Unhealthy Children's Snacks Parents Commonly Mistake for Healthy Treats

While most schools and clubs recommend healthy snacks, many parents unwittingly supply unhealthy snacks. It's not a problem when the snack is for their child only. But, when the snack is going to be shared with the group, some parents need a crash course in what constitutes a healthy snack. Here is a list of some snacks that confused parents think are healthy.

Yogurt

Yogurt can be a wonderful snack. It's high in protein and often contains fruit. The problem is, most yogurts sold in grocery stores are filled with high fructose corn syrup, artificial colors and artificial flavors. Some yogurts are even sold with candy sprinkles. These yogurts are not healthy.

Healthy yogurt has no artificial sweeteners, no high fructose corn syrup and no artificial colors and flavors. Stonyfield Farms makes an all-natural yogurt that is healthy. They even have packaging and flavors that appeal to children. They also sell a squeezable yogurt, which can be frozen for a fun, healthy snack.

Fruit Snacks

Fruit snacks are extremely appealing to children at snack time. Unfortunately, most fruit snacks have never been within a hundred mile radius of a piece of fruit, much less contain any actual fruit. These cleverly labeled and packaged snacks are candy and are not healthy. They are high in sugar, contain high fructose corn syrup and artificial colors and flavors.

There are some fruit snacks on the market that are okay. FruitaBu makes an organic fruit leather called Fruit Twirls. Not only are the Fruit Twirls made with real fruit, but they are made from organic fruits.

Actual fruit also makes a great fruit snack. Don't overlook the appeal of sliced watermelon, grapes or any locally grown in-season fruits.

Gatorade

Gatorade seems to have convinced everyone that it is a healthy drink. Most people recognize that soda is not healthy, but many fail to realize that Gatorade is not much better. It contains high fructose corn syrup, artificial colors and artificial flavors.

Try Vitamin Water instead of Gatorade. Vitamin water, like Gatorade, will replace electrolytes during sporting events. A side benefit is that it is naturally flavored and colored.

A drink choice that is often overlooked for children is simple water. Snack does not have to include a high sugar drink. Water is perfectly acceptable and healthy.

Peanut Butter Crackers

Peanut butter crackers are confusing for many parents. Most think peanut butter is healthy because it is filled with protein and made from peanuts. However, the prepackaged, peanut butter crackers that often turn up at children's activities are not made from healthy peanut butter. They are made with peanut butter filled with hydrogenated oils and high fructose corn syrup. The crackers are artificially colored.

Parent's can assemble their own peanut butter crackers to get a healthier alternative. Spread healthy, whole grain crackers with natural peanut butter. Natural peanut butter is easy to find in most grocery stores. It is peanut butter that is made from ground peanuts only.

Read After School Snacks for Children: Keep it Healthy for some healthy snack ideas.