School-Safe Vegan Snack Bars (Kid-Friendly, Nut-Free)

Back-to-School, Made Easier ✏️🍎

With the new school term just around the corner, many parents are looking for healthy, school-safe snacks to pop into lunchboxes. It’s not always easy, as most shop-bought bars are packed with sugar, contain nuts (a no-go for many schools), or have ingredient lists longer than your weekly shop.

That’s why these school-safe vegan snack bars are easy to make at home. They’re nut-free, naturally sweet, and packed with wholesome, yummy ingredients that keep kids energised (and happy) throughout the day.

And with autumn arriving, I’ve included a seasonal apple variation that’s perfect for this time of year. Think cinnamon, apple, and oat goodness, like a baked apple crumble in bar form, but totally school-safe.

Nutritional Benefits

• Oats: fibre and slow-release energy for sustained focus.

• Sunflower seeds: healthy fats and plant protein (nut-free!).

• Dried fruit: natural sweetness plus a boost of iron.

• Maple syrup or agave: a sugar-free sweetener.

• Cinnamon & vanilla: natural flavours that kids love.

🌱 Recipe: School-Safe Vegan Snack Bars

Ingredients (makes 12 bars)

• 250g (2 ½ cups) rolled oats

• 80g (½ cup) raisins, dried cranberries, or chopped apricots

• 50g (½ cup) sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds

• 2 tbsp ground flaxseed + 5 tbsp water (flax “egg”)

• 80ml (⅓ cup) maple syrup or agave

• 60ml (¼ cup) sunflower oil or melted coconut oil

• ½ tsp cinnamon

• ½ tsp vanilla extract

• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a 20cm (8-inch) square baking tin with parchment.

2. Mix flaxseed + water in a small bowl. Set aside 5 minutes to gel.

3. In a large bowl, combine oats, dried fruit, seeds, cinnamon, and salt.

4. Stir in the flax mixture, maple syrup, oil, and vanilla until sticky.

5. Press firmly into the tin and smooth the top.

6. Bake 20–25 minutes until lightly golden.

7. Cool fully before slicing into bars.

🍎 Autumn Apple Variation

For a cosy, seasonal twist:

• Swap 40g (¼ cup) of dried fruit for 40g (¼ cup) finely diced apple.

• Add ½ tsp ground ginger or extra cinnamon for warmth.

• Optional: sprinkle a little brown sugar or coconut sugar on top for a crumble-like finish.

These bars make the perfect after-school snack or lunchbox treat that feels like a dessert but is full of nourishing ingredients.

Storage

• Keep in an airtight container for 4–5 days.

• Freeze for up to 2 months (wrap individually for grab-and-go lunchbox snacks).

Why Kids (and Parents) Love Them

Kids love the chewy, sweet taste, and parents love the fact that they’re school-safe, freezer-friendly, and budget-friendly. They also double up as a great mid-morning or after-work snack for grown-ups.

✨ This recipe is part of my Vegan Breakfast & Snack Bars (Nut-Free) Guide. Try my Baked Vegan Oat & Raisin Bars and No-Bake Vegan Oat Bars for more inspiration.