Kids love to snack, but choosing healthy, nutritious options (that they'll actually eat) can be a challenge. Here's our suggestions for fun and easy ideas that the little ones can take to school.

Experiment with the kids' favorite dried fruits and nuts in these quick, easy bars. Wrap bars individually in parchment so they can take them to school.

Amaranth is a grain high in protein and iron -- and when mixed with oats, nuts, dried fruit, and honey, it makes for a tasty snack.

These crackers go well with all kinds of cheeses. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. Makes about 5 dozen crackers (132 calories each).

We used rice flour, potato starch, and tapioca starch to make these gluten-free treats.

These chewy cookies are gluten-free -- great for little ones with celiac disease or a wheat allergy.

Kids can enjoy a tasty and allergen-free snack with these easy-to-make granola bars.

Combine banana chips, raisins, coconut flakes, and pumpkin seeds for an energizing snack.

Kids will love these energizing, vegan fruit and nut bites at snack time.

These muffins make a delightful treat -- without the guilt. They're made with low-fat buttermilk and a blend of whole-wheat and all-purpose flour. Makes 12 muffins (152 calories each

Combine cranberries, almonds, pumpkin seeds, walnuts, and raisins for a portable snack you can store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

With fiber-filled rice flour, potassium-rich bananas, and cholesterol-fighting walnuts, these gluten-free muffins trump snack bars.

Layer fruit and walnuts in a glass of Greek yogurt for a portable, nutritious snack.

Introduce your kids to protein-packed edamame: They'll have fun sucking the salty seeds out of their pods. Makes 4 servings (70 calories each).

This shortbread calls for a combination of whole-wheat and traditional flour, and is rich in heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Makes 16 servings (178 calories each).

This dough is excellent with mix-ins such as nuts, chocolate, or fennel seed; experiment to find your favorite. And get the kids involved -- forming the twisty shape is a fun activity for little helpers. Makes 8 pretzels (202 calories each).

Making these cookies is a perfect family activity -- the absence of flour means there's no fuss and no mess, and they're safe even for family members with celiac disease or gluten intolerance. Makes 24 cookies (228 calories each).

A perfect gift for someone you love: Rolled oats and whole-wheat flour give these sweet treats added fiber. Makes 30 sandwich cookies (208 calories for 2).

When the kids cry for candy, keep them happy with these colorful, all-natural treats. Serve them as a sweet finish to a meal, or dip them in chocolate, let set, and pack them as a gift (155 calories per 1/4 cup serving).

Who wants boring old yellow chips when you can have bright red ones? To create thin, evenly sliced beets, use a mandoline slicer -- plastic models are available at housewares stores. Makes 4 servings (47 calories each).

Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco sauce, and Old Bay seasonings give rice and corn cereal a delicious kick. The ingredients may sound grown up, but when all combined, kids can't resist! Makes 12 cups (171 calories per 1/2 cup serving).

These cupcakes use orange marmalade, a citrus preserve that includes shreds or chunks of the peel, as an ingredient and a topping. If you find it too bitter, look for "sweet" on the label or purchase marmalade made from sweet oranges. Makes 18 cupcakes (237 calories each).

These swirly snack bars can be refrigerated, covered with plastic wrap or foil, for up to two days. Makes 24 bars (202 calories each).

These cookies are quick and easy to make, using not-too-sweet, store-bought chocolate wafers. Makes 16 cookies (80 calories each).

Zucchini makes these treats nice and moist. You can substitute pecans for the walnuts, and serve them instead of high-calorie cupcakes. Makes 24 muffins (176 calories each).

These pretty pink sandwiches look especially nice dusted with confectioners' sugar. Makes 15 pies (240 calories each).

This sweet and crunchy afternoon snack only takes five minutes to make. Makes 6 servings (108 calories each).

Using assorted dried fruit adds a colorful twist to this classic school snack. Makes 2 servings (102 calories each).

This anytime snack can be stored at room temperature for up to a month. Makes 6 servings (322 calories each).

Rich in fiber and heart-healthy omega-3s, this recipe has 20 percent to 30 percent fewer calories and 30 percent to 60 percent less fat than most store-bought brands. Makes two cups (194 calories per serving).

1/2 ounce mini whole-grain pretzel sticks -- approximately 11 sticks (65 calories) 1 teaspoon peanut butter (30 calories).

Instead of dousing popcorn in butter, season plain kernels with chili powder, lime, and coarse salt. The movie-night snack will be just as tasty but lower in calories -- and cholesterol-free. Makes eight 1-cup servings (58 calories each). 

A coating of toasted almonds and coconut around these inventive rice pudding balls keeps them from sticking to your fingers, and adds a satisfying crunch. Makes about 24 balls (95 calories each).

A healthy redo of French fries, this popular "vegetable" curbs the fat and sodium but keeps the crunch and flavor. Makes 4 to 6 servings (167 calories each).

In a small jar, layer 1/2 cup fruit cut into 1/2-inch cubes (kiwis, mangos, and pineapples are nice) with 1/4 cup plain low-fat yogurt. Top with 1 tablespoon toasted sliced almonds. Makes 1 serving (100 calories each).

Dates and applesauce -- full of fiber, vitamins, and natural sugars -- create a complex caramel flavor when combined with honey (50 calories each).

The nutritional value of traditional chocolate chip cookies is upped by using bittersweet dark chocolate, oat flour, brown rice syrup, and natural almonds. Makes 4 dozen cookies (104 calories each).

The secret ingredients in these brownies-made-healthier are whole-wheat flour and sweet potato puree. Makes 12 brownies (148 calories each).

This year, don't reach for powdered ginger. Fresh ginger gives this traditional dessert a healthy, flavorful update. Makes 12 servings (252 calories each).

Our pomegranate gelee replaces gelatin with agar, a natural setting agent made from seaweed. Makes 8 servings (157 calories each).

Kanten, also called agar-agar, is a vegetable gelatin. This dish is a great alternative to store-bought cups of the jiggly stuff. Makes 6 to 8 servings (about 175 calories each).

Make these allergy-friendly crackers for the little ones to take to school.

Skipping wheat flour doesn't have to mean forgoing decadent baked goods. These rich, nutty brownies are irresistible -- and easy to make.