Healthy Snacks for Toddlers: Moms & Kids Approved

Power-Up Snacks for Toddlers: Nutritious Bites Moms (& Kids) Will Love

Are you trying to find a variety of easy, healthy snacks for your toddler that are not only nutritious, but snacks your kids won’t be able to get enough of? Then you are in the right place! These dietitian-approved snacks for kids are packed with nutrients your little one needs and the flavors they crave. Read on for some snack inspiration.

Fueling tiny tummies: The importance of healthy snacks for toddlers

If you have a toddler at home, you know they are tiny bundles of energy, constantly on the move and growing at an astonishing rate. As a mom, you are most likely focused on providing the that will help them to grow and develop. But it isn’t always easy to get an on-the-go toddler to stop and eat a full meal. And that’s where snacks come in.

Nutritious snacking can be a great opportunity to introduce your child to new foods and flavors while ensuring they are getting the essential nutrients they need to grow and develop.

Snacking can offer your child:

• Exposure to new tastes and flavors in a low-pressure environment, which can increase acceptance
• A boost of nutrition by providing essential nutrients that toddlers may not get from their main meals
• Steady energy and appetite regulation in between meals

Nutrients to look for in toddler snacks

When it comes to healthy snacking for kids, it's all about packing in the right nutrients to support growth and energy needs. You’ll want to plan snacks that are well-balanced and include a variety of vitamins and minerals to fuel their active bodies and minds.

Let’s look at some key nutrients to pack into your toddler’s snacks and where you can find them:

• Fiber: Dietary fiber can offer a variety of benefits to toddlers from gut health to constipation relief, however few consume enough fiber each day. Easy and delicious snack options such as Sunsweet Amaz!n Prunes can provide a good source of fiber with 3 grams per serving. Plus, this sweet, one-handed snack makes the perfect grab-and-go option for busy kids and families.
• Protein: As an essential nutrient for growth and development, protein provides the building blocks for muscle and repair. But it can often feel like a challenge to get your toddler to eat enough protein. To boost protein, consider unsweetened Greek yogurt your new best friend. With about 13 grams of protein per ½ cup, try adding it into smoothies or using it in pancakes, muffins, and even cookies as a swap for added fat. You can even use it as an alternative to cream and mayonnaise in dips, dressings, and casseroles.
• Iron: A lack of iron in the diet can be common in toddlers, however a deficiency in this mineral can lead to fatigue, irritability, and developmental delays. To boost your toddler’s iron intake, try incorporating iron-rich foods into snack options such as enjoying roasted chickpeas as a crunchy snack or sipping on a glass of 100% Sunsweet Amaz!n Prune Juice,
• Vitamin K: When it comes to bone health and your little one, don’t underestimate the importance of vitamin K. This nutrient is essential for bone health in toddlers, as it activates proteins necessary for calcium metabolism and bone mineralization. To boost your toddler’s intake, offer snacks such as steamed edamame, hard boiled eggs, or vegetables such as broccoli and carrots

  The best snack Ideas for toddlers

Need more snack inspiration? Here are some of the best recipes for toddlers that are easy to make and are sure to be a hit with your entire family.

• Oatmeal & Prune Muffins with Blueberries : This easy muffin recipe includes a mix of ingredients rich in nutrients that benefit your toddler from iron, to fiber, and vitamin K.
• Yogurt Breakfast Popsicles: If you struggle to boost your toddler’s protein intake at breakfast, you will love this easy popsicle recipe for snack time, which provides both fiber and antioxidants.
• Oatmeal Energy Balls: Toddlers and finger foods are a perfect pair. And one of the easiest ways to match your toddler’s nutrient needs in a bite-sized way is with these no-bake energy bites.
• Peanut Butter & Plum Smoothie: If you have a PB&J fan in the house, they will love this easy smoothie recipe. The combo of peanut butter and cottage cheese provide a good source of protein while the plum juice adds a sweet boost of fiber.

Finding easy snacks for kids that are both nutritious and toddler-approved doesn’t have to be hard! These dietitian-approved options provide essential nutrients like fiber, protein, and iron to keep your little one fueled and growing making it easy to support your child’s health with flavors they’ll love.

Source: Erin Palinski-Wade, RD, CDCES, LDN, CPT: