Aug. 6, 2026 — The school year is back, and for many families, so are busy afternoons. Just because the final school bell has rung in the afternoon doesn’t mean the day is over just yet. Between after-school science projects, soccer practices and music lessons, more kids are experiencing longer gaps between their lunch and dinnertimes.
What kids eat during that time matters more than you might think. According to a U.S. Agriculture Department study, snacks account for 27% of the total energy intake of children and adolescents. That means, if a snack doesn’t have the right fuel, kids may run low on energy or reach for less nutritious options.
Let Publix guide the way
What makes a balanced snack? Our Publix corporate dietitians have recommendations.
“When creating a balanced snack, it’s important to look for carbohydrate options that contain fiber — such as fresh fruit, vegetables or whole grains — and then pair those items with a source of protein,” said Publix Corporate Dietitian Shannon M., RDN/LDN. “Pairings, such as an apple with string cheese, Greek yogurt topped with fresh fruit or reduced-sodium deli turkey in a roll-up with cheese and a whole grain tortilla, can help give kids sustained energy and prevent crashes.”
As a bonus, you can look for the Better Choice wellness icon on our shelf tags during your next shopping trip to easily identify additional options that could be a part of a balanced snack. Items marked with this icon contain more of the nutrients kids need, like fiber, and less of the things they don’t, such as saturated fat, added sodium or added sugar.
You can also find wellness icons for specific dietary needs, including gluten free and vegan. And that’s just the tip of the freshly sharpened No. 2 pencil. Check out more tips for balanced snacking in these articles
Have additional questions?
Our Publix corporate dietitians are happy to help. Email them at publix.dietitian@publix.com or visit the Dietitian Services page for more information.