English muffin mini pizzas make healthy, filling after-school snacks.

On the hunt for healthy, yet yummy, snack ideas for your child’s lunchbox or for after school?  Favorite kid snack foods are often filled with empty calories, fat and sugar. Pick up the ingredients for some of these options on your next trip to Ukrop’s:

- Low-fat dairy products, such as Organic Valley milk boxes, are packed with vitamins and minerals like bone-building calcium and vitamin D.  Pair a milk box with a serving of Barbara’s Snackamils or graham crackers for a satisfying snack.

- Pop popcorn!  Did you know that popcorn is loaded with antioxidants, fiber and is a whole grain too?  Pop your own kernels or look for 94 percent fat free microwave popcorn. Three cups of popcorn has about 5 grams of tummy-filling fiber.  Try it plain, or top it with Parmesan cheese, Old Bay seasoning, or I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter spray.

- Keep pre-sliced vegetables, like cucumbers, carrots, pepper strips, broccoli and cherry tomatoes in the fridge for a quick and easy snack.  Add reduced-fat ranch dressing or hummus on the side.  This is a great way to help increase veggie servings during the day! If you’re feeling lazy, check out the pre-cut vegetables in Ukrop’s produce department.

- Whole grain crackers, like Triscuits Thin Crisps, served with a part-skim cheese stick supply B vitamins, calcium, protein and fiber.

- Top apple slices with peanut butter and raisins. Serve it to your children as a sweeter take on the traditional celery-based “ants on a log.”

- Build a yogurt parfait. Let your kids pick out their own healthy toppings.  Tasty toppers include low-fat granola or whole-grain cereal, chopped nuts, dried or fresh fruit, or even coconut.

- Make a mini pizza! Layer a whole-grain English muffin (such as Thomas 100% whole wheat English muffin) with 2 percent shredded cheese, turkey pepperoni, tomato sauce and veggies. Bake at 350° F for 5-10 minutes.

- Build your own snack mixes: Choose your favorite whole-grain cereal, dried fruit, nuts and small crackers or pretzels. Stir everything together in a large bowl and enjoy!

Have a nutrition question? Call the Ukrop’s Nutrition Hotline at (804) 340-3005 to speak with a registered dietitian. Individualized nutrition counseling appointments are also available.