21 Secret Sports Snacks for Kids: Ultimate Nutrition Guide

Table of Contents

You know what goes well with sports? Snacks! But not just any snack. You want something that’s nutritious and energizing, yet not so heavy that it slows down your child before the next game or practice. To help you out, we’ve put together a list of 21 delicious and nutritious snacks for kids. From munchables to eating on the go-to sweet treats that are good for after-school practice sessions, these will keep your athlete fueled and ready to play!

Carrot and hummus

An image showcasing a variety of nutrient-dense snacks, such as sliced carrots, celery sticks, hummus, almond butter, and Greek yogurt with berries
Image showcasing a variety of nutrient-dense snacks, such as sliced carrots, celery sticks, hummus, almond butter, and Greek yogurt with berries

Carrots are a great source of vitamin A, which helps develop bones and teeth. In addition to being a good source of fiber and protein, hummus also provides iron, which is crucial for preventing anemia.

Apple slices with peanut butter

  • Peanut butter is an excellent protein, vitamin E, and B6 source.
  • Peanut butter contains niacin and pantothenic acid (vitamin B5).
  • It’s also a good source of magnesium, manganese, and copper.

Trail mix

Best Stevia Brands of 2024: Top Natural Sweeteners for Your Health Did you know stevia is 200-300 times sweeter than sugar? It's a natural sweetener that's taken the health world by storm. It offers a zero-calorie alternative to sugar without losing taste. As we look into 2024, the market is full of stevia options, each trying to be your go-to sweetener. I've looked through many products to find the best stevia for you. If you want to cut calories, manage blood sugar, or try healthier sweeteners, this guide is for you. It will help you pick the right stevia with confidence. Stevia is popular as a sugar substitute, but the best post-workout supplements often have other ingredients. For example, Transparent Labs Post is rated 4 out of 5 and costs $1.66 per serving1. Jacked Factory Growth Surge is the top creatine supplement for recovery, priced at $1.33 per serving1. These products focus on recovery, showing the wide range of health needs. Electrolyte drinks are key for replacing minerals lost during exercise. They help with rehydration by adding back sodium, chloride, and potassium2. Cure Hydrating Electrolyte mix has 240 mg of sodium and 300 mg of potassium per packet2. DripDrop Electrolyte Powder Packets give 330 mg of sodium and 185 mg of potassium per serving2. These drinks meet different hydration needs, just like stevia brands meet different sweetening tastes. Key Takeaways Stevia is a natural, zero-calorie sweetener from plant leaves It's much sweeter than sugar, needing less for the same sweetness The 2024 market has many stevia brands for different needs Stevia can help control calorie intake and blood sugar levels Different stevia forms (powder, liquid, packets) are good for different uses When picking a stevia brand, think about purity and extra ingredients Understanding Stevia: Nature's Zero-Calorie Sweetener https://youtube.com/watch?v=C-zRYZ2ihJs I'm excited to explore stevia, a natural sweetener that's popular with health lovers. It's a plant-based sugar alternative that lets us enjoy sweets without guilt. What is Stevia? Stevia comes from the Stevia rebaudiana plant's leaves. It's a powerful sweetener that's zero calories. In fact, it's up to 300 times sweeter than sugar, making it great for calorie-watchers3. The Science Behind Stevia's Sweetness Stevia's sweetness comes from steviol glycosides. These chemicals make our taste buds feel sweet. Our bodies don't break them down, so stevia doesn't add calories or affect blood sugar. Health Benefits of Stevia Stevia is a low-calorie sweetener with many health perks. It's perfect for those with diabetes or on a diet. Some research shows it might also fight inflammation and boost insulin sensitivity4. Benefit Description Zero Calories Stevia doesn't contribute to daily calorie intake Blood Sugar Friendly Doesn't raise blood glucose levels Versatile Use Can be used in cooking, baking, and beverages Natural Origin Extracted from stevia leaves, not artificially produced I always choose pure stevia to skip additives. Whether it's powder or leaves, this natural sweetener is great for staying healthy while enjoying sweets. Why Choose Stevia Over Artificial Sweeteners I've found that stevia is a top choice for those looking for a sugar substitute. It's a natural option that has benefits over artificial sweeteners. Let's see why it's a better pick for your health and taste. Stevia is great because it has no calories. This makes it perfect for those watching their sugar intake. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans suggest limiting added sugar to 10% of daily calories5. Stevia helps you stay within this limit without losing sweetness. Stevia doesn't have a bitter taste like some artificial sweeteners. It comes from the Stevia rebaudiana plant, making it a natural choice. This means it avoids the health risks of some artificial sweeteners. "Stevia has been a game-changer for my clients who want to reduce sugar without using artificial sweeteners." Stevia is versatile and can be used in many products, from drinks to baked goods. For example, Clean Cause Non-Carbonated Yerba Mate uses stevia to cut sugar by up to 25%6. This shows how stevia can make healthier versions of popular items. Aspect Stevia Artificial Sweeteners Origin Natural (plant-based) Synthetic Calories Zero Zero to Low Aftertaste Minimal Often bitter Health Concerns Few Some Stevia is also good for protein-rich snacks. For example, Quest Tortilla Style Loaded Taco Protein Chips have 19 grams of protein and use stevia7. This shows how stevia can add sweetness without extra calories. Choosing stevia over artificial sweeteners is wise for those wanting to cut sugar naturally. Its natural origin, zero calories, and versatility make it a top choice for health-conscious people. Best Stevia Brands: Top Picks for 2024 https://youtube.com/watch?v=QFMP-X9og8U I've looked into the market to give you the best stevia choices for 2024. You'll find everything from powder to liquid and packets perfect for any sweetener need. Let's check out the top picks in each category. Powder Stevia Options Stevia powder is versatile and easy to use. Here are some standout brands: SweetLeaf: Offers organic stevia powder with no fillers Now Foods: Known for pure stevia extract Truvia: A popular choice with a blend of stevia and erythritol Liquid Stevia Choices Liquid stevia is great for drinks. Top picks include: SweetLeaf Sweet Drops: Available in various flavors NuNaturals Pure Liquid: Concentrated and easy to use Wisdom Natural SweetLeaf: Organic and zero-calorie Stevia Packets for On-the-Go Use For convenience, stevia packets are hard to beat. Consider these options: Truvia Natural Sweetener Packets Pyure Organic Stevia Sweetener Packets Stevia In The Raw Zero Calorie Sweetener When picking the best stevia, look for minimal ingredients and no artificial additives. Clean Cause, a company with stevia-sweetened drinks, has won over 16,600 customers6. This shows how popular stevia-based products are. Switching to stevia can really help your health. Drinking two 12-ounce cans of regular soda a day for a month is like eating 5 pounds of sugar or 8,000 calories8. Choosing stevia-sweetened drinks helps you avoid that sugar overload. Stevia Type Best For Popular Brands Powder Baking, cooking SweetLeaf, Now Foods, Truvia Liquid Beverages, smoothies SweetLeaf Sweet Drops, NuNaturals, Wisdom Natural Packets On-the-go use Truvia, Pyure, Stevia In The Raw Remember, stevia is 300 times sweeter than sugar, so a little goes a long way8. Try different brands and forms to find your perfect stevia match. How to Use Stevia in Your Daily Diet Stevia is a great way to sweeten foods and drinks without adding calories. I've found many tasty ways to use it in my daily meals. Let's look at some easy ways to add stevia to your meals. Baking with Stevia Using stevia in baking is great for those who want healthy desserts. It's much sweeter than sugar, so you only need a little. Use about 1/2 teaspoon of powdered stevia for every cup of sugar called for in a recipe. Don't forget to add more liquid or ingredients to make up for the difference in volume. Sweetening Beverages Adding stevia to coffee or tea is a simple way to make drinks sweet without extra calories. I like using liquid stevia because it mixes well. Just a few drops can make your coffee taste great without the guilt. Stevia is also great in smoothies or homemade lemonades. Creative Culinary Uses Stevia has many uses beyond baking and drinks. I enjoy it in salad dressings, marinades, and savory sauces. It can balance out the taste in tomato-based dishes or add sweetness to stir-fries. Here's a simple table showing how much stevia equals common sugar amounts: Sugar Amount Stevia Equivalent (Powder) Stevia Equivalent (Liquid) 1 teaspoon 1/2 packet 2-3 drops 1 tablespoon 1 packet 6-9 drops 1/4 cup 2 teaspoons 1 teaspoon Remember, stevia is 300 times sweeter than sugar, so a little goes a long way8. Start with small amounts and adjust to taste. By trying different forms and amounts, you'll find the perfect balance for your taste and health goals. Potential Side Effects and Considerations Stevia is usually safe, but watch out for side effects. Some people might feel bloated or nauseous at first. These feelings often go away as you get used to it. Choosing high-quality stevia is key to safety. Some brands add extra stuff like sugar alcohols. These can upset your stomach if you're sensitive. Always check the label for pure stevia extract. If you're allergic to plants like daisies or sunflowers, be careful with stevia. Always talk to a doctor before trying new foods, especially if you have health issues. Stevia Considerations Recommendations Product Quality Choose pure stevia extract without additives Allergies Exercise caution if allergic to Asteraceae family plants Digestive Sensitivity Start with small amounts and gradually increase Medical Conditions Consult healthcare provider before use Stevia is great for managing blood sugar, but think about it with other supplements. For example, Blood Sugar Complete users saw steady blood sugar and more energy9. Mixing stevia with other natural stuff might help more. Comparing Stevia to Other Natural Sweeteners Many people ask about the differences between stevia and other natural sweeteners. Let's look at how stevia compares with popular choices. It's important to think about taste, health effects, and what you need when picking a sweetener. Stevia vs. Monk Fruit Stevia and monk fruit are both zero-calorie sweeteners. Stevia is easier to find and often less expensive than monk fruit. Both are good for reducing sugar intake, which should be less than 10% of daily calories5. Some people like stevia's taste better than monk fruit's. Stevia vs. Erythritol Erythritol is a sugar alcohol with almost no calories. Unlike erythritol, stevia doesn't raise blood sugar levels. Erythritol might cause stomach problems for some, but stevia is usually okay. Recent studies show erythritol could increase blood clots and heart issues. Stevia vs. Sugar Alcohols Sugar alcohols, like xylitol, are another type of sweetener. Some people find them hard to digest, especially if eaten too much. Stevia usually doesn't cause these problems. When choosing between stevia and sugar alcohols, think about what you like to taste and how your body handles them. Source Links https://barbend.com/best-post-workout-supplements/ https://www.health.com/best-electrolyte-drinks-8619874 https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/energy-drinks-boost-metabolism https://www.nature.com/articles/s42255-024-01108-6 https://www.eatthis.com/unhealthy-low-sugar-foods/ https://deal.town/clean-cause/best-yerba-mate-ive-ever-tried-PKYA8TRV8NR https://www.eatthis.com/high-protein-chips/ https://www.tahlequahdailypress.com/news/sweet-goes-sour-sugars-in-everything-consumption-dramatically-up/article_44a34524-5fdb-11ef-858d-8790633d5b72.html Best Stevia Brands of 2024: Top Natural Sweeteners for Your Health

Trail mix is a great choice for a sports snack. It’s a good source of healthy fats and protein; it won’t spoil like other snacks like cookies or chips.

Here are some tips for making the most of trail mix:

  • Make sure your trail mix has nuts, seeds, and dried fruit to get enough protein and fiber from the whole grains. You can also add cocoa nibs (powdered chocolate) to boost your trail mix’s protein and antioxidants.
  • Don’t forget that fruit contains natural sugar so avoid adding too much sweetened puffed cereal or chocolate chips to your trail mix as they can make it unhealthy or fattening if eaten too often in large amounts. Instead, choose dried fruit with no added sugar, such as raisins, cranberries or apricots instead!

Dried fruit

Dried fruit is a great choice for kids because it contains fiber and vitamins. Dried fruits like raisins, cherries, apricots, and dried peaches are healthy snacks that provide energy during sports or after school.

The best part is that they are also delicious! The tangy flavor of the fruit can be a real treat for your children when they are tired of eating only vegetables. Mix dried fruits with nuts and seeds to make a trail mix or snack mix for your child’s lunchbox. Dried fruits add nutrition without adding too many calories, making them perfect for after-school snacking (or an easy dessert).

Fresh fruit

An image featuring a vibrant, overflowing glass of creamy protein smoothie, with a medley of fresh fruits and nuts on top
Image featuring a vibrant, overflowing glass of creamy protein smoothie, with a medley of fresh fruits and nuts on top

Kids should eat fruits and vegetables to get the necessary vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Fruit is also a good energy source, so it’s a healthy snack for kids. It has very few calories and fat.

Fruits like bananas are easy to carry in your bag (if you don’t have one of those fancy animal-themed sports bags that have pockets), but you can also throw an apple or orange into your child’s lunchbox. It’s best if they’re fresh – but frozen fruit is fine too!

A slice of watermelon will do the trick, too – just make sure not to let it sit out for too long after cutting through it because then some bacteria may appear on top as well as inside where there was no air before slicing open this delicious treat at home or outdoors nearby when playing soccer games with friends nearby for example 🙂

See also
Healthy Ground Turkey Recipes for Weight Loss: Your Guide

Celery sticks with peanut butter or cream cheese and raisins

Celery sticks with peanut butter or cream cheese and raisins

Peanut butter, raisins, and celery are a great combination. Add chocolate chips for a delicious twist! Try adding cinnamon to the peanut butter instead of plain salt for extra fun.

If you’re looking for other healthy snack ideas for kids that don’t involve food on the run, here are some more options:

Bagel with cream cheese or peanut butter

Chocolate-Peanut-Butter-Protein-Shake-Recipe

Bagels are a good source of carbs, fiber, calcium, iron, and vitamin B6.

  • Bagels are a great source of carbohydrates because they contain important nutrients like fiber and magnesium that your body needs to function properly. Carbohydrates are also the main form of energy your body uses during exercise and can help you stay energized throughout your workout session.
  • Fiber helps keep you full longer, so it’s less likely that you will feel hungry between meals or snacks. Fiber also helps lower cholesterol levels by binding with bile acids in the intestine before they get absorbed into the bloodstream. The result is an increase in fat excretion from your body!
  • Calcium builds strong bones and teeth by helping make new bone tissue when needed, providing structural support for existing bone tissue, and controlling muscle contraction (i.e., muscle function). It also supports nerve function by aiding in transmission rates at synapses (the spaces where neurons communicate) within our nervous system, which ultimately affects learning abilities such as memory recall skills; therefore, increasing mental alertness levels while decreasing fatigue levels so athletes can stay focused longer on their respective sport activities without feeling mentally drained afterward!

Hard-boiled eggs

Hard-boiled eggs are a great source of protein, which helps build muscle and keep your body running smoothly. To make them, fill a pot with about two inches of water and bring it to a boil. Place six peeled hard-boiled eggs in the pot and set the timer for 10 minutes. When the timer goes off, remove the eggs from the water and place them in an ice bath (fill another large bowl with ice water). Let them sit there for 5-10 minutes to cool down before peeling or slicing.

You can serve them as an afternoon snack; cut each boiled egg in half or quarters so you can eat it easily without getting burned by the hot yolk! If you want something more flavorful than plain boiled egg whites, try adding salt and pepper to taste before serving 🙂

String cheese and grapes

Let’s start with a classic: string cheese and grapes. Grapes are a rich source of antioxidants, fiber, and vitamin C. And they pair well with cheese, which is also high in calcium. But don’t just limit yourself to plain old string cheese—try a variety of cheeses like cheddar, brie or goat’s milk. Or try them with crackers or pretzels for extra crunch (or even sprinkle on some cinnamon).

See also
7 Surprising Ways Healthy Eating Fuels Weight Loss [Proven]

String Cheese and Grapes Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup red seedless grapes (or other small, sweet variety)
  • 8 oz package of string cheese

Popcorn

Popcorn is a great source of fiber, which helps keep your digestive tract healthy. It also contains potassium and vitamin B6. The latter is important for the metabolism of sugars and carbohydrates, while the former plays an important role in maintaining normal blood pressure levels.

Popcorn also contains a good amount of vitamin E, an antioxidant that promotes healthy skin and hair growth.

Yogurt tubes or squeezable yogurt pouches.

Yogurt tubes or squeezable yogurt pouches are a great way to keep your child’s tummy full and happy. Yogurt is packed with protein and calcium, which helps build strong bones. Some yogurts also contain probiotics, which help support a healthy digestive system. Yogurt tubes can be frozen and used as a cool treat during hot summer days. These snacks are also great for packing in lunches!

Fruit leather.

Fruit leather is a healthy snack, and it’s easy to make. The only ingredients you need are fruit, sugar and water.

Fruit leather is a good source of fiber and vitamins A and C. It’s also a good source of antioxidants (which fight free radicals), potassium, calcium, and other nutrients that help with growth and development. You can even find varieties made with no artificial ingredients!

Muffins.

Muffins are a great source of fiber, calcium and iron. They can also be made with whole grains, which is good for your heart and digestive system. You can add fruit to the batter to make them healthier and tastier.

Granola bars.

Granola bars are a great snack for kids because they contain vitamins, minerals, and fiber. But remember: not all granola bars are created equal. Some granola bars are loaded with unhealthy ingredients like high fructose corn syrup and hydrogenated oils that can cause weight gain, raise cholesterol levels, and increase your risk of heart disease over time.

To avoid getting stuck with the unhealthy kind, read the nutrition label before buying any packaged food product. A good start is looking at how many grams of sugar a serving contains (less than 5g is ideal). If you want to make your homemade granola bars instead of buying them pre-packaged at the grocery store or health food store, here’s an easy recipe:

  • 3 cups old-fashioned oats (not quick oats)
  • 1 cup chopped nuts (cashews or almonds work well)
  • 1 cup dried fruit (raisins or cherries)

Sports drinks (only for very active kids).

  • Sports drinks are not necessary for active kids. Kids don’t need to drink a lot of water, and they can get their fluid from food, so they shouldn’t be drinking sports drinks—which have a lot of sugar and calories—if they are just playing around outside or doing something low-key like having a dance party at home.
  • Water is better than sports drinks. Drinking plenty of water is always important, but it’s especially important when exercising or playing sports (or doing anything else that gets you sweaty!). When we sweat during exercise, our bodies lose electrolytes (sodium and potassium), which help regulate our blood pressure and keep our muscles working properly.
  • You may want to consider buying reusable bottles with your child if you’ll make them carry their own bottle all the time. This way, you won’t end up with paper cups everywhere!
See also
Best Psyllium Husk Supplements for Constipation Relief in 2024

Whole-wheat crackers.

Whole-wheat crackers are a great source of fiber, protein, iron, and calcium. Whole grain foods provide many health benefits, such as increasing energy levels and promoting better digestion.

What are whole grains?

Whole grains contain the entire grain kernel (the bran, germ, and endosperm). These three parts of the grain each have their own nutritional profile:

  • Bran – the fiber-rich outer part of the kernel; good for digestive health.
  • Germ – contains lots of vitamins A and E; good for skin health.
  • Endosperm – starchy center that provides energy

Popcorn cakes (our twist on Rice Krispies treats).

Popcorn cakes are a great source of fiber and when made with low-fat popcorn, they’re also a good source of potassium. The kids can help you make them—and will be proud to share them with their friends at school or in sports practice.

Not only that, but these snacks provide good amounts of folate and magnesium (which helps strengthen bones), iron (helps transport oxygen throughout the body), and even protein!

These aromatic snacks will keep your kids full between practices.

Are you looking for a guilt-free snack packed with nutrients and totally delicious? We’ve got your back! The following snacks are all nutritious, easy to pack, and perfect for kids who are hungry between practices.

  • Fruit salads: This is one of the most versatile snacks around and one of our top picks for sports day snacks. A ready-made fruit salad can be bought at the supermarket or made at home by chopping up some fresh fruit (grapes, mandarin oranges, and bananas go particularly well). It’s easy to carry in a bag or water bottle when you’re on the move.
  • Mixed nuts: Nuts have a high-fat content but also contain a lot of protein, making them an excellent energy source during long physical activity. If you’re looking to get some extra protein into your child’s diet during sports practice sessions later this year, consider adding peanuts, almonds, or cashews – which all offer plenty of goodness without spoiling their appetite for dinner!

Conclusion

Hopefully, this list of snacks has helped you out! If your child needs a little more variety, don’t forget there are plenty of different combinations and flavors to try. With all the options above, we hope your family can find something delicious and nutritious for everyone—after dinner or before your next soccer game.