Best After School Snacks from Our Taste Tests

The highlight of my childhood was carpooling home with the neighbor kids. No matter who was driving, some brave parent would attempt to keep the herd semi-civilized by passing out snacks in the back seat. My parents, believers in the radical idea that “snacks” meant fruit or nuts, were never the most popular chauffeurs. But there was one mom who always brought legendary snacks, and god did we love her.

Good snacks are so important, especially after a long, arduous day at school—and honestly, who doesn’t want a standing ovation in the school parking lot?
Here are some Sporked-approved after school snacks that just might earn you that MVP status.

El Monterey Extra Crunchy Southwest Chicken Taquitos

These are like the “it” girls of the frozen taquito world—not the most authentic, but so very good. The crispy shells are stuffed with cheese, chicken, peppers, and beans—so much good stuff that your middle schooler will be too busy blissfully munching to roll their eyes at you. If your goal is happy, content kids quickly, this is the move.

Read our ranking of the best taquitos

Hot Pockets Pepperoni Pizza (Crispy Crust)

I am living proof you can survive your college years on Hot Pockets—not that I recommend a steady diet of the things. Still, they make a fantastic after school snack, especially for tweens old enough to operate a microwave (with only a mild risk of explosion). These Pepperoni Pizza Hot Pockets are basic, but second to none in our Hot Pocket rankings.

Read our ranking of the best Hot Pockets

HBAF Tteokbokki Almonds

Full disclosure: I’ve always been a bit odd in that I loved unique flavors as a child. If your kid is adventurous, or you want to nudge their taste buds in a new direction, these spicy-sweet tteokbboki-flavored crunchy almonds are a solid start. Plus, they actually keep you feeling full—a rare snack miracle.

Read our ranking of the best flavored almonds

Dot’s Homestyle Pretzels Original Seasoned Pretzel Twists

These pretzels knocked our socks off. Perfectly seasoned—not too salty, just satisfyingly savory—Dot’s twists are crunchy, craveable, and pretty much ideal for kids (and adults) who need something to munch after a long day at school.

Read our ranking of the best pretzels

Uncrustables Peanut Butter & Grape Jelly

You can’t make a list like this and skip Uncrustables. PB&J on squishy white bread is an all-ages classic—and after taste testing all the Uncrustables, you can trust us when we say, grape jelly and peanut butter is the best flavor! These hit the spot, no matter how old you are.

Read our ranking of the best Uncrustables