Kids can certainly be picky eaters, especially when it comes to those "healthy" foods. However, healthy snacks kids can make and will actually eat does not have to be a defeat nor out of the question.
What’s more, getting children involved with nutritious foods at an early age promotes health-sustaining practices for years to come.
So round them up and head to the kitchen for these healthy, easy snacks for kids!
8 Healthy Snacks for Kids
1. Ants on a Log
Take a bite out of a classic, kid-friendly snack appropriately balanced with protein, fiber, and healthy fat.
This fun little creation features simple directions and ingredients: Celery stalks, peanut butter, and raisins. Simply fill the hollow area of the celery stalk with preferred peanut butter then sprinkle on raisins to resemble the “ants.”
Also feel free to use other favorite nut butters, including almond and cashew butters, and dried fruits such as Craisins.
2. Chocolatey Banana Bites
These healthy snacks for kids are far from monkey business, as they are packed with nutrients, satisfy a sweet tooth, and properly portioned.
Peel and slice bananas into bite-sized pieces then line bananas on a baking sheet with non-stick parchment paper. Drizzle melted dark chocolate onto bananas and sprinkle on chopped peanuts, slivered almonds, sunflower seeds, dried fruits, and other desired toppings. Freeze until the chocolate is hardened and enjoy!
3. Sweet Greek Yogurt Dip with Fresh Fruit
Dips are perfect for kids, as they offer them the chance to ditch the structure of utensils and eat with their hands whilst encouraging them to try new, even healthy foods.
For a protein-packed, naturally-sweetened dips, mix together Greek yogurt, peanut butter, and a drizzle of honey together in a bowl.
The dip pairs nicely with fresh apple, peach, strawberry, and banana slices.
4. Ranch Dip and Veggie Slices
As mentioned, dips are great for kids!
But while ranch and veggies are a great taste pairing, store-bought ranch bottles are unfortunately often loaded with hydrogenated oil, salt, sugar, and other unwanted preservatives.
To avoid any unwanted ingredients, mix plain Greek yogurt and a dry ranch packet. The dip will not only be packed with flavor, but packed with protein. Pair with cucumbers, carrots, and sliced peppers for one nutritious, simple snack!
5. Clean Kernel Popcorn
While those movie kernels might play a different story, popcorn can actually be a nutritious snack in absence of all the melted butter and added salt.
So rather than dousing with fat and sodium, use seasonings found in your pantry to enhance and tailor the popcorn flavor to your liking.
For instance, try pizza seasonings such as oregano and basil or sweetened ideas like cinnamon to get your movie nights started!
6. Blueberry Bites
Blueberry bites are easy snacks for kids to enjoy at home or on-the-go.
Start by dipping fresh blueberries into preferred yogurt and line onto a non-stick baking sheet. Sprinkle on nuts, oats, coconut shavings or other tasty toppings. Freeze until the yogurt is hardened for a refreshing, antioxidant-rich treat!
Also use other favorite berries and fruits, including strawberries, blackberries, and kiwis.
7. Sliced Apple Station
When it comes to snack ideas for kids, honoring them a sense of autonomy in their choices is instrumental for cultivating a healthy foundation with food. And a sliced apple station can do just that!
Cut apples into slices and set out tasty toppings kids can add themselves. Peanut butter, yogurt, raisins, nuts, seeds, and chocolate chips are just a few child-approved (and mom-approved!) ingredients to add to the assembly line.
8. No-Mess Picnic Skewers
For a mess-free picnic, alternate between meats and cheeses on skewer sticks. To illustrate, skew on chunks of chicken, low-sodium deli meat, and cheese cubes.
For an extra snack idea for kids, chop fresh fruits to have a fruit salad on a skewer. No bowls or utensils necessary, just a sweet tooth!
