Healthy and Easy Snack Ideas Your Toddler will Love
Toddler eating habits are a different kind of beast 😅
One day they love avocado and the next they are pissed it’s on their plate. Some days my toddler eats nearly as much as i do and the next she eats like a mouse. And then trying to balance convenience while still maintaining nutrition?!
Healthy snacks are a great way to incorporate more nutrients into your little one's diet and it can be a great time to introduce fun new foods and help develop good eating habits.
This post has two goals:
snack ideas that are nourishing- meaning they are nutrient-dense and balanced with carbs, fats, and proteins. Not only does this ensure your little one is getting the nutrients they need, but it will help their blood sugar from spiking high and crashing low (meaning less hangry mood swings!
easy snacks that are convenient- no real cooking or prep time required!
Depending on how much your little one eats, these can also be great ideas for quick and easy meals! Here are some of my favorite snacks for hungry toddlers- that are healthy, convenient, and prioritize whole foods that nourish small stomachs.
Healthy Toddler Snacks
sardines and fruit
My daughter loves all types of fish and has been eating it since she was first introduced to solids! Sardines are a great source of healthy fats, protein, iron, calcium, and vitamin d. The brand we typically purchase comes in olive oil, so typically I take the sardines out and pat them with a paper towel (to minimize the oily mess)! Pair it with some fresh fruit and you have an easy, well-balanced snack or meal.
This is also a great option for on the go! I have packed a can on sardines and fruit for a quick lunch while out running errands and it’s convenient and packed with nutrients. Just make sure to pack napkins, because the oil can get a little messy if you’re not prepared!
Snack Plate
Truly one of my favorite options for a quick snack or meal for my little one. Cut up some fruit, veggies, a hard-boiled egg, lunch meat, and whatever else you can find in the fridge and it quickly turns into a toddler-friendly charcuterie board! You can also put yogurt, sauce, or a puree into a little bowl for dipping too!
Cottage cheese and honey or jelly
Yogurt bowls
These are a fun snack for little ones to help with- have them decide which fruit or toppings they want on their yogurt! I have found that when I offer my daughter a decision in what’s for snack, there is a greater chance of her to actually eat it…. usually 😉
Smoothie
Your options are limitless here but some of my favorite things to add are collagen powder, whole food vitamin c, pearl powder, yogurt, fruit, and coconut water.
Quesadilla
We love siete grain-free tortillas for quesadillas! Then we will fill them with cheese and chicken (I usually try to cook a whole chicken once a week, or every other week and this makes sure we have a quick and easy protein option to throw into snacks and meals throughout the week!) and heat them in a pan until the cheese is all melted.
String cheese and fresh fruit
Chomps beef sticks
another great on the go snack option! I will usually pair this with a piece of fruit or it we are really on the go, a That’s It bar. (I usually buy both of these and most of our other healthier packaged snacks from Thrive Market)
Greek Yogurt Bark
This is a great, easy option for making ahead of time and keeping in the freezer. Simply spread some greek yogurt onto a baking sheet (I use a silicone baking sheet over the baking sheet to make breaking the bark and cleanup a breeze!) and spread it out with a spoon. Then cover it with granola, nut butter, honey, berries or whatever other toppings you have on hand! Then store in the freezer until the yogurt hardens and you can break into pieces.
Healthy Gelatin Gummies
I love this recipe from Farmhouse on Boone for making gummies. If you haven't tried gelatin gummies before, they are like a healthier version of popular fruit snacks! You can make them extra fun for your little one by pouring the liquid in a fun silicone mold like this gummy bear one or any other fun shapes!
This is one of my favorite healthy snack ideas because not only do you have countless different flavors you can make, but gelatin is incredibly supportive to our bodies, especially gut health.
Whole Milk Yogurt
A great source of healthy fats and probiotics to support a healthy gut. If you want to give it an extra boost of nutrients you can add collagen powder or bee pollen! Be aware when introducing bee pollen though if you are unsure of allergies.
Hummus and Raw Veggies
Carrots, cucumbers and bell pepper are some favorites in our house!
For younger toddlers, some vegetables may present a choking hazard so choose what is most appropriate for your child.
This recipe from Feeding Tiny Bellies is a favorite. It is easy to make and doesn’t have any added sugar or artificial sweeteners!
Avocado Toast
Toast up some sourdough, smash some avocado on top and sprinkle with some mineral rich sea salt and cut into strips! Quick and easy and a great source of healthy fats.
Blueberry banana Muffins
This recipe from Haute and Healthy Living is another quick and easy recipe without any added sugars! My daughter loves these with a little almond butter on top.
Healthy Granola Bar or Snack Bar
Sometimes you just need some reliable store-bought snacks to have on hand. We love Skout Bars and That's It Bars (we purchase all of these from Thrive Market and love having them delivered straight to our front door!) They are not only great snacks for young toddlers but the whole family when out and about or on the go. Made with whole ingredients and delicious.
My Favorite Toddler Snack Gear
I have talked before about how I try to prioritize minimalism whenever possible- especially in motherhood when I feel like you are constantly being marketed to. But, I am not a minimalist purist.. I am happy to purchase items that make things easier and are actually useful for my family! These are some of my favorites that we regularly use an make snack time so much easier for my little one-
These lunch boxes and snack boxes are our favorite! The walls of this lunch box have built in ice packs, so the whole thing is freezable! No need to remember to put in an ice pack and take up valuable snack space!
We use these silicone reusable storage bags for all kinds of snack options- both on the go, or for storing at home!
Mini cookie cutter set- this is totally one of those extra items that is not necessary but it can be a fun way to introduce new foods to a picky eater! It is also an easy way to practice identifying different shapes.
Here’s to happy snacking!
-Kaelyn
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