The Afterschool Snack French Moms Swear By

Ah, the French. If I’m not coveting their effortless fashion, I’m trying to decode their skincare routines and minimalist makeup secrets. And although it’s been years since Bringing Up Bébé, one thing hasn’t changed: the universal belief that French families are just…doing things better. Case in point? Snack time.

When I stumbled upon an Instagram post about the famous le goûter (the afternoon snack), I was instantly intrigued. Typically eaten around 4 p.m. when kids come home from school, this quintessential French ritual consists of a crusty baguette, slabs of salted butter and a few squares of dark chocolate.

The French have such refined palates that I was surprised they’d offer something so straightforward and indulgent. Naturally, I had to try it.

I sliced open a baguette from my local bakery, slathered on the only butter I had (unsalted, so I sprinkled some sea salt on top—forgive me, France), and added two squares of 78 percent Lindt dark chocolate (my fave). Then I handed it to my 6-year-old.

His verdict? A decisive thumbs up.

I also tried it and, mon dieu! It was delicious…but we both had notes.

First off: It’s a lot of bread. My son actually ditched the top half of the baguette and ate it open-faced, which honestly worked better. Even then, between the butter and the chocolate, it’s still a pretty filling snack.

But here’s the thing—it’s meant to be. French kids don’t graze all day; le goûter is their one and only snack between lunch and a late dinner (around 8 p.m.). Meanwhile, my kids have a morning snack, an afternoon snack and then eat dinner by 5:30 (with three kids under six, early dinners mean everyone gets to bed at a decent hour).

So, would I serve this again? Definitely, but probably more as a Friday treat and not on the regular. Still, I kind of love how unapologetically relaxed the French are about it. While I’m busy Googling “healthy hidden veggie muffins” or convincing myself that fruit counts as excitement, the French are handing their kids bread, butter and chocolate and calling it a day.

Because sure, it may have sugar in it, but it’s also simple, satisfying and made from real food. And maybe that’s the whole point. Now how do I get my kid to say merci instead of “more”?