Any parent of toddlers will tell you that they love their snacks. In fact, many toddlers would rather have snacks all day long instead of eating an actual meal. Prepping and keeping healthy snacks handy are great ways to keep your busy family moving through the hectic week. Not only do these bites keep your little ones happy and satisfied, but they also make getting them something to eat much simpler, taking less time out of each day, and avoiding toddler “hangry”-induced meltdowns.
We have some fast, tasty, fun, and healthy snacks for toddlers for parents to consider during their week-to-week shopping and prepping schedules, adding variety and flavor to their little one’s meal plans.
What to look for in a toddler snack
While your toddler could probably eat a diet of only fishy crackers and cheese, it is important to provide them with balanced snacks to fuel their growing bodies and minds. Because toddlers tend to eat at varying times, it can be hard to ensure they’re getting all the fruits, veggies, whole grains, dairy, and protein they need in their diet.
Providing snacks from these food groups will not only allow you to ensure they’re eating healthy, but this food will give them the energy and nutrients they need. Giving your toddler a few healthy options at snack time allows them to choose what they want to eat while still being healthy. That doesn’t mean you can’t offer sweets or chips to your toddler, but just like with adults, everything is better in moderation when it comes to feeding your child.
Healthy toddler snacks
Stuffed celery sticks
These awesome make-ahead snacks are perfect for trips to the park or while out shopping. Begin by cleaning and peeling your celery. This removes the strings and tougher bits. Cut the cleaned stalks into about 2-inch-long pieces. Add your little one’s favorite spread or nut butter at home with a spoon or knife. A few stuffing suggestions are hummus, plain or flavored cream cheese, or cheese spread with bacon bits.
Deli pinwheels
Requiring just a few ingredients, this quick and tasty snack is versatile and customizable to every toddler’s taste buds. Simply lay out your favorite large tortilla shell and add several slices of your toddler’s favorite deli meats and another thin layer of sliced cheese. Roll the tortilla up tightly, and slice it into 1-inch-thick sections. Place 3-5 slices into snack-sized storage bags and keep them chilled in your fridge until snack time.
Homemade crisp crackers
Light, crisp, and freshly made crackers are fantastic on their own or paired with delicious and creamy cheese. Easy to make and packed with flavor, these homemade delights make a great addition to snack trays or your toddler’s favorite snack box alongside sliced cheese and bite-sized pieces of pepperoni or salami. Try out many different snack options, including pairings with meats and cheeses, goat cheese spreads, hummus, or cream cheese.
No-bake oatmeal protein balls
This easy-peasy recipe is a snap, making it perfect for make-ahead meal and snack prepping. Chewy oats and almond butter combined with chocolate chips and just the right amount of maple syrup sweetness make them pop-able and portable, which is perfect for toddlers in the car or on the go!
Banana pancake bites
Toddlers will love this fun take on a regular pancake, which is hand-held and easy to toss into your go-bag for a day trip. Make these delicious and light pancakes for breakfast while reserving a few pieces for snacks later in the week. Grab your child’s favorite shaped cookie cutter, pop out a few pancake pals, and put them in resealable bags. Place these into the fridge or even your freezer to save and use later in the week for a quick snack.
Healthy mini-carrot zucchini muffins
A perfectly sweet, healthy, and satisfying mini muffin option to replace store-bought muffins has been found. These adorable and tasty snacks are super easy to make while remaining gluten-free, paleo, and vegetarian-friendly. Toddlers will love to pop these perfectly sized snacks every time. Additionally, these are great to make ahead of time and portion out into bags to freeze.
Crudités
This old standby, ready when you need it, and always an easy-to-prep snack option, is still around and relevant for a reason. Swap veggies for your toddlers’ favorites, giving them a mixture of flavors and textures. Paired simply with hummus, dip, or their favorite dressings, raw veggies – crudités is the French term referring to sliced raw vegetables – are an excellent source of your little one’s daily nutrient needs.
Apple cinnamon bites
What toddler doesn’t love Cheerios of some flavor or another? Snacking on the crunchy, multi-grain version coated in a sticky and sweet, yet healthier option to store-purchased cereal bars makes snacking easier on parents concerned with high sugar levels in their child’s snacks. The addition of apple bits and cinnamon makes this a homey and satisfying snack any toddler would love.
Tropical trail mix
When it comes to snack foods, there is one that reigns high on the list of favorites across many age groups, and it usually involves some variation of trail mix. Many different versions of this beloved snack are available in many different blends. But the staple and steady ingredients involved are dried fruits such as apricots, cherries, or cranberries combined with several different kinds of tree nuts, like cashews or almonds. Additionally, a grain or cereal component is also added for an added crunch factor. In this version, tasty tropical ingredients like chipped coconut are included to give it a beachy vibe.
Roasted chickpeas
For all the tree-nut-free families out there, we bring you a salty and crunchy snack that’s totally nut-free, without sacrificing flavor. This slow and satisfying recipe couldn’t be easier. This makes it a great snack for just about anyone, especially toddlers. Requiring three total ingredients and an oven, make this snack your go-to for long trips in the car, or your next family movie night.
Instead of picking up store-bought snacks on your next grocery store run, try out a few of these homemade healthy snacks for toddlers that are easy, portable, and nutritious. You can feel good about feeding them nutrient-dense snacks, and as a bonus, they’re a lot easier on your wallet, too.
