The school bell rings, the backpacks hit the floor, and suddenly - it’s snack time. If you’ve got hungry kids charging into the kitchen after a long day, you know the struggle of finding something quick, filling, and not entirely made of sugar. That’s where fresh bakery snacks shine: they’re wholesome, versatile, and (best of all) easy to grab and go.
Why bakery snacks are perfect for afternoons
Kids burn a lot of energy during the day, so their after-school cravings are real. Baked treats - whether sweet or savoury - offer a satisfying balance of carbs for energy and enough protein or healthy fats to keep them going until dinner. Plus, they’re easy to store in lunchboxes for sports practice or homework sessions.
Top bakery snack ideas for after-school hunger
- Savoury roll
Packed with savoury flavour and soft, pillowy bread, Arapina’s mushroom rolls are the ultimate after-school snack for kids who crave something hearty yet easy to eat. Made with fresh mushrooms, a touch of seasoning, and baked to golden perfection, these rolls provide a satisfying boost of energy to power through homework or afternoon activities. Their convenient size makes them perfect for a quick after school treat straight from the bakery or packed into lunchboxes.
- Cheese toasties
Warm, gooey, and utterly satisfying, a cheesy toastie is the ultimate savoury after-school snack. Made fresh to order at our Greenwich bakery, it features perfectly melted cheese sandwiched between slices of soft, golden sourdough bread, creating a comforting snack that’s ready in minutes. Ideal for kids (and adults!) who crave a fulfilling bite after a busy day, this toastie pairs wonderfully with a fresh orange juice, also ordered over the counter at our vegan bakery in Greenwich.
- Vegan and gluten free cakes
Elegant yet wonderfully comforting, Arapina’s vegan and gluten free Stefania cake is a slice of after-school plant-based indulgence that feels like a baked treat without being overly heavy. With its delicate crumb, balanced sweetness, and a flavour profile that’s both refined and approachable, the Stefania cake is perfect for sharing over an afternoon chat or enjoying solo with a warm drink. It’s beautiful presentation with the candied orange on top makes it just as suitable for special occasions as it is for turning an ordinary weekday snack into something memorable.
- Devils’ brownies
Rich, and decadently chocolatey, Arapina’s Devil’s Brownie and Almond Devil’s Brownie are the ultimate after-school indulgence for kids and adults alike. Each bite delivers intense cocoa flavour, offering a satisfying treat that keeps energy levels up for homework or playtime. These brownies are indulgent enough to feel like a special reward, yet conveniently portioned so they’re perfect for a quick snack straight from the bakery or packed into a lunchbox for a sweet afternoon boost.
- Mini loaf cakes
Arapina’s Chiara and Lida mini loaves are the perfect sized indulgence for after-school hunger. Soft, moist, and bursting with flavour - whether it’s the sweet richness of Chiara or the subtly spiced goodness of Lida - these mini loaves are easy to enjoy on the go or during a quick homework break. Their convenient size makes them ideal for little hands, while their delicious taste ensures that every bite is both satisfying and comforting, turning snack time into a moment kids look forward to.
Making It work for busy families
To keep things simple, choose snacks that can be baked in bulk and stored in airtight containers or frozen. Rotating between sweet and savoury options helps keep kids interested (and prevents snack burnout). For extra nutrition, swap white flour for wholemeal, add grated veggies to savoury bakes, or sprinkle seeds on top for crunch.
When after-school hunger hits, having a stash of fresh bakery snacks on hand turns “What’s for snack?” into a happy moment instead of a daily scramble. With a little weekend prep - or a quick stop at your favourite bakery - you can keep those tummies full, energy levels steady, and moods upbeat until dinner.
