10 Healthy Toddler Snacks I Always Keep On Hand

As a parent, I know how important it is for my child to have a balanced and nutritious diet to grow up healthy and strong.

Snacking is a crucial aspect of my child’s diet as it helps bridge the nutritional gaps between meals.

However, finding snacks that are both healthy and appealing to my child’s taste buds can be challenging, especially with so many unhealthy options available.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Toddler Snacks

As a parent, choosing the right snacks for your toddler can be a daunting task. While there are many snack options available, it’s important to consider several factors when selecting healthy and nutritious snacks for your child. Here are some key factors to keep in mind when choosing toddler snacks:

1. Nutritional Value: Ensure that the snacks you choose are high in nutrients that are important for your child’s growth and development, such as protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
2. Portion Size: Toddlers have small stomachs, so it’s essential to offer snacks in appropriate portion sizes that will satisfy their hunger without filling them up too much before mealtime.
3. Texture: Toddlers often prefer foods with a smooth or creamy texture, so choose snacks that are easy to chew and swallow, such as sliced fruits or cheese.
4. Taste: It’s important to offer a variety of tastes to your child to expand their palate and keep them interested in trying new foods. Try introducing different flavors, such as sweet, salty, and savory, to keep things interesting.
5. Convenience: Choose snacks that are easy to prepare and can be taken on the go, such as pre-cut fruits, granola bars, or yogurt cups. This will make it easier to provide healthy snacks even when you’re on the move.

List of Best Healthy Toddler Snacks

As a mom myself, I know how challenging it can be to find healthy and nutritious snacks that toddlers will ACTUALLY enjoy eating. But don’t worry, I’ve got your back! Here’s a list of some of the best healthy toddler snacks that my little one loves:

• Fresh fruits and veggies: I always have a variety of colorful fruits and veggies on hand, like berries, melons, carrots, cucumbers, and sweet peppers. They’re packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, and my toddler loves dipping them in hummus or yogurt.
• Greek yogurt: My little one is a huge fan of Greek yogurt, which is a great source of protein and calcium. Sometimes we mix it with fruit or honey for a sweeter treat.
• Whole grain crackers: We always keep a stash of whole grain crackers on hand, like ones made with brown rice or whole wheat. They’re a great source of fiber and complex carbs, and my toddler loves to snack on them with cheese or nut butter.
• Cheese cubes: Speaking of cheese, it’s another great source of calcium and protein. We like to cut up small cubes of cheese or serve string cheese for a fun and easy snack.
• Nut butter with apple slices: For a delicious and nutritious snack that’s high in protein, fiber, and healthy fats, we love to spread nut butter on apple slices. It’s a favorite in our household!
• Smoothies: Smoothies are a great way to sneak in some veggies and my toddler loves them. We blend together fruits and Greek yogurt or milk for a tasty and nutrient-dense snack.
• Hummus with pita bread: Hummus is a great dip made from chickpeas, tahini, and other ingredients. My little one loves to dip pita bread or fresh veggies in it for a healthy snack that’s high in protein and fiber. I actually make my own hummus, and we also use it as a spread for all the kids lunch sandwiches for school!
• Hard-boiled eggs: We always keep some hard-boiled eggs on hand for a quick and easy snack that’s a great source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. This is great for momma too since protein intake is a little more difficult to intake daily, it’s just a lot of prep.
• Trail mix: I make my own trail mix with nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and whole grain cereal for a snack that’s high in protein and healthy fats. It’s perfect for when we’re on the go!
• Homemade muffins or granola bars: Finally, we like to make our own healthy muffins or granola bars using whole grains, fruits, and nuts. It’s a fun activity to do with my toddler, and the end result is a delicious and nutritious snack.

Tips for Encouraging Toddlers to Eat Healthy Snacks

Encouraging toddlers to eat healthy snacks can be a challenge, but it’s an important part of promoting healthy eating habits and ensuring that they get the nutrients they need for growth and development. Here are some tips to help encourage your little one to choose healthy snacks:

Offer a variety of options: Toddlers can be picky eaters, so it’s important to offer a variety of healthy snack options to keep things interesting. Try offering a mix of fruits, veggies, whole grains, and protein-rich snacks.

Make snacks fun: Toddlers love to play, so try making snacks fun and playful. Cut fruits and veggies into fun shapes, make homemade trail mix together, or let them help you make a smoothie.

Set a good example: Toddlers often mimic what they see their parents or caregivers doing, so set a good example by eating healthy snacks yourself. This can encourage your little one to follow suit.

Get creative: Try to get creative with how you serve snacks. For example, make a fruit salad with a variety of colorful fruits, or serve hummus with cut up veggies in a fun bento box.

Involve them in the process: Toddlers love to be involved in the decision-making process, so let them help you choose which healthy snacks to offer. This can help them feel more invested in their food choices.