Raising children can be overwhelming. After all, they don’t come with an instruction manual. Sure there are a lot of books and websites out there that offer advice, but it seems so many are contradictory when it comes to healthy snacks.
Never fear, we did our research, and found that there are plenty of interesting ideas that are healthy snacks, too!
6 Healthy Snacks for Kids
Preparing healthy snacks for kids is pretty basic once you have a few tasty recipes. For that reason, we selected five easy recipes to get you started.
However, a quick word of caution is in order. Kids are klutzes who require supervision. That’s not to say they won’t someday be amazing chefs, but do the parent thing, and make sure to supervise.
First things first, some snacks kids can make, including my favorite refrigerator cookie recipe!
Kids Can Make:
1. Refrigerator Peanut Butter Wheat Germ Cookies (No Bake)
The simplest recipe we know here requires just a few ingredients, and minimal equipment. Most of our other recipes are a bit more involved, but this one, it’s a go-to in just about any busy kitchen.
This Instagram post shows a variation on the recipe we have below, using quick oats and yogurt. We didn’t try it, but it looks good!
What you need
A large mixing bowl and sturdy spoon, a smaller bowl, a cookie sheet that fits in your fridge, and wax or parchment paper. Enough cereal bowls for each kid, cookie cutters, or food-safe sculpting tools are optional.
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup peanut butter (creamy works best, but chunky is ok)
- 3/4 cup powdered milk
- 1/3 cup wheat germ
Your kids can do all the work on this recipe, all you have to do is martial the mess.
Mix together the first three ingredients in a large bowl until well incorporated, this can be done with clean hands or a strong spoon. It will be a bit sticky, and have a soft, clay-like texture.
Split the wheat germ into the cereal bowls, or place a sigle bowl of it where the kids can all reach it. They will dip each cookie, coating it, after the next step.
Now, you can have the kids measure out half-inch balls and roll them perfectly, or have some fun with it. Split the “batter” into equal pieces and allow each child to create their own cookies.
You can use cookie cutters, but being creative is it’s own reward; especially if you get a sweet treat too!
Place the completed, wheat germ dipped, cookies on the cookie sheet and refrigerate until solid. The coating keeps them nice and dry to the touch, and adds really healthy fiber. You don’t have to tell the kids that, though!
2. Oatmeal-Chocolate Snack Cakes
The first of our healthy snacks for kids comes to us from the good people at Food Network Kitchens. This recipe is kid-friendly. Above all, it only takes about five minutes of prep time and half an hour in the oven.
What you need
- Cooking spray
- 1 cup whole-wheat pastry flour
- 3/4 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 3/4 cup semisweet mini chocolate chips
How you make it
First, position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, line the bottom of a 9-inch square baking pan with foil, making sure to leave an overhang on two opposite sides. Next, spray the foil with a light coating of cooking spray and set aside.
Second, whisk the flour, oats, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl and set aside. Next, whisk the butter, egg, packed brown sugar, and applesauce in a large bowl. Then, add the first bowl to the second one and stir until barely mixed. Straightaway, fold in the semisweet chocolate chips.
Third, spread the batter in foil-lined baking pan. Next, place in the oven and bake for about 25 to 30 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the middle of the snack cakes comes out clean. Then, place on a rack and cool for 15 minutes.
Fourth, use the foil overhanging the edges of the pan to remove the snack cake. Then, invert the cake onto a plate and removed the foil. Last, invert to cake onto a cutting board and cut into about 12 pieces and serve.
3. Rainbow Fruit Skewers
https://www.instagram.com/p/BknM245gW3-/
The second of our healthy snacks for kids comes to us from BBC’s Good Foods. These skewers are vegan, easy to make, and a fun way to encourage your kids to eat fruits.
What you need
- 12 blueberries
- 6 raspberries
- 6 strawberries, hulled
- 6 tangerine segments
- 6 cubes mango, peeled
- 6 pineapple chunks, peeled
- 6 kiwi fruit chunks, peeled
- 6 green grapes
- 6 red grapes
How you make it
First, take six wooden skewers and thread two blueberries onto each one. Next, thread one of each of the remaining ingredients on each skewer. Then, arrange the skewers on a serving platter in a rainbow shape and serve.
Notes
First, kids can be picky, so feel free to substitute any fruit(s) listed above. Suitable alternatives include apples, peaches, bananas, and blackberries. Be creative and have fun.
Also, be sure that smaller kids do not run around with skewers.
4. Strawberry Banana Overnight Oats
https://www.instagram.com/p/B-ireCunRHD/
The third of our healthy snacks for kids comes to us courtesy of Tastes Better From Scratch. This delicious snack only takes about five minutes of prep time. Better yet, this snack recipe doubles as a quick breakfast.
What you need
- 1/2 cup strawberry yogurt
- 1/2 cup vanilla almond milk (or any milk)
- 3/4 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/3 cup fresh strawberries, diced
- 1/2 banana, sliced
- 1-2 Tablespoons chia seeds (optional)
- 1-2 Tablespoons raisins (optional)
How you make it
First, mix the yogurt and vanilla almond milk. Nest stir in the oats, fruit and chia seeds.
Second, pour into serving-sized bowls, mugs, or cups and refrigerate overnight.
Third, top with additional fruit and honey and serve.
Notes
First, feel free to substitute rice milk, cashew milk, or any other milk you prefer instead of the almond milk. Also, you can feel free to use different flavors depending on your kid’s favorites.
5. Watermelon Whole Fruit Popsicles
The fourth of our healthy snacks for kids comes to us from the good people at Nourishing Meals. This recipe is delicious and easy to make. Best of all, it encourages kids to eat healthy fruits.
What you need
- 3 cups watermelon puree (about 1/2 a medium-sized watermelon)
- 1/2 cup fresh blueberries
- 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
- 1 kiwi, peeled and sliced
- 1 peach or nectarine, diced
- 1 handful fresh cherries, pitted and chopped
How you make it
First, place the watermelon into a high-speed blender. Next, blend until smooth.
Second, fill about a dozen popsicle molds with the remaining fruit. Next, pour the watermelon puree into the molds, filling each mold to the top. Then place a popsicle stick into each mold.
Third, place in the freezer for about six to eight hours, or until fully frozen. Then, remove the popsicles from the molds when ready to serve.
Notes
First, the number of popsicle molds will vary depending on their size. Second, run the popsicle molds under warm water for a couple of seconds when ready to serve. That makes it easier to pull the popsicles out of the molds.
6. Peach Smoothie
https://www.instagram.com/p/BU98htWlIlS/
The fifth of our healthy snacks for kids is a delicious beverage, courtesy of Martha Polasek and Taste of Home. This refreshing, tasty smoothie is excellent as an after school snack or a quick and easy breakfast treat.
What you need
- 1/2 cup peach or apricot nectar
- 1/2 cup frozen peaches
- 1/4 cup fat-free vanilla yogurt
- 2 ice cubes
How you make it
First, combine all the ingredients in a high-speed blender. Then, blend until smooth and serve in a chilled glass.
Notes
First, you can substitute fresh peaches for frozen ones. Also, bananas and strawberries make a great addition to this recipe. Last, a heaping teaspoon of peanut butter can be added for additional flavor, protein, carbohydrates, and fat.
What We Learned Today
Each of us on The Weary Chef team hopes you enjoyed our recipes for healthy snacks for kids.
As has been noted, the recipes we selected are kid-friendly but remember to practice kitchen safety. Likewise, never leave a child unattended in the kitchen.
Now, we would love to hear from you. Using the comment form below, let us know your favorite healthy snacks for kids.
Until we meet again, happy snacking!