Great Snacks for Kids

Childhood obesity is on the rise and you don't want your child swept up in the tide. But tiny bellies often need to eat between meals. What is the right between-meal snack for your preschooler? Here are some great options that are easy to keep on hand.

From the Pantry

Pretzel sticks

24 of Rold Gold's pretzel sticks (more than enough for a hungry preschooler) contain just 50 calories and no fat. Plus your kids will also get some Dietary Fiber, Thiamin and Riboflavin and a touch of Calcium.

Applesauce

White House's applesauce cups contain 90 calories, no fat, 5% of Dietary Fiber and 100% of your child's Vitamin C.

Fruit cup

One Del Monte's diced pear fruit cup contains 70 calories and no fat. Plus 100% of the day's Vitamin C and more than 5% of your child's daily Dietary Fiber.

Dried fruit

One-quarter cup of Archer Farm's dried fruit mix contains 100 calories, more than 12% of your child's Dietary Fiber, as well as Iron, Vitamin A and Vitamin C.

BEST BET! Three-quarter Cup of Cheerios

No transfats and just 80 calories pack a fortified wallop. 35% of the day's Riboflavin, Niacin, and Thiamin. 45% of the day's Vitamin B6. 50% of the day's Iron. 60% of the day's Folic Acid.

From the Fridge

Strawberries

In a nutrient density analysis done by the American College of Nutrition, strawberries placed in the top three fruits. The ranking was based on each fruit's ability to provide recommended amounts of nine essential nutrients.Choose strawberries for lots of Potassium, Vitamin C and Vitamin A.

Blueberries

With about 40 calories, a half-cup of blueberries is a good source of Dietary Fiber, and a very good source of Vitamin C, Vitamin K and Manganese. They are high in natural sugars, so make sure to avoid adding any additional sweeteners.

Baby Carrots

Though they shouldn't be given to any child under three (they're a choking hazard), they're a great snack for preschoolers. Just one baby carrot has nearly half of the Vitamin A your child needs for the day. Plus it's a good source of Dietary Fiber, Vitamin K and Manganese.

Hardboiled Egg

Though a boiled egg does contain 14 grams of fat (4 grams of saturated fat), it packs a tremendous amount of Protein and Selenium in a small package. It's also a good source of Riboflavin, Vitamin B12 and Phosphorus.

Yogurt

All yogurts are not created equal. Make sure you look at the package to find the best possible choice for your child. Look for one that's high in Calcium and low in sugar.

Cheese

Choose a low fat, un-processed cheese as a great source of Calcium, Protein and Phosphorus. But watch the saturated fat content - many cheeses can use-up your child's entire recommended daily amount of fat.

Grape Tomatoes

Their shape makes whole tomatoes a choking hazard, so make sure to cut up any grape tomatoes offered to children under three. Their super sweet taste makes them a kid favorite, plus they're a great source of Vitamins A and C.