12 High-Protein After-School Snacks to Give Your Kiddos a Second Wind

It's completely understandable why after a busy day of school, your kids come home starving. But with an equally hectic afternoon filled with activities and homework assignments, you want to feed them something that will keep them energized and help hold them over until dinner. Opting for high-protein snacks are not only a great way to give your child that extra boost, they're also healthy treats that avoid the dreaded sugar crash after they tucker themselves out. Check out these 12 creative high-protein recipes to help keep your little ones full steam ahead.

01
Chocolate Almond Protein Bars
POPSUGAR Photography | Jenny Sugar

Chocolate Almond Protein Bars

These dairy-free energy bars offer over 10 grams of protein are so good that your children will mistake them for dessert.

02
Chickpea Cookie Dough
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Chickpea Cookie Dough

Don't knock this recipe until you try it! With peanut butter, vanilla extract, and chocolate chips adding a sweet flavor combo to the blended chickpeas, you'll be surprised that you've gone this long without making this "cookie dough" recipe sooner!

03
Roasted Edamame
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Roasted Edamame

Roasting the fiber-filled soybeans brings extra crunch and flavor and serves as a satisfying after-school snack for hungry bellies.

04
Peanut Butter and Jelly Granola
Averie Cooks

Peanut Butter and Jelly Granola

Inspired by the Whole Food's favorite snack, this chewy yet crunchy treat can be borderline addicting.

05
Cinnamon Sugar Candied Nuts Trail Mix
Averie Cooks

Cinnamon Sugar Candied Nuts Trail Mix

When you use candied nuts to create a trail mix blend, you end up with a salty and sweet treat perfect to help with that afternoon slump.

06
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Balls
Life Made Sweeter

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Balls

These no-bake energy balls are the perfect option for a healthy snack on the go and only require five ingredients to make.

07
Berry Green Smoothie
Get Inspired Everyday

Berry Green Smoothie

Your kids might not be into the idea of berries, spinach, and Greek yogurt, but once they taste this high-protein combo in smoothie form, they'll be pleasantly surprised.

08
Energy Bites
Wall Flower Girl

Energy Bites

This raw, sweet energy ball is packed with superfoods that will keep your little one satisfied until dinner.

09
Frozen Smoothie Popsicles
The Chic Site

Frozen Smoothie Popsicles

These homemade pops aren't just fun to prepare, they're also perfect for little mouths to enjoy after a busy day of learning!

10
Chocolate Almond Apple Sandwiches
Self Proclaimed Foodie

Chocolate Almond Apple Sandwiches

Upgrade your after-school snack game with this twist on the classic apple and peanut butter option.

11
Apple Crisp With Peanut Butter Granola
Inspiralized

Apple Crisp With Peanut Butter Granola

Using peanut butter granola for your crispy crust adds extra punch of protein to this heart-healthy snack.

12
Mediterranean Lentil Dip
Minimalist Baker

Mediterranean Lentil Dip

Whether they use veggies or chips as a vessel for this flavorful dip, kids will get an extra boost from this healthy dip that’s loaded with protein and healthy ingredients to keep them feeling great.