We know that it’s challenging to provide snacks that are healthy, nutritious and enjoyable for the whole family. Kids in particular have demanding palates and need snacks that are both delicious and easy to make. It’s important to provide a variety of snack options for kids to ensure that their dietary needs are met. We’ve compiled a list of suggestions for savory, sweet, and nutritious snacks that kids will love. From store-bought to DIY, there’s something for every kid!
Healthy Snack Ideas for Kids
Parents typically worry about their children indulging in too many unhealthy snacks. Thankfully, there are plenty of delicious snacks that are both healthy and convenient to make which can satisfy the pickiest of eaters. Low-fat yogurt can be served with fresh fruit to ensure that kids get the proper nutrients and minerals they need. You could also opt for whole-grain pretzels with hummus or a smoothie with sneaky hidden veggies for a nutritious snack alternative.
Quick and Easy Snacks for Kids
When your kids get hungry, there’s no time to spare. Luckily, there are many tasty snacks that can be made in little to no time. Nutritious trail mix with almonds and dried fruit for a burst of energy, or vegetable sticks served with hummus or peanut butter can be quickly assembled when your kids come pestering. Another great and easy snack idea is sliced cheese on toast with a dash of honey for added sweetness.
Nutritious Snack Options for Kids
It can be hard to meet the nutritional needs of children when snacks are few and far between. However, there are many nutrient-rich alternatives that your kids will love. Wholesome cereal bars with natural ingredients provide a good source of sugar and carbohydrate, while a variety of fruits and vegetables will ensure that your child gets their recommended daily intake of vitamins and minerals. You can also opt for low-fat cheese on whole grain crackers or fortified granola bars.
Delicious Snack Alternatives for Kids
Fruits and vegetables aren’t the only snacks out there; sweet, savory, and all-around delicious snacks also qualify as healthy foods when eaten in moderation. Homemade guacamole, low-fat popcorn, yogurt parfaits, and frozen smoothies are all delicious snack alternatives that your kids won’t be able to resist. Furthermore, these snack options are easy to customize so you can make something that your kids will enjoy.
Fun and Exciting Snacks for Kids
Snacks can also be fun! If your kids don’t want to eat their fruits and vegetables because they’re boring, you can make them into fun snacks such as veggie skewers with a dip of their choice, yogurt boats topped with colorful fruits, or homemade energy balls with nuts and dried fruits. These snacks will spark the interest of even the fussiest of eaters!
Low-Sugar Snacks for Kids
Sugar is often identified as one of the main components in unhealthy snacks for kids, so it’s important to provide tasty low-sugar snacks for your children instead. A good idea is to stick to natural sugars such as fruit slices or adding honey or maple syrup to natural yogurts. You could also make your own healthy granola bars which typically have low amounts of sugar compared to store-bought varieties. And if you need something sweet and easy, try dried fruit or a homemade trail mix with dark chocolate chips.
Low-Fat Snacks for Kids
Lowering the amount of fat in snacks can help little ones stay healthier. Cooking snacks at home such as vegetable crisps or oven-baked chips with healthier fats like coconut oil allows you to control the amount of oil used. Other healthy fat options include nut butters spread on whole grain crackers, eggs cooked with olive oil, and lightly roasted nuts.
Tips for Making Healthy Snacks for Kids
When making snacks for your kids at home, there are some key ways to make sure that your child is getting the most nutritional value from them. Adding a variety of colors to snacks indicates an ample amount of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants in the food items. Serving these alongside filling proteins such as nuts, legumes, or lean meats can keep kids fuller longer while still giving them a delicious snack option.
Best Store-Bought Kid-Friendly Snacks
Convenience is always a priority when it comes to snacking, which makes store-bought snacks an easy solution. Options such as yogurts with minimal added sugar, lightly salted popcorn without artificial flavoring, whole wheat crackers, roasted nuts, dried fruits, and dark chocolate are all great options when shopping for meals on the go. With so much variety available from stores, finding a snack that both you and your little one will approve of is easier than you think.
How To Get Your Kids To Enjoy Healthy Snacks
One of the toughest jobs parents have is getting their children to try healthy snacks over junk food. However, by pairing certain flavors together such as peanut butter with banana slices or healthy dips with raw veggies, you can encourage them to try something new and healthy. You can also let them pick out their own healthy snacks from the store (while you supervise) or get creative in the kitchen by having them help you assemble simple meals such as homemade pizzas with whole wheat tortillas.
Safety Tips When Preparing Kid-Friendly Snacks
Healthy snacking involves a lot of food prepping which can be dangerous if safety precautions aren’t observed. Depending on their age, it’s important to either teach your children proper kitchen safety measures such as hand washing before and after handling food, using slicing tools with care, and avoiding cross-contamination between raw and cooked foods. Whenever possible, it’s best to handle all the food preparation yourself. Now go ahead and start snacking safely with your little ones!
