For children, snacks are an excellent way to stay energised between mealtimes, and they’re also a great opportunity to sneak in some extra nutrients. Looking for some fresh ideas and inspiration to keep snack time interesting? We’ve got you covered! Here is our ultimate list of 10 healthy snacks your kids will love.
Top 10 Healthy Snacks for Children:
- Frozen fruit ice lollies
- Houmous
- Boiled eggs
- Fruit smoothies
- Sweet potato chips
- Fruit crisps
- Yoghurt
- Toast with toppings
- Muffins
- Porridge
1. Frozen fruit ice lollies
Kids love ice lollies, so why not make a healthier version at home? First, blend together frozen fruits or berries and a small amount of fruit juice, yoghurt or milk. Then, pour the mixture into ice lolly moulds or small plastic cups. Pop in a lolly stick, and then freeze for a few hours, or ideally overnight. Yum!
2. Houmous
A healthy dip like houmous is an easy way to encourage kids to eat their vegetables. Made from chickpeas, houmous contains fibre, folate and antioxidants. It’s easy to make your own, there are loads of great recipes and variations online, or simply pick up a pot next time you’re at the supermarket! Make it interesting with plenty of fun dippers like carrot batons, sliced-up bell peppers, sugar snap peas, cherry tomatoes or pita bread.
3. Boiled eggs
Boiled eggs are an inexpensive, easy, high-protein snack for kids. They’re full of high-quality protein and vitamins and minerals, including B12, riboflavin and selenium. Boil them up in batches and store them in the fridge for a simple grab-and-go treat!
4. Fruit smoothies
Everyone loves a smoothie! Simply blend up frozen fruit with your favourite milk for a sweet, cold and very healthy treat. Smoothies are also a good way to sneak in some veg—the fruit masks the taste, so kids don’t even have to know it’s in there.
5. Sweet potato chips
Sweet potatoes are an excellent, tasty source of fibre and beta-carotene, which contributes to healthy eyes and skin. This makes sweet potato chips a healthier alternative to regular chips, and you can make them even healthier by popping them in the oven instead of frying them. Just chop up a sweet potato, drizzle with a small amount of olive oil and sea salt, and bake!
6. Fruit crisps
Make fruit more fun by trying it in crunchy crisp form! Dried fruit crisps are often available in supermarkets and health food stores, or you can make them at home. Start by cutting fruit into ultra-thin slices—use a mandolin, if you have one. Then use a dehydrator or bake in the oven at a low temperature. Need some inspiration? Try this recipe for spiced apple crisps!
7. Yoghurt
Yoghurt is a fantastic source of protein and calcium, and many brands contain live bacteria, which benefits the digestive system. Make plain yoghurt more interesting by adding some fun toppings: berries, muesli, granola, sliced-up banana, sweetener, peanut butter. The possibilities are endless!
8. Toast with toppings
Toast is an easy snack, and it can be a healthy one as well. Start with some whole-meal bread and then top with whatever strikes your fancy: mashed-up avocado, scrambled egg, hummus, nut butter and banana slices, cream cheese and strawberries. We could go on and on!
9. Muffins
Muffins are fun to bake together, and they’re also a fabulous on-the-go snack. There are tons of healthy, tasty muffin recipes for kids on the internet—look for ones that use whole grains and fresh or dried fruit like these apple and sultana muffins.
10. Porridge
Yes, porridge is usually a breakfast food, but it can also be a yummy and filling snack. Porridge oats are high in soluble fibre, which aids in digestion. If you’re stuck in a porridge rut, search the internet for new ideas and combinations, and in the summer, change things up by trying cold overnight oats.
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