Baon Ideas: 15 Healthy Snacks for Kids 3 Years Old and Up

According to a 2023 study in the Philippine Journal of Science, snacks provide over 31% of the total daily energy for 3- to 5-year-old Filipino kids. Most children this age need just one or two small snack portions a day, enough to satisfy hunger without spoiling the next meal. To help you win the baon battle, here’s a list of simple, healthy snack for kids you can prep.

Fruity Baon Ideas Packed with Vitamins

Fruits are full of vitamins, fiber, and natural sweetness for a quick energy boost. The key is keeping them fresh and fun to eat.

Apple slices with peanut butter

Your child will get fiber from the apple and healthy fats and protein from the peanut butter, which keeps your child feeling full and satisfied.

Baon packing tip: Squeeze a little lemon or calamansi juice on the cut apple slices to keep them from turning brown. Pack the peanut butter in a separate small, leak-proof container for dipping. If your child (or his classmate) is allergic to peanuts, swap the peanut butter for cream cheese.

Colorful fruit kebabs

Slide grapes, melon chunks, and strawberry halves onto a (blunt-tipped) food skewer. These bright, bite-sized treats are easy and fun to eat.

Baon packing tip: Choose fruits that don't get mushy, like melon, grapes, and (lightly citrus-spritzed) apples. Strawberries can work if you pack the bento box carefully so they don't get squished.

Banana 'sushi'

Take a banana, spread a thin layer of peanut butter or cream cheese on it, and roll it in crushed (age-appropriate) nuts or a little whole-grain cereal for crunch. Slice it into "sushi" pieces.

Baon packing tip: Bananas brown fast, so it’s best assembled right before leaving. A good spritz of lemon juice is essential.

Ants on a log

Spread peanut butter or cream cheese inside a celery stick and top it with a few raisins ("ants"). It’s a satisfying mix of crunch, creaminess, and just a hint of sweetness.

Baon packing tip: Cut the celery sticks to fit your child's bento box before adding the fillings. This keeps it neat and easy for little hands to grab.

Watermelon “lollipops”

Cut a small slice of watermelon into a triangle and push a popsicle stick into the rind. This hydrating snack is sweet and refreshing, especially on warm, humid days.

Baon packing tip: This snack is mostly water, so pack it in a well-chilled, insulated lunch bag. Include a napkin, as it can be juicy!

Veggie-Powered Snacks That Actually Get Eaten

Pairing crunchy veggies like carrot sticks with a protein-rich dip like hummus is a great baon strategy for picky eaters.

A 2024 study in Nutrients on Filipino kids aged 7 to 11 reported that only 47% included any "Glow" foods (like vegetables) when asked to draw their ideal meal, showing just how low veggies rank in their food choices.

To make veggies more appetizing, pair them with a dip they love, especially if you're dealing with a picky eater. This makes it one of the best healthy snacks for kids to take to school.

Carrot and cucumber sticks with peanut butter

Hummus is a fantastic dip made from chickpeas, so it’s rich in plant-based protein and fiber. Peanut butter is another great choice, offering healthy fats and a protein boost. Pair either dip with sweet carrot sticks and crunchy cucumber spears.

Baon packing tip: You can chill the carrots and cucumber and use an insulated container. Keep the dip in a small, leak-proof container so the veggies stay crisp until snack time.

Mini bell peppers (whole or stuffed)

Sweet mini bell peppers are crisp, juicy, and just the right size for little hands. They're great on their own or stuffed with a little cream cheese.

Baon packing tip: If you stuff them, pat the inside of the pepper dry with a paper towel first. This helps the cream cheese stick and stops it from getting watery.

Veggie kebobs with a yogurt dip

Cherry tomatoes, cucumber squares, and bell pepper pieces on a toothpick are instantly more appealing. Pair them with a simple dip made from plain yogurt, a little garlic powder, and a pinch of salt.

Baon packing tip: Use blunt-ended toothpicks or small coffee stirrers for safety.

Baked sweet potato (kamote) chips

A fantastic alternative to greasy potato chips. Thinly slice sweet potato, toss with a tiny bit of olive oil and salt, and bake until crispy.

Baon packing tip: Cool completely before sealing in a dry container to keep them crisp.

Dairy and Protein Combos for Lasting Energy

Protein and healthy fats are ideal healthy snacks for kids lunch boxes because they keep your child full and focused, avoiding that "hangry" feeling before the next class.

Hard-boiled eggs

It’s simple and nutritious, rich in protein, and easy to pack. You can even use fun molds to shape them into stars or cars to make them more appealing. Pair it with some rock salt or Japanese mayo.

Baon packing tip: Peel the egg at home to make it easy for your child.

Yogurt parfait with granola and fruit

Layer plain or low-sugar yogurt, a sprinkle of granola, and a few fruits in a small, leak-proof container. It’s a creamy, crunchy, and sweet snack all in one.

Baon packing tip: Keep granola crunchy by packing it separately so they can add it just before eating, or make it the very top layer. This snack definitely needs an insulated lunch bag.

Cheese cubes and whole-grain crackers

A classic combo that never fails. Cubed cheddar, edam, or a piece of string cheese is a perfect savory snack.

Baon packing tip: Pack the crackers in a separate compartment or a small reusable silicone bag. This keeps them crisp and away from any moisture from the cheese or fruit.

Whole Grains They’ll Munch Without Complaining

Whole grains give steady energy for learning and play—without the sugar crash.

Mini oat energy balls

You can make these yourself with raw, rolled oats (safe to eat even without cooking), peanut butter, and a little honey. Many recipes use mashed bananas or applesauce as a natural sweetener. For a special treat, you can add a few bits of crushed semi-sweet chocolate chips.

Just mix all the ingredients, scoop and roll into balls, and refrigerate for about half an hour to an hour until firm.

Baon packing tip: Perfect for batch prep—store in an airtight jar or freeze for later. They’re very filling, so one or two small balls are usually enough for a single snack.

Lightly salted popcorn

That’s right, popcorn is a whole grain! Make your own at home so you can control the salt and butter, and pack it in a small reusable bag.

Baon packing tip: Popcorn is best packed on dry, not humid, days. Even in a good container, it can get a little stale and chewy if the air is damp.

Toasted pita with guacamole or tuna dip

Cut a whole-wheat pita into triangles and lightly toast them. They become perfect “chips” for dipping into a simple tuna salad, guacamole, or hummus.

Baon packing tip: For the best texture, keep the pita chips and dip in separate containers.

How to Make Healthy Snacks for Kids Appealing

Make healthy snacks for kids appealing by getting them involved! They're more likely to eat what they help choose and pack.

Sometimes, a snack comes back uneaten simply because it wasn't appealing. The 2024 study in Nutrients highlighted that sensory appeal plays a huge part in what makes kids want to eat food. So, be creative with your presentation.

Use cookie cutters

Use a small cookie cutter to punch fun shapes out of cheese slices, sandwiches, or even fruits like melon.

Let your kids help pack

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends involving your kids in meal planning and cooking, since the more engaged they are, the more likely they’ll try the food.

Let them choose, "Do you want apple slices or banana 'sushi' today?" or let them help assemble their own snacks, like washing grapes or stirring the yogurt parfait.

Use colorful containers

A colorful lunch box with small compartments makes any food look more appealing. It’s also easier to keep wet and dry snacks separate.

Read the labels on store-bought snacks

When you do buy pre-packaged snacks, get into the habit of reading the label. UNICEF Philippines suggests checking for added sugars (like "sucrose" or "corn syrup") and aiming for low sodium (under 200mg per serving) and minimal saturated fat.

Alternate between sweet and savory

To avoid flavor fatigue, try rotating your snack ideas. If you packed a sweet fruit snack today, try a savory veggie-and-dip combo tomorrow.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Most of these snacks can be prepped the night before and stored in the fridge in airtight containers. For dry items like chips, crackers, or popcorn, keep them in a cool, dry container so they stay crisp. In the morning, pack everything into an insulated lunch bag to keep food safe and fresh until recess or lunchtime.

Packing healthy snacks for kids doesn’t have to be a complicated, time-consuming chore. By focusing on whole foods, combining food groups, and being creative, you can give your child the fuel they need to thrive at school.

Ready to swap baon ideas? Join the ParentTeam Moms and Dads Facebook group and see what other parents are packing, or share your own go-to healthy snacks for kids!