Parents often find it difficult to serve kids tasty snacks that are also healthy, and a busy day makes whipping up a nutritious snack all the more challenging. But that doesn’t mean you have to fall back on packaged snacks on such days. Check out these snack ideas for busy parents that will make your life much easier on a busy workday:

1. Almond butter spread
Almost every kid loves almond butter spread, and preparing this wholesome snack is easy peasy for you too. Set the oven to 190 degrees Celsius and the fan to 5. Once this is done, spread out almonds on a baking tray and put them in to roast for about 10 minutes. Let the roasted almonds cool a little, and then put them in a food processor and blend for about 12 minutes or until creamy. Take breaks and scrape the sides in between. You can also add a little honey if you (and the kids) like it, and voila! You have a tasty, nutritious snack ready to serve! Pretty simple, right? Serve it over whole-grain bread or toast and let the kids enjoy a power-packed treat. You can refrigerate it for up to 3 whole weeks, so make it ahead of a busy week, and you won’t have to worry about whipping up a snack in the middle of work.

2. Spicy popcorn
Who doesn’t love popcorn? This is the simplest option on this list of snack ideas for busy parents, so anyone can make it. All you need to do is take microwave popcorn and cook it as per the instructions on the packet. Once ready, sprinkle your kid’s favorite spices on the popcorn. You can also add agave syrup if you want. Transfer it into a bag, mix well, and serve it warm. This delicious snack packs a whole lot of fiber, so it will keep them full until the next meal.

3. Dried fruit energy balls
Dried fruit energy balls are the perfect treat if your kid is feeling a little lethargic or if you just want to ensure they have plenty of energy for an active day ahead. You just have to whizz some apricots with dates and cherries and chop them in a food processor. Next, use coconut oil and tip the mixture into a bowl. Then, shape it into walnut-sized balls, or you can make interesting shapes to get the kids excited about this healthy snack. Dried fruit energy balls provide carbohydrates for energy, and they’re packed with essential vitamins and minerals to boost their health. You can also make a batch and store them in an airtight container for later use.

Give these snack ideas for busy parents a try at home. They’ll keep the kids coming back for more.