10 Fun Healthy Snacks Your Kids Will Actually Eat (They’ll Love #5!)
Finding healthy snacks that kids actually enjoy can feel like a daunting task.
But fear not! This list of 10 fun and delicious healthy snacks will make snack time exciting and nutritious for your little ones.
From colorful fruits to crunchy veggies, these snacks are not only appealing to the eye but also packed with the nutrients kids need to grow strong and stay energized.
1. Rainbow Fruit Skewers
Transform snack time into a colorful adventure with rainbow fruit skewers!
These delightful treats not only look appealing but also provide essential vitamins and minerals for growing kids. The vibrant colors of the fruit make them visually enticing, and the sweetness is sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Plus, they’re a fun way to encourage kids to enjoy a variety of fruits.
Serve these skewers with a side of yogurt or honey for dipping, making snack time even more enjoyable!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup strawberries, hulled and halved
– 1 cup orange slices
– 1 cup banana slices
– 1 cup green grapes
– 1 cup blueberries
– 1 cup purple grapes
Process:
1. Gather all fruits and wash them thoroughly.
2. Cut the strawberries in half, slice the bananas, and prepare the orange slices. Make sure the grapes are cleaned and ready for threading.
3. Using wooden skewers, thread the fruits in a rainbow pattern, starting with strawberries, followed by oranges, bananas, green grapes, blueberries, and finishing with purple grapes.
4. Arrange the skewers on a plate and serve with a side of yogurt or honey for dipping.
This simple and colorful snack is not only fun to make but also a great way to get kids excited about eating healthy!
2. Veggie Sticks with Hummus
2. Veggie Sticks with Hummus
Crunchy veggie sticks paired with creamy hummus create a satisfying and nutritious snack that kids will love! Often, children may shy away from vegetables, but presenting them in fun shapes or with a tasty dip can change their minds.
Cut carrots, cucumbers, bell peppers, and celery into fun sticks and arrange them on a plate. The colorful presentation will catch their eye, and the hummus adds a delicious protein boost. Plus, you can try different flavors of hummus, like roasted red pepper or garlic, to keep things interesting!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup carrots, cut into sticks
– 1 cup cucumbers, cut into sticks
– 1 cup bell peppers, cut into sticks
– 1 cup celery, cut into sticks
– 1 cup hummus (various flavors)
Process:
1. Wash and peel vegetables as necessary.
2. Cut vegetables into equal-sized sticks.
3. Arrange the vegetable sticks on a plate with a bowl of hummus in the center.
4. Serve immediately for a crunchy snack!
3. Yogurt Parfaits
Yogurt parfaits are not only delicious but also customizable!
Layering yogurt with granola and fresh fruits creates a visually appealing snack that kids will love to dig into.
Use a clear cup or jar to showcase the beautiful layers of creamy yogurt, crunchy granola, and juicy berries. You can even let kids build their own parfaits for a fun activity!
This is also a great way to sneak in some probiotics and fiber into their diet.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups Greek yogurt
– 1 cup granola
– 1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
Process:
1. In a clear cup or jar, layer yogurt at the bottom.
2. Add a layer of granola followed by a layer of mixed berries.
3. Repeat the layers until the cup is full.
4. Serve immediately or refrigerate for later.
4. Whole Grain Animal Crackers
4. Whole Grain Animal Crackers
Whole grain animal crackers are a fun and wholesome snack for kids! These crunchy treats come in various animal shapes, making them visually appealing and enjoyable to eat. You can easily make your own at home using whole grain flour, oats, and a touch of honey for sweetness. Pair these snacks with cheese or nut butter for added protein and healthy fats, creating a balanced treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup whole grain flour
– 1/2 cup rolled oats
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1/4 cup butter, softened
– 1/2 tsp baking powder
– Animal-shaped cookie cutters
Process:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix all ingredients until a dough forms.
3. Roll out the dough on a floured surface and cut into animal shapes using cookie cutters.
4. Place the animal shapes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
6. Allow to cool before serving to your little ones.
These whole grain animal crackers are not only delicious but also a great way to sneak in some whole grains into your kids’ diet! Enjoy this fun and healthy snack together!
5. Nut Butter Banana Bites (They’ll Love This!)
5. Nut Butter Banana Bites (They’ll Love This!)
Nut butter banana bites are a simple yet irresistible snack that kids adore! The creamy texture of almond or peanut butter perfectly complements the natural sweetness of bananas, making it a delightful treat that’s both fun and nutritious. Plus, these bites are easy to make and can be customized with different toppings for added crunch and flavor.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe bananas
– 1/2 cup almond or peanut butter
– Optional: 1/4 cup crushed nuts or granola
Process:
1. Slice bananas into 1/2 inch thick rounds.
2. Spread nut butter on one banana slice and top with another slice to create a sandwich.
3. If desired, roll the banana sandwiches in crushed nuts or granola for a crunchy exterior.
4. Serve immediately for a delicious snack or refrigerate for a cooler treat later on.
6. Oatmeal Energy Bites
6. Oatmeal Energy Bites
Oatmeal energy bites are a fantastic choice for healthy snacks that kids will actually enjoy! These no-bake treats come together quickly and are filled with wholesome ingredients, making them a nutritious option for busy days. With the ability to customize them with your child’s favorite add-ins, you’ll have a snack that caters to their taste. Plus, these bites are easy to store in the fridge, ensuring you always have a quick and satisfying snack on hand.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup peanut or almond butter
– 1/3 cup honey
– 1/2 cup chocolate chips or dried fruits
Process:
1. In a large bowl, mix all ingredients until well combined.
2. Roll the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
3. Place the energy bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Refrigerate for 30 minutes until they are firm.
5. Store the bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
These oatmeal energy bites are sure to be a hit with the kids, making snack time fun and healthy!
7. Fruit and Cheese Kabobs
7. Fruit and Cheese Kabobs
Fruit and cheese kabobs are a delightful way to blend flavors and textures, making snack time both enjoyable and nutritious for kids. These colorful skewers are easy to prepare and can be customized with your child’s favorite fruits and cheeses. Not only do they look appealing on a plate, but they also provide a great source of calcium and vitamins, helping to promote healthy eating habits.
These kabobs are perfect for lunch boxes, after-school snacks, or even as a fun addition to parties. Kids can get involved in the preparation, making it a fun activity that encourages them to try new fruits and cheeses.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cheese, cubed (cheddar, mozzarella, or your choice)
– 1 cup assorted fruits (grapes, melon, apple slices, or any preferred fruit)
Process:
1. Cube the Cheese: Cut your choice of cheese into bite-sized cubes.
2. Prepare the Fruits: Wash and cut the fruits into appropriate sizes. For grapes, simply wash them; for apples, slice them, and consider tossing them in a bit of lemon juice to prevent browning.
3. Assemble the Kabobs: Take a skewer and thread a piece of cheese, followed by a piece of fruit. Repeat this process, alternating between cheese and fruit until the skewer is filled to your liking.
4. Serve or Store: Enjoy the kabobs immediately for a fresh snack or store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to eat.
These fruit and cheese kabobs are sure to be a hit with kids, offering a nutritious and fun way to snack!
8. Mini Smoothie Bowls
Mini smoothie bowls are a playful way to enjoy smoothies!
Blend your favorite fruits with yogurt or milk and pour them into small bowls. Let kids decorate their bowls with toppings like granola, seeds, and sliced fruits.
This interactive approach encourages kids to engage with their food and makes for a visually stunning snack. Plus, it’s a great way to pack in those nutrients!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup frozen berries
– 1 banana
– 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
– Toppings: granola, sliced fruits, seeds
Process:
1. In a blender, combine frozen berries, banana, and Greek yogurt until smooth.
2. Pour the mixture into mini bowls.
3. Set out a variety of toppings and let kids add their favorites.
4. Serve immediately for a refreshing and nutritious snack.
9. Avocado Toast
9. Avocado Toast
Avocado toast is not just a trendy snack; it’s a nutritious option that kids will actually enjoy! The creamy texture of ripe avocados on crispy whole grain toast creates a delightful combination. Plus, letting kids customize their toppings makes it an interactive and fun experience. This snack is loaded with healthy fats and fiber, making it ideal for growing bodies.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe avocados
– 4 slices whole grain bread
– Toppings (cheese, turkey, radishes, chopped veggies, or any favorite spread)
Process:
1. Toast the bread slices until they are golden brown and crispy.
2. While the bread is toasting, cut the avocados in half, remove the pit, and scoop the flesh into a bowl.
3. Mash the avocados using a fork or a potato masher. Add salt or lemon juice to taste for extra flavor.
4. Once the toast is ready, spread a generous layer of the mashed avocado on top of each slice.
5. Set out a variety of toppings and let the kids get creative by adding their favorites to their avocado toast.
This simple, colorful, and nutritious snack is sure to be a hit!
10. Coconut Chia Pudding
Coconut chia pudding is a deliciously creamy and nutritious treat that kids will love! Packed with omega-3 fatty acids and fiber, chia seeds make this pudding not only tasty but also a great choice for a healthy snack.
Mix chia seeds with coconut milk and let it sit overnight for the best results. In the morning, simply top it with fresh fruits and a drizzle of honey for added sweetness. The fun texture and tropical flavor will make this a favorite among your little ones!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup coconut milk
– 1/4 cup chia seeds
– Optional toppings: fresh fruits (like berries, bananas, or mango), honey, nuts
Process:
1. In a bowl, mix together the coconut milk and chia seeds until well combined.
2. Stir thoroughly to ensure there are no clumps of chia seeds.
3. Cover the bowl and let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
4. Once the pudding has thickened, give it a good stir before serving.
5. Serve in bowls or cups, topped with fresh fruits, a drizzle of honey, and a sprinkle of nuts if desired.
Conclusion
Making healthy snacks for kids doesn’t have to be boring or bland.
With these 10 fun and nutritious options, snack time can become a delightful adventure filled with colors, textures, and flavors.
Encouraging healthy eating habits early on sets the foundation for a lifetime of good nutrition, so get creative and let your kids help in the kitchen!
