50 healthy teacher snack ideas for busy teachers

Let’s face it—teaching is a demanding gig. Between wrangling students, grading papers, and writing lesson plans, it’s easy to forget about taking care of ourselves during the school day. 

But fear not! I’ve got your back with 50 delicious and nutritious, healthy teacher snack ideas to keep you fuelled and focused throughout the day. 

So grab a coffee and relax while I give you some scrumptious healthy teacher snack ideas to get you through the day.

healthy teacher snack ideas

What types of snacks should teachers be eating?

As a teacher who is on their feet all day and who needs to keep their brain working at a high capacity, it is important to fuel your body and brain appropriately.

Your snacks through the day (also supported by a good lunch – check out my teacher lunch ideas here) should contain the right ingredients to support and not drain your body through the day.

Try to eat healthy snacks that have a good source of protein, low GI carbs and healthy fats. Avoid high sugar foods that will hit you with a sugar low later on.

Good snacks can be an absolute game change in terms of your energy levels (or hangry levels) throughout the day.

healthy teacher snack ideas

What school snacks should teachers avoid?

First, it is important to note that many of your students and fellow colleagues may have food allergies you need to be aware of. Your school might even have a policy that restricts food groups for you to bring in e.g. food containing nuts. Make sure you check these before stocking up on your favorite snacks!

Second, sugary food. I feel a particular pull towards junk food at the end of the school year. However, this is the time it is most important to try and stick to healthy eating choices or we will end up feeling more tired and run down.

The good news is there are plenty of foods you can have that will satisfy your sweet tooth without also ruining your energy levels.

healthy teacher snack ideas

50 healthy teacher snack ideas for busy teachers

1. Greek Yogurt Parfait: Scoop some Greek yogurt into a cup, add a handful of berries, and sprinkle with granola for a satisfying blend of protein, carbs, and healthy fats. I also love to add a sprinkle of coconut flakes or dessicated coconut to mine too.
2. Trail Mix: Mix together nuts (if allowed – or leave these out), seeds (e.g. sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds), dried fruit, and a sprinkle of dark chocolate chips for a crunchy, energy-boosting snack. You can pre pack these in individual bags for each day of the week.
3. Hard-Boiled Eggs: Prep a batch of hard-boiled eggs at the beginning of the week for a protein-packed snack on the go.
4. Whole Grain Crackers with Hummus: Spread some hummus on whole grain crackers for a tasty combo of complex carbs and plant-based protein. Alternatively, make your own guacamole dip.
5. Cheese and Whole Grain Crackers: Pair your favorite cheese with whole grain crackers. If you’re feeling fancy add some deli meat too.
6. Cottage Cheese on raisin toast: Top a scoop of cottage cheese on raisin toast for a filling snack.
7. Turkey Roll-Ups: Wrap slices of turkey around cheese sticks or cucumber spears for a quick and protein-rich snack.
8. Avocado Toast: Mash up some avocado and spread it on whole grain toast for a deliciously creamy snack loaded with healthy fats.
9. Veggie Sticks with Guacamole: Dip crunchy veggie sticks like carrots, celery, and bell peppers into creamy guacamole for a nutritious and satisfying snack.
10. Edamame: Snack on steamed edamame sprinkled with sea salt for a protein-packed treat that’s as fun to eat as it is nutritious.
11. Chia Pudding: Mix chia seeds with your favorite milk and let it sit overnight for a creamy and satisfying snack packed with omega-3 fatty acids.
12. Rice Cake with Cottage Cheese and Berries: Top a rice cake with cottage cheese and fresh berries for a light and refreshing snack that’s perfect for summer.
13. Tuna Salad Lettuce Wraps: Mix canned tuna with Greek yogurt, diced veggies, and a squeeze of lemon juice, then spoon it into lettuce leaves for a low-carb, high-protein snack.
14. Rice cake with tinned salmon or tuna: I like to have mine with sliced tomato on top and some cracked pepper.
15. Quinoa Salad: Whip up a batch of quinoa salad with veggies, beans, and a drizzle of olive oil for a hearty and nutritious snack that’s perfect for meal prep.
16. Cucumber Slices with Hummus: Use cucumber slices as dippers for hummus for a refreshing and hydrating snack that’s perfect for hot days.
17. Cherry Tomatoes with Mozzarella Balls: Skewer cherry tomatoes and mozzarella balls on toothpicks for a mini caprese salad.
18. Cottage Cheese with Tomato Slices: Top some crackers with cottage cheese and slices of ripe tomato, a drizzle of olive oil, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper for a simple and refreshing snack.
19. Homemade Energy Balls: If you’ve got more time to prepare some healthy teacher snacks, blend dates, nuts, oats, and a dash of cinnamon in a food processor, then roll into balls for a quick and portable snack that’s perfect for busy days.
20. Sliced Bell Peppers with Hummus: As far as teacher snack ideas, this is one of the easiest to grab and go. Use sliced bell peppers as dippers for hummus for a crunchy and colorful snack that’s packed with vitamins and minerals.

healthy teacher snack ideas

More healthy teacher snacks

21. Greek Yogurt with Berries and granola: Mix Greek yogurt with fresh berries and top with granola for a creamy, crunchy, and satisfying snack.

22. Turkey and Cheese Roll-Ups: Roll slices of turkey around cheese slices for a protein-packed snack that’s perfect for satisfying hunger between meals. Deli meats are a great staple to keep in your fridge as a healthy teacher snack.

23. Roasted Chickpeas: Toss chickpeas with olive oil and your favorite seasonings, then roast until crispy for a crunchy and satisfying snack that’s rich in fiber and protein.

24. Stuffed Bell Peppers: Halve bell peppers and fill them with a mixture of quinoa, black beans, corn, and salsa for a flavorful and nutritious snack that’s bursting with color. These are great to have prepped the night before so you can just heat them up on the run.

25. Cucumber and Tomato Salad: Toss cucumber slices and cherry tomatoes with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and fresh herbs for a light and refreshing snack.

26. Rice Cake with Avocado and Tomato: Top a rice cake with mashed avocado and sliced tomato for a simple and satisfying snack that’s loaded with healthy fats and fiber.

27. Hummus Stuffed Peppers: Fill mini sweet peppers with hummus for a crunchy and colorful snack that’s perfect for parties or afternoon pick-me-ups.

28. Celery Sticks with tasty cheese: cut thin slices of tasty cheese and eat with celery sticks.

29. Caprese Skewers: Skewer cherry tomatoes, basil leaves, and mozzarella balls on toothpicks for a mini caprese salad that’s perfect for parties or snacking on the go.

30. Chia Seed Pudding with Berries: Mix chia seeds with your favorite milk and top with fresh berries for a creamy and satisfying snack that’s packed with fiber and antioxidants.

31. Cottage Cheese with Peaches: Top cottage cheese with sliced peaches and a drizzle of honey for a sweet and creamy snack that’s perfect for summer.

32. Roasted Edamame: Toss edamame with olive oil and your favorite seasonings, then roast until crispy for a crunchy and satisfying snack that’s rich in protein and fiber.

33. Quinoa Stuffed Bell Peppers: Halve bell peppers and fill them with a mixture of quinoa, black beans, corn, and salsa for a flavorful and nutritious snack that’s perfect for meal prep.

34. Greek Yogurt with Mango and Coconut: Mix Greek yogurt with diced mango and shredded coconut for a tropical and satisfying snack that’s perfect for hot days.

35. Apple Slices with Cheese: Pair crisp apple slices with your favorite cheese for a sweet and savory snack that’s perfect for satisfying mid-afternoon cravings.

36. Carrot Sticks with Hummus: Use carrot sticks as dippers for hummus for a crunchy and satisfying snack that’s perfect for satisfying hunger between meals.

37. Turkey and Avocado Wrap: Spread mashed avocado on a whole grain tortilla, add sliced turkey, and roll it up for a portable and satisfying snack that’s perfect for busy days.

38. Rice Cake with Banana and maple syrup: Top a rice cake with cottage cheese, sliced banana and a drizzle of maple syrup for a sweet and satisfying snack that’s perfect for satisfying mid-afternoon cravings.

39. Quinoa Salad with Avocado and Tomato: Toss cooked quinoa with diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, and a squeeze of lemon juice for a light and refreshing snack that’s perfect for summer.

40. Protein bars: Ditch the candy bar and granola bar and grab a handful of protein bars to keep your desk drawer stocked for those days you forget to bring something or have little time to eat. These are also great to add alongside a piece of fruit like a green apple to add that little bit extra protein and keep you fuller.

healthy teacher snack ideas

More healthy teacher snack ideas

41. Roasted Pumpkin Seeds: Toss pumpkin seeds with olive oil and your favorite seasonings, then roast until crispy for a crunchy and satisfying snack that’s perfect for fall.

42. Cream cheese and smoked salmon on pikelets: If you’re wanting something a little decadent, opt for some pikelets with cream cheese and smoked salmon. Add capers or cracked pepper to feel like you’re in a cafe!

43. Dill pickle and ham: dill pickles are an easy snack to keep in the fridge at work. Add some ham or deli meat for a high protein, low-carb snack.

44. Pasta salad: Whip up a pasta salad to have for a filling snack. This is one of the best healthy teacher snacks to make a batch of for the week.

45. Peanut butter on rice cakes: if you’re allowed to have nuts then peanut butter is a great staple to have on hand at work. Add it to rice cakes or banana.

46. Protein shake: Protein shakes are super easy to make in a short amount of time. Just add water, or if you have a blender, add your favorite berries and fruit to make a protein smoothie.

47. Popcorn and cheese cubes: these actually are a great snack if you like dairy products and are short on time.

48. Nutella and strawberries on a bagel: If you are wanting a sweet treat, these are a perfect snack to have with your afternoon coffee.

49. String cheese and fruit cups: If you’re really desperate and have kids, you may need to raid their lunch box snacks! But honestly, these are an easy snack to grab and eat on the go.

50. Sushi Rolls: Slice cucumbers lengthwise into thin strips and fill them with ingredients like cream cheese, smoked salmon, avocado, and carrots. Roll them up for a refreshing and healthy snack.

And there you have it—50 healthy and delicious healthy teacher snack ideas to keep you fuelled and focused throughout your busy days as a teacher. Whether you’re in need of a quick pick-me-up between classes or a satisfying snack to fuel your late-night grading sessions, these tasty treats have got you covered. So go ahead, stock up on your favorites, and snack your way to success! 🍎🥑🥒

Conclusion

My personal favorite healthy teacher snack ideas are the cream cheese and smoked salmon on pikelets, turkey and cheese roll-ups, and avocado toast.

Make sure you send these healthy teacher snack ideas to your work bestie!

Katrina is a multi-award winning educator from Sydney, Australia who specialises in creating resources that support teachers and engage students.

See the quality and browse her best selling resources below on either The Animated Teacher website or on Teachers Pay Teachers: