Growing kids are often more hungry than us adults. Axel, surely is! He constantly runs to the pantry throughout the day. They need the extra energy and extra nutrients that food supplies to grow and build their bodies, which is why some kids seem to always be on the hunt for the next snack. In this post, I’ll be sharing 7 healthy kids snack ideas you’re little ones will love!
If your kids are snackers, you are probably worried about ensuring that their diet is healthy. Many snack foods, like chips and candy, contain lots of sugar and oil which is not ideal for children. The good news is, there are a lot of great healthy snack options to give to your kids whenever they are hungry. Below you will find some of the simplest, nutritious, and delicious snack food ideas to try right now!
Yogurt
It doesn’t get much simpler than yogurt. Extra points if it’s greek yogurt! You can buy it in pretty much any grocery store and it is a great source of calcium and good fats. If you choose greek yogurt, it will also provide your kids with plenty of protein. Of course, healthy natural yogurt can be boring, but you can make it more appealing to your kids by throwing a few berries and a little bit of granola on top to make it sweeter and give it a pleasing crunch.
Ants on a Log
Ants on a log are one of the best kids’ snacks to prepare and it is really delicious. The popular kids’ snack is traditionally made using peanut butter and raisins on celery. You can either choose a good natural peanut butter that is sugar-free, or you can make it even healthier by swapping out the peanut butter for hummus and the raisins for pine nuts. Or you can opt for cottage cheese and tomatoes instead, as the cook does in this recipe for ants on a log. Of course, you can also experiment with your own unique flavor combinations too.
Popcorn
Most of us think of popcorn as being junk food but that is only because we often eat it smothered in butter or cheese or caramel. Popcorn is actually a low-calorie food that is high in fiber and very good at filling hungry kids up. To ensure it’s a healthier, pop and flavor with seasonings like sea salt and/or pepper, nutritional yeast (will give the corn a cheesy flavor), or your favorite herb and spice mix. But remember, try to avoid giving popcorn to children under the age of 4.
Trail Mix
Trail mix is a weird one because it can be very healthy, but it can also be very unhealthy too. Store-bought trail mix is often quite unhealthy because it can contain a lot of sugar but if you make it yourself by mixing healthy whole grain cereals with no-added-sugar, dried fruit, and maybe a few carob chips, you can keep it healthy and delicious.
Veggie Pita Pockets
Veggie pita pockets are a great savory snack for kids who have a big appetite. They are really filling, and really easy to make by simply toasting a wholemeal pitta and filling it with lots of your child’s favorite raw veggies. You can add a little cheese or hot sauce, or something to add flavor, but they’re great as they are too.
Frozen Fruit Juice
Fruit juice may be high in sugar, but if it comes from fresh fruit, it will contain lots of healthy vitamins and minerals, which means it is perfectly healthy to have as a treat. Buy some popsicle molds and fill them with chunks of pineapple, apples, or grape then pour into the molds. Freeze and you will have a healthy popsicle for snack time. You can switch things up by changing the fruits you use or mixing various juices together for a unique flavor, or try turning them into fruit smoothies!
Banana ‘Ice’ Cream
If your kids have a sweet tooth and you want to satisfy their cravings while keeping snack time healthy, peel a bunch of bananas, cut them into slices, and freeze them on a baking tray. Once frozen, you can put a few pieces in a blender and they will almost immediately transform into a healthy banana ice cream. If you want, you can add berries or vanilla extract to change the flavor, but it is great just as it is, and the kids won’t even know that it is not really ice cream. It’s a win win! Adults will love this one too.
As you can see, there are so many healthy kid snacks ideas that your littles will love, so what are you waiting for? Throw out those chips and give them something nutritious instead. What’s your favorite healthy snack to share with your kids? Let me know in the comments below!
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