram bag, at supermarkets.
See More: 10 Sandwiches to Spice Up a Back-to-School Lunch
Materne GoGo SqueeZ AppleApple Applesauce on the Go
Go spoon-free with these crushable pouches of just-sweet-enough applesauce that are meant to be squirted right into your mouth. Just as nice: Each contains a full serving of fruit.
To buy: $3 for four 3.2-ounce tubes, at supermarkets.
Tribe All Natural Hummus Snackers
Loaded with healthy monounsaturated fat, iron, and vitamin C, these small tubs of Middle Eastern chickpea spread are rich and flavorful, with just a touch of lively lemon. Pack one along with carrot, celery, or pretzel sticks for dipping.
To buy: $3.50 for four 2-ounce containers, at supermarkets.
Don't Miss:
Our Favorite Lunch Containers
Back-to-School Meal Planner
21 Back-to-School Lunches Kids Will Love
