Are you looking for some healthy, toddler-approved snack ideas that are simple to make? Well, search no more. Here are 10 nutritious snacks for toddler’s that will keep your little one’s tummy happy, and their active and growing body and brain nourished. From fruit and veggies to protein-packed treats, we’ve got something for even the pickiest of eaters. So, grab your grocery list and let’s get started!
You’ll be thrilled to know that these snacks take minimal effort to prepare. We know how busy toddlers are and how particular they can be about trying new foods, so we don’t want you to waste your time and energy on elaborate recipes.
Many toddlers prefer to eat little and often, which is fine, but we need to try to pack as many nutrients into their snacks as possible to give them the fuel they need to explore and enjoy their day.
1. Trail Mix
Toddlers often love little things they can pick at rather than a big bowl of food. A simple mix of dried fruit, seeds, and coconut can help to maintain their blood sugar levels. You could also add extras like pretzels, and chocolate chips/cacao nibs.
2. Vegetable sticks and dip
Slice up some carrots, celery, capsicum, and cucumber into sticks, and give your tot a little pot of their favourite dip, such as hummus or tzatziki. You won’t find many toddlers who don’t love to dip their food into something!
3. Fruit and yoghurt smoothie
We have five easy smoothie ideas for you that contain protein, fibre, healthy fats, iron and other essential vitamins. With these recipes, all you have to do is throw all of the ingredients into a food processor, blend for 1-2 minutes, and voilà! 5 simple and nutritious smoothies for baby (8 months+) – Newborn Baby
4. Apple slices with nut butter
You can have some fun with apple slices and toppings to create apple ‘donuts’. Slice the top and bottom off the apple, and then slice the apple into circles about ½ cm thick. Cut a small hole in the middle with a little cookie cutter if you have one (this step is optional; it’s just so it looks like a donut). Then, top with seed or nut spread or natural yoghurt, and sprinkle on seeds, dried fruit, granola, chocolate chips, or sliced berries.
5. Homemade mini muffins
Muffins are great to make up a batch of and then freeze for quick grab-and-go snacks. We have two recipes we know you’ll love – one sweet and one savoury for every taste, and both very versatile so you can use whatever fillings you have to hand.
Basic and versatile savoury mini muffin recipe – 6mth+ – Newborn Baby
Easy and Yummy Mini Muffins 6+ Months – Newborn Baby
6. Toast with smashed avocado
It’s not just for breakfast! So quick and easy to make, but also a yummy and healthy snack option. Mash up some avocado and spread it onto your little one’s favourite type of toast. Make yourself some while you’re at it!
7. Yoghurt parfait with fresh berries
Gather these basic ingredients: natural Greek yoghurt, honey (for over 12 month-olds) or natural maple syrup, some oats or granola, and some sliced up fresh fruit, such as strawberries. Pop the yoghurt in a bowl or cup and sprinkle on the rest of the ingredients with a drizzle of honey on top. Or invite your toddler to assemble it themselves for added fun!
8. Hard boiled eggs
If you and your toddler like boiled eggs, it’s a good idea to have a couple ready to go in the fridge for quick snacks, or something you can just grab on your way out the door to eat at the park.
9. Zucchini slice
The whole family will enjoy this delicious zucchini slice recipe, plus it’s suitable for freezing so you don’t have to eat it all at once. It’s another egg-based recipe, so if your toddler is allergic to eggs, we have a bonus air-fryer banana/apple chips recipe for you.
10. Energy balls
Otherwise known as bliss balls, you’ll find endless inspirational recipes online that your toddler will approve of. The best thing about them is that they taste like a yummy treat and they’re packed-full of goodness, such as nuts, seeds, and oats. We have a bliss ball recipe for pregnancy and postpartum, but there’s nothing in them that your toddler can’t have (excluding any allergies, of course), so whip up a batch for both of you to enjoy together!
Note: The age range of toddlers is between 1-3 years, so use your judgement and follow your individual child as to which foods they can manage and when.
