Here are 10 healthy snacks for toddlers to get you started
There’s a common misconception that preparing quick and easy snacks for toddlers that are actually healthy is time consuming and inconvenient compared to the plethora of junk food options that are always at our fingertips.
Fortunately for you and your kids, it is indeed a misconception and there are actually plenty of healthy snacks for toddlers that are both simple and satisfying.
Whether you are a working mom or just plain have your hands full with the day-to-day tasks that go along with caring for a toddler, there are a wide variety of healthy snacks for toddlers that will have you tossing out the junk food in no time.
1. Kale Chips
It’s no secret why kale is becoming a popular food choice for adults and children alike, as it’s loaded with vitamins and other nutrients.
Kale chips are an excellent replacement for other salty, processed snacks and an added bonus, they’re delicious!
All you’ll need is one thoroughly washed head of kale, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and sea salt for sprinkling.
Bake at 275 degrees for 20 minutes and bam!, you have a fantastic, healthy snack that’s already been made and ready to go whenever your kiddo is in need of a quick fix.
2. Dried Fruit
Sulfite-free dried fruit that doesn’t have any sugar added is another great healthy snack option for toddlers.
Try mangoes, bananas, prunes, apricots, cherries, raisins, or whatever other options your local grocery store has in stock.
For the motivated mom, try dehydrating your own fruit.
Dried fruit is a great snack because it is not nearly as messy as fresh fruit, but still gives your kiddos all the great benefits of fresh produce.
3. Quesadillas
Whole wheat tortillas, mozzarella, and avocado make for a wonderfully simple and nutritious snack when you are in need of something a little more filling.
Feel free to improvise and add whatever items you have lying around the pantry or fridge, such as chicken, black beans, and mango.
A variety of cheeses, such as cheddar, colby, or monterey jack may be good alternatives and help you steer clear of getting stuck make the same ‘ol recipe.
4. Sweet Potato Chips
Homemade sweet potato chips are great alternative to salty, store bought potato chips.
Sweet potatoes are loaded with vitamins A and C, B6, and folate, making them among some of the healthiest veggies out there.
All it takes is a couple sweet potatoes thinly slices, olive oil, and sea salt to taste baked at 400 degrees for 22-25 minutes, or until the edges are crisp.
5. Eggs
Eggs are another great healthy snack for toddlers, and an excellent source of protein.
One egg contains nearly 1/3 of a toddler’s protein requirements, and are super simple to make.
Hard-boiled eggs will keep for 7 days, or try scrambling an egg and rolling it up in a tortilla or pita pocket.
Get creative and include some yummy veggies in your egg scramble, such as spinach or broccoli.
6. Homemade Fruit Leathers
Homemade fruit leather is a much better, healthier option to the store bought fruit rolls-ups that are loaded with sugar.
Choose any one fruit or mix of fruits you like, you really can’t go wrong!
Thoroughly wash and remove the pits (if necessary) from all fruit, place in a food processor, and add a little sweetener, such as sugarcane, agave, or honey.
Once your mixture is smooth and perfectly sweetened, spread it onto a lined cookie sheet and bake for 6-8 hrs at your oven’s lowest temperature setting.
7. Cold Grilled Cheese
Another healthy snack idea for toddlers that can be done ahead of time and make for a quick grab when on the go, cold grilled cheese sandwiches are a great, mess-free option.
Make an extra sandwich next time you are cooking grilled cheese for a meal, wrap it up, and store in the fridge until snack time.
Cut it up into bite size pieces, making the experience all the more fun for your toddler.
8. Hummus
Make your own hummus from chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and salt for a great dip for kids.
Your kids will surely love the nutty flavor, and it’s thick enough to not make a mess.
Full of iron, vitamin B6, and folate, hummus can be served with sliced veggies, salt-free crackers, or whole wheat pita bread.
9. Fresh Fruit
Fresh fruit seems like a no-brainer for a healthy snack for toddlers, but try serving it with a twist to keep your kiddos interested.
Pears are full of fiber and available year-round, making for a great choice.
Try making pear pinwheels with whole wheat tortillas, grated cheddar cheese, and your favorite variety of pear.
Another fun way to bring serve fresh fruit as a snack for your toddler is by making fruit kabobs.
Try pineapple, strawberries, and mandarin oranges for a fresh take on a classic.
10. Smoothies
Kids are sure to be instant fans of these delicious sippable snacks and so are you, as they are packed with vitamins and nutrients.
Pick up some nonfat vanilla yogurt, 100% orange juice, a fresh banana, and cut-up fresh or frozen fruit of your choice.
Not only will you be giving your kids 2 or 3 servings of fruit and fiber with one smoothie, but they’ll love the taste and fun colored concoction.
Your little one is growing quickly, mentally and physically, so it is all the more important to ensure they are getting the best nutrients not just in their meals, but with snacks too.
Snacking throughout the day on healthy, fun food items will not only help your kiddo keep up his or her energy level, but nutritious foods will help keep blood sugar levels in balance.
Healthy snacks help maintain blood sugar, which can prevent tantrums and meltdowns, who can argue with that!
