You’ve got to find delightful and nutritious snacking options perfect for your bustling toddler to stay full and have everything they need to grow.
Toddlers need a variety of nutrition to get through the day, and we can’t be skipping snack time if we want to avoid hangry monsters!
As a mom of 2 toddlers, I can tell you about a variety of healthy, tasty, and easy-to-prepare snacks that will keep your little ones energized and smiling.
Here are some of the staples in my house for easy snack ideas for all of us!
Key Takeaways
- To entice toddlers, offer a variety of tasty and nutritious snacks, including mini muffins, applesauce, oatmeal, fruits, and more.
- Always consider safety when preparing toddler snacks. Cut foods into appropriate sizes and textures, be mindful of potential choking hazards, and supervise snack time.
- Toddlers typically do well with three meals and two to three snacks per day, focusing on keeping them full and energized with foods that are high in protein, healthy fats, fiber, and more.
Toddler Snacks
Feeding your toddler can sometimes feel like navigating through a minefield. You want to provide them with nutritious options, but they aren’t always on the same page as you.
But don’t fret! I’ve got plenty of healthy snack ideas that are not only nutritionally balanced but also so delicious that your toddler just won’t be able to resist!
So, let’s dive in and discover these tasty, healthy toddler snacks that are sure to become new favorites in your household.
1. Mini Muffins
Mini muffins are a surefire hit with most toddlers. They’re just the right size for those little hands, plus they’re an excellent vehicle for sneaking in some veggies, fruits, or even whole grains.
Use mix-ins like peanut butter, chocolate chips, strawberries, blueberries, and more, and serve with some plain yogurt for a filling snack.
You can even create sweet or savory varieties, adding cut-up string cheese and garlic for a garlic-bread twist!
The best part? You can freeze these little goodies for up to three months, making them a convenient snack to meal prep for later.
2. Homemade Trail Mix
Have you considered a homemade trail mix for your little adventurer? This protein-packed, energy-boosting snack is a fantastic mix of:
- Chopped nuts like cashews and almonds
- Small dried fruits like cranberries or raisins
- Puffed cereal
- Broken-up pretzels
- Chocolate chips/M&Ms
It’s a flavorful medley of nutrients that your toddler will love munching on. Just ensure your toddler is old enough and the pieces are small enough to avoid any choking hazards.
3. Oatmeal
Oatmeal isn’t just a cheap breakfast staple; it’s a blank canvas for snacks for kids! Combining protein and fiber, oatmeal provides a nutritious boost that will keep your toddler energized and satisfied.
You can customize it with various toppings like nut butters, fruits, spices, and more to increase variety in your diet.
My favorite? Classic peanut butter and jelly oatmeal, which my girls used to have two to three times per week between breakfast, lunch, or snacks!
To pack on the nutritional value, why not add some chia seeds for a boost of omega-3 fatty acids, iron, and fiber?
4. Granola Bars
Granola bars are another great snack option for toddlers. They’re convenient, tasty, and packed with whole grains.
Some granola bar brands to buy include Rx Bar Kids, Larabar Mini, Happy Tot, and KIND Healthy Grains.
You can also make granola bars at home if you have the time or want to “bake” with your little one! That way you can have many flavors that your kids and you would enjoy.
5. Cereal
Who said cereal was only for breakfast? Whole-grain cereals can be perfect snack options for toddlers who need something small to hold them over until dinner.
Cereal is easy to eat and can be served dry or with milk. To make it a more filling snack for kids, you can enhance its nutritional value by adding fruits, nuts, or seeds.
You can find cereals with no added sugar, but any cereal is good in moderation. I suggest starting with the basics- Cheerios, Frosted Flakes, etc.- and letting them munch as they please.
6. Applesauce
Applesauce is a versatile snack for kids (and tired moms like me, LOL). It’s not just delicious but also packed with essential nutrients like vitamin C, polyphenols, and dietary fiber.
Whether it’s homemade or store-bought, applesauce can be a quick, easy option for snack time.
You can even buy plain and spice it up yourself- adding crushed fruits, cinnamon and nutmeg, and even a little cocoa powder for a nice treat.
7. Small Pancakes
Small pancakes can make a fun and tasty snack for your little one.
Whether you decide to go for a classic pancake recipe or jazz it up with some fruits, vegetables, or even whole grains, your toddler is sure to enjoy this snack.
I use a basic pancake mix, make three small circles on a pan, add blueberries (the girls’ favorites), and let them cool so I can pop some in the fridge for the week.
The rest, I put in trios between parchment paper and put them in a freezer baggie to microwave as we want them.
8. Fresh Fruit
Fresh fruits are a snack option that never goes out of style. They’re naturally sweet and rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making them a great choice for toddlers.
Plus, the variety of tastes and textures can keep your little one interested and excited about snack time.
Depending on their age, some fruits are more appropriate than others, but here’s a quick list of what my daughters were eating after they turned one:
- Apples
- Bananas
- Oranges
- Grapes
- Strawberries
- Blueberries
- Pineapple
- Watermelon
- Kiwi
- Mango
We cut pieces very small and tried a few pieces to start with to see how they liked them. Their favorites were (and are) pears, apples, strawberries, and watermelon.
9. Cut Veggies
Cut veggies are another healthy snack option for your toddler, many of which are almost zero-calorie foods.
They’re packed with important nutrients and can be served raw or cooked for whatever stage your child is at.
Plus, they’re perfect for dipping, adding a bit of fun to snack time! Blue cheese is a big staple in our house, but let your kids try hummus, cream cheese spreads, and more.
My girls are happy with cut-up peppers, whole grain crackers, and some turkey pepperoni to make little finger sandwiches for snacks, and I love that!
Remember, when serving raw veggies, make sure they are cut into thin slices to prevent choking.
10. Toast
Toast is a versatile boat that can carry so much on it, making it enjoyable in sweet and savory ways.
From classic nut butter spreads to more adventurous toppings, there’s something for every toddler’s palate.
Whole grain toast can be topped with things like avocado, nut butter, or even hummus, making it a balanced and filling snack.
Cutting the toast into different shapes or having a toast bar where they create their own snack ideas can make it even more exciting for your toddler!
11. Eggs
Eggs in any form can make for fun and healthy snacks for kids.
Whether hard-boiled, scrambled, or made into mini egg muffins, they’re sure to keep your toddler feeling full and satisfied.
My cousin grew up snacking on egg salad, deviled eggs, egg wraps, etc. I’m more of a plain fried egg (preferably on a breakfast sandwich) kind of gal, but so many kids love eggs.
12. Mini Fruit Crisps
Last but not least, we have mini fruit crisps, a perfect fruit snack. They feel almost dessert-y and like a nice treat, but they have so much nutrition!
These fruit crisps can be made using oats and a puree of various fruits and vegetables like:
- Blueberries
- Plums
- Apples
- Pears
- Strawberries
- Cherries
- Peaches
- Nectarines
Avoiding Choking Hazards
While we’re on the topic of snacks, it’s essential to touch on safety. Parents and caregivers must be weary of potential choking hazards and how to avoid them.
Make sure all food is prepared and cooked to a size and texture that is appropriate for your toddler’s developmental stage.
Avoid offering small, hard, or sticky foods that may be difficult for them to chew and swallow. Always supervise your toddler closely during meals and snacks.
Lastly, consult with your child’s healthcare provider about what to do in case of a choking incident.
FAQs
What are some fast snack ideas for toddlers?
When it comes to healthy toddler snack ideas, the options are endless! I narrowed down my list to our top picks, but there is so much more.
Smoothies, muffins, oatmeal, energy bars, homemade trail mix, fruits, chopped veggies, and eggs are some quick and healthy options.
You could also consider whole grain cereal, granola bites, rice cakes, and dried fruit bars for on-the-go situations.
What snacks can kids under 1 or 2 have?
For kids under the age of 1 or 2, snacks like clementines, dried cranberries, and applesauce have great nutritional value.
You can slowly start adding vegetable snacks like peppers, cucumbers, and more, as long as they’re bite-sized for little mouths.
How many snacks per day should a toddler have?
As a general rule, most toddlers benefit from having three meals and two to three snacks per day.
Our girls used to have snacks 1.5 hours after break/before lunch, and then again after their naps, around 2-3ish.
But it’s important to pay attention to your toddler’s hunger and fit snacks into your schedule, as you need to keep them feeling satisfied.
What foods keep kids full?
Foods that help keep kids full include healthy fats like avocados, nut butters, and snacks with protein, such as cottage cheese, eggs, and oatmeal.
Snacks for kids that are high in fiber or protein can help children feel full for longer periods as they take more time to digest.
What are some good dry snacks to take on the go?
When you’re on the move, dry snacks can be quite handy. Here are some options for grain snacks:
- Small cereals
- Granola bars/bites
- Rice cakes
- Fresh or dried fruit
These easy-to-carry and consume while traveling snacks are a great example of a balanced snack.
Other options include soft granola bars, sandwich cubes, dry cereals or puffs that are low in added sugars, and mini muffins and mini egg cups.
Final Thoughts
Snacks for toddlers can be easy and nutritious, with a variety of healthy snacks for kids to love and look forward to!
With my girls’ favorite snack ideas—from classic oatmeal or granola bars to sweet mini fruit crisps— your kids have some fun snacks to try.
Remember to keep sizes small and mix things up so snacks can be a balanced meal they can enjoy and feel satisfied with.
Please share some of your favorite toddler meal ideas below and tell me what else I should add to my list!
