Healthy Toddler Snack Foods to Keep on Hand

Any mom knows that toddlers keep us on the go! Taking a bit of time at the start of the week to make sure you have these simple toddler foods on hand will help you easily pull together healthy snacks when at home or on your way out of the house, whether its for daycare, preschool or running errands.

Remember that a balanced snack has a protein and a carbohydrate. Providing a balanced snack will help to keep your toddler satisfied for longer. If you’re curious about what snacks you should avoid relying on, my blog A Nutritionist’s Guide to Toddler Snacking goes over five popular toddler snacks you may want to consider skipping, and a few alternative go-to snacks.

 

Basic toddler snack foods

In the fridge

Having a few of these in your fridge will make it easier to provide a healthy snack for your little one. Try mixing it up weekly.

• Fresh fruits that are easy to grab: mini oranges, bananas, apples
• Individual cheese
• Individual yogurt
• Individual hummus
• Boiled or scrambled eggs
• Kefir or milk
• Raw veggies: snap peas, cherry tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers (things that are quick and can be pre-cut)

 

In the pantry

Stocking up the pantry is easy and really benefits you in the long run. Try different nut butters like almond butter or cashew butter if you’re getting tired of the traditional peanut butter – it might make a difference!

• Canned fruits (in their own juice)
• Individual Applesauce
• Dried fruit
• Whole grain crackers
• Plain Cheerios
• Mixed nuts and seeds
• Nut butter

 

In the freezer

Keeping perishable homemade items in the freezer can help eliminate the need for packaged baking! Energy balls are particularly easy to make, and there are many different varieties to try.

• Beef jerky that’s high-quality and nitrate-free (portion and keep in the freezer)
• Individual homemade muffins
• Energy balls

 

Do-it-yourself snack ideas

Having these foods on hand it makes it easier to pull together balanced snacks. Here are some simple do-it-yourself snack ideas for your kids:

• Homemade trail mix with nuts, dried fruit, cheerios and popcorn
• Cheese, crackers and fresh fruit (grapes go great with cheese!)
• Smoothie made with kefir and fruit
• Canned fruit (or dried fruit) and nuts for the diaper bag
• Veggies, hummus and crackers
• Homemade muffin made with kefir or milk
• Fruit and jerky
• Yogurt and fruit
• Cheerios and milk
• Boiled egg and fruit
• Nut butter, banana, and crackers (or, make a nut butter roll with a tortilla instead of crackers, or try a nut butter and banana sandwich)
• Homemade energy balls

 

Keeping these things on hand also helps me to throw together balanced meals in a pinch. (Having trouble with your toddler at mealtime? We’ve got a blog for that. 8 Helpful Strategies for Toddler Lunches)

• Hummus with veggies, crackers and cheese
• Fruit smoothie (made with yogurt and/or kefir) with a muffin
• Nuts, muffin, fruit and yogurt

 

Having mostly whole foods on hand makes it so much easier to ensure my child is getting the nutrition she needs to grow healthy and strong. It also takes a lot of stress out of my day, freeing me to just be with my child and enjoy our time together.

 

By Kelsey Hagen – Registered Nutritionist/Dietitian

Revive Wellness is a team of skilled and passionate Registered Nutritionists specialized in nutrition and wellness coaching for the Edmonton area.

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