Healthy Eating

17 Healthy Snacks For Kids

Source : amummytoo

It's almost 3:00 pm! Your kids might be arriving home soon, and you are still confused about what snacks to welcome them with.

Preparing healthy snacks for your kids can be a little challenging sometimes. Moreover, you need to take care of their nutrient intake, and the food should not be boring simultaneously. 

Well, we have you covered. We have listed down 17 quick and easy healthy snacks, that you and your kids will enjoy preparing and eating it!

1. Apple Slices with Peanut Butter

A staple healthy snack for people of all ages! Kids and adults both love this quick and easy snack. 

It is a sweet combination of good taste and nutrition. The nutty butter and the sweet crunchy apple just go together. Protein-intensive peanut butter gives one a taste of both worlds while securing vital nutrients in one’s system both sweet and savory.

This snack provides many advantages to children, including the fact that apples contain lots of fiber and vitamins which in turn aids digestion and strengthens immunity.

This snack also helps develop fine motor skills as children dip their apple slices. You just need fresh crunchy apples and homemade or natural peanut butter. 

2. Carrot Sticks with Hummus

Carrot or baby carrot sticks with Hummus are loaded with fiber and vitamins. Serving many children, a diet of carrot sticks dipped in hummus makes for an appealing dish. 

This snack is incredible for kids because it is packed with Vitamin A, which enhances eye health and the immune system. Also, hummus, which is a spread made from chickpeas, contains proteins, fibers, and healthy fats for healthy growth in children.

Children find this type of snack as possessing both crunchy as well as smooth feelings on their palates at the same time. Ingredients needed are some fresh carrots, and hummus (homemade: chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, salt).

3. String Cheese

Source : daysoftheyear

String cheese is loved by all, from children to the elderly. It is indeed a favorite munchy loved by all. It is compact and delicious. String cheese is a great portable snack for kids, which comes pre-packaged, thus making it a good option for lunchboxes or on-the-go snacks. 

Moreover, it is fun to eat. Many kids and adults too, love tearing the cheese apart and eating them. As they do this, children at times derive pleasure from separating the cheese into thin strips.

Alongside being fun to eat, it acts as a significant source of calcium and proteins which are crucial in enhancing the development of strong bones and muscles. Also, it has other nutrients like Phosphorus and Vitamin D.

4. Trail Mix (nuts, dried fruits, and seeds)

A mix of nuts, dried fruits, and seeds, what is there to not like this nutritional superfood?

Trail mix snack offers multiple advantages to children. The nuts and seeds contain protein and good fat, and dried fruits give a natural sweet taste and antioxidants. Eating trail mix can help one remain active and concentrated. Additionally, it’s a chance to allow kids to taste various flavors and feel different textures.

Common components used are almond/cashew-peanuts-raisins-cranberries-pumpkin seeds. A small quantity of dark chocolate chips could also be used as an extra flavorful ingredient. You may give trail mix to your kids by itself or pour it in milk or even yogurt!

5. Greek Yogurt with Berries

Who does not like Berries? This treat is divine and healthy, it is made from Greek yogurt garnished with fresh berries.

To prepare it just simply spoon out some Greek yogurt into your dish before adding in various types of thoroughly washed and clean fruits you have around, you can use strawberries or raspberries among others including blueberries. 

To give it extra sugar flavoring you may consider drizzling it with honey or maple syrup if you wish. This is an excellent option for kids. Greek yogurt has probiotics that support gut health, as well as protein for general well-being including immunity. 

Berries have antioxidants Vitamins and Fiber. Together they make a balanced snack to take away hunger as well as making sure continuous energy is maintained.

6. Banana with Almond Butter

Source : raisingonplants

The healthy sweet and nutty snack is the go-to snack for parents. Try some ripe banana slices with almond butter on top--it’s that simple! 

Many benefits come with this snack for children such as Potassium, Vitamin B6, and Fiber which promote good heart condition and smooth digestion. Whereas, Almond butter contains protein, healthy fats, and vitamin E important for growth and development.

This combination of banana’s natural sweetness and creamy almond butter makes it tastier for kids. All you need is some fresh bananas (organic bananas if possible), and Almond Butter (homemade is the ideal choice). 

7. Whole Grain Crackers with Cheese

As we all know many kids love cheese. So, how about pairing a food item that is loved by kids with nutritious whole-grain crackers?

They like cheese on whole-grain crackers because they are delicious. Just put cheese slices on the crackers, and you have a multi-nutritional healthy snack. 

Cheese offers protein while whole grains give complex carbohydrates and essential nutrients like calcium. It is a smart way of taking care of your children's diet. It is also a very fulfilling snack. While the main meal cooks, this will keep the kids full. 

If you are planning to make crackers at home, just mix whole-wheat flour with water, olive oil, salt, and roll out the mixture, cut shapes from it, then bake in the oven until crispy.

8. Fruit Smoothie

Source : lilluna

The easiest way to fill your kids' bodies with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, is a fruit smoothie. They keep you and your kids hydrated and can be customized according to one’s wish. Thanks to their natural sugars, kids love smoothies without any additional sugar that may be harmful to their health. 

Moreover, they enhance the amount of these nutrients in the diet of kids by providing them with necessary vitamins, minerals as well as fiber.

To prepare them, mix any kind of fresh or frozen fruit with some yogurt or milk plus ice pieces in a blender. Sneak in some spinach which has almost no effect on its flavor but significantly boosts its health benefits. Among the commonly used fruits of this snack are bananas, berries, mangoes, and peaches.

9. Hard-Boiled Eggs

Hard-boiled eggs are the Protein Powerhouse! They are quick and healthy snacks for both kids and adults. It can simply be served as it is or seasoned with a pinch of salt. They are good for children as they provide them with the protein they need for growth.

They contain vitamin D, B vitamins, and choline, all of which are nutrients necessary for brain growth. Eggs are also one of the foods that when eaten you feel fuller for longer periods. Eating one is usually enough to keep one energized throughout most of the day. 

There are many ways to turn a boring boiled egg into something that excites kids. Just chop the hard-boiled eggs, add some seasonings, add Japanese mayonnaise, and make a sandwich out of it! 

A lot of parents find that bringing along with them this convenient healthy snack saved them time or prevented kids from eating ‘junk’ food extensively regularly.

10. Popcorn

Source : freepik

Popping you with another quick and easy snack; Popcorn! A healthy, whole-grain snack is air-popped popcorn. You can use the microwave with a brown paper bag or an air popper, there is no extra need for oil. You may also sprinkle some salt, herbs, and spices on them.

It is high in fiber and promotes digestion. It is a great snack for maintaining your kids' weight as well. The entire grain gives you carbohydrates as it naturally keeps you energetic for longer periods.

It is amazing to know that popped corn has the same wonderful crackling sound as potato crisps and other deep-fried snacks but without the harmful effects that tag along.

11. Fruit Leather (homemade or natural)

Fruit roll-ups but homemade and healthy! Fruit leather is a chewy and sweet snack produced from blended fruits. You can make it at home just by pureeing fresh fruits such as apples, berries, or mangoes together and then spreading them evenly over a flat surface like a baking sheet before allowing them to dry (at low heat) in an oven or a dehydrator until they are bendy. 

These are 100% natural and without any added sugar or preservatives which are very harmful to your kids. This method is ideal for using leftover fruits and helps in adding fruits to your young ones' diet.

And hey! It is fun to eat. With its chewy texture, it will make an interesting treat for children.

12. Frozen Yogurt Bites

Do your kids love desserts? Frozen Yogurt Bites are here to save you! They are icy rich delights.

Just mix various fruits in a bowl that has been mashed up beforehand, as well as honey or maple syrup (if you like) and vanilla extract. Put the mix into silicon containers or ice trays and place them in the fridge to freeze. 

The prebiotics in yogurt will help with digestion and the vitamins in the fruits will help in your children's overall health. You may also sneak in some nuts and seeds to add some fiber to the dessert. 

Making these treats at home prevents you from buying from the store which is bad for you and your kids' health as they contain sugars, preservatives, artificial colors, and flavorings.

13. Cottage Cheese with Pineapple Chunks

Source : stockfood

Unlike the debate about whether pineapples go on pizza or not, pineapple surely goes with some cottage cheese! Just combine cottage cheese and pineapple chunks, and you have balanced protein, calcium, and natural sweeteners. You can easily make it by just mixing cottage cheese with fresh or canned pineapples.

Cottage cheese supplies protein, which is important for your kids' muscle growth. It is also rich in calcium making bones strong and the Vitamin C, manganese, and fiber from pineapples enable them to support immunity as well as digestion.

The treat also satisfies one’s need for sweets without using artificial ones. Kids find them very yummy!

14. Homemade Granola Bars

Some oats, dried fruits, nuts, seeds, and some honey, and voila, you have homemade Granola Bars that are tasty and healthy!

To make them mix rolled oats, chopped nuts, dried fruits, and seeds in a bowl. In another pan, warm honey or maple syrup slightly with a little oil and vanilla extract. Pour this mixture over dry ingredients, mix well then press in a baking pan lined with foil and simply bake. 

They provide complex carbohydrates and fiber through oats that give sustained energy as well as help in digestion. Nuts & seeds contain unsaturated fats which keep the hearts of your little ones healthy. 

This healthy snack is suitable during the hurried morning avoiding the hassle of breakfast. 

15. Ants on a log

Source : iheartnaptime

Ants on a log are simply celery with peanut butter and raisins. To make them, wash the celery stalks nicely before slicing them into 3-4 inch sizes. Fill the log with peanut butter and top with some raisin, which serves as the ants. 

It contains low-calorie content but plenty of fiber thus boosting healthy digestion, vitamins A, C, and K are a great source of antioxidants contributing to your children's overall healthy body.

Whereas, raisins contain natural sugars, and dietary fibers alongside iron. This way kids get interested in vegetables, and parents can feel good about serving this snack. It’s satisfying and helps children remain fuller for a long period. 

16. Mini Bell Peppers Stuffed with Cream Cheese

Colorful and attractive healthy snack; mini bell peppers with cream cheese! To make it simply slice the bell peppers into bite-size and fill them with seasoned cream cheese. The peppers’ bright colors make this snack attractive to children and hence they can be encouraged to eat more vegetables.

Whereas the crunchy texture of these vegetables is combined with their creamy filling, resulting in an exciting sensory experience that can help introduce new textures and tastes for fussy eaters.

The bell peppers stuffed with cream cheese are beneficial as they provide vitamins A and C, calcium, and protein which are essential for growth, bone development, and immune system functioning among children.

17. Roasted Chickpeas

These healthy snacks are most moms' and dads' go-to snacks. Just take some fresh or canned chickpeas, season them, and toss them in the oven.

It’s an excellent choice for young ones who cannot take gluten for health reasons or those on vegetarian diets. Making roasted chickpeas is a fun kitchen activity that kids can engage in as well.

Chickpeas are loaded with essential nutrients such as iron, magnesium, and Vitamins, that are crucial for healthy living and high energy levels. This snack is versatile and appealing to different taste preferences due to the ability to customize flavors.