26 Healthy Toddler Snack Recipes That Your Picky Eaters will Love (2024)

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How hard is it for you to find enough healthy toddler snack recipes to keep your little one full til the next meal of the day?

If your little ones are anything like mine, I’m going to guess it’s pretty difficult. Especially if you want the type of snacks for your toddler that will do more good for your child than just fill them up for the time being.

You know, the kind that have vitamins and minerals, maybe even some fiber and snacks with protein, but definitely ‘good for you’ ingredients.

If only ‘normal’ stores sold snacks like that, or if they weren’t so expensive!

We all want the best for our little ones, and in my opinion, one of the best things we can do for them is feed them whole, nutritious foods, from day one. Well, maybe not day one. But, as soon as they start eating more than just baby food.

That’s why I’ve gathered together the snack recipes below!

Because, it’s hard to find those snacks made with ‘good for you’ nutrients, and you have enough to worry about with caring for your toddler! (Pssst….you might want to go make sure they aren’t pulling all the toilet paper off the roll.)

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About the Healthy Toddler Snacks Below

There are some savory, some sweet, and even some copycats of store bought snacks below.

Like recipes for healthy (vegan/ gluten free/ allergy free/ grain free) goldfish crackers and cheez its. Thank goodness, right!

You’ll also find snacks that are excellent for toddlers to dip in things, because we know theylove to dip food (and usually make a bit of a mess).

Muffins, cookies, pudding, and even homemade ice cream! We can’t blame them for having a sweet tooth, they probably got it from us anyways.

Some of the recipes below are mine, and many more are from others. So, they have been tested by my kids, others kids, and probably quite a few adults, as well!

Want to Remember This? Pin 26 Healthy Toddler Snack Recipes That Your Picky Eaters will Love to your favorite Pinterest Board!!

What snacks are good for toddlers?

Toddlers don’t eat a lot at once, so they tend to eat a lot of snacks. This means we need to make sure that their snacks are filling and wholesome.

Snacks with nutrients in them, not just something to hold them over for the time being.

Fun andHealthy snacks include:

  • whole grains
  • fruits
  • veggies
  • lean proteins
  • and are are plant based as possible!

Unhealthy snacks are usually the ones that:

  • are store bought (usually)
  • have refined white flour
  • have a lot of oil
  • have ingredients that lack nutrients
  • have too much sugar
  • etc.

Don’t worry, it’s not that hard to find healthy toddler snacks that will keep them full and give the the vitamins, minerals, protein, fiber, etc. that they need! Just take a look below!

Healthy Toddler Snack Ideas

Mozzarella Sticks – Gluten Free and Vegan

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These, your little one will love! However, I wouldn’t recommend it if you’re just starting to go vegan (or haven’t found a vegan cheese – either homemade or bought – that you like yet). This recipe also calls for an egg replacement; I always use flax eggs, 1 tablespoon flaxmeal (ground flaxseeds) mixed with 2 1/2 tablespoons of water.

Healthy Vegan Blueberry Muffins

You can’t go wrong with blueberry muffins and toddlers, unless of course if they are allergic to blueberries. This recipe has a secret ingredient to help keep them moist and delicious. A must, to add to your recipe book and make every once in awhile as a special treat!

Oven Baked Beet Chips

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If you tell your toddler what these are, and have been influenced by others to think beets are gross, then these may not be a favorite at first. But, if they have no prior encounters with beets, or likes the pretty pinkish color, then these will be an immediate hit with them.

The Best Energy Bites Recipe of All Time

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Looking for a healthy vegan energy bites recipe? Try out this easy no bake energy bites recipe for yourself and kids as a healthy snack; with peanut butter, oatmeal, and chocolate to help with your sweet tooth!

VEGAN APRICOT AND DATE OAT FLAPJACKS

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If your little one is more into snacks full of carbohydrates (like I am), they will love this one. Tried and tested with my own toddler, these are a win!

Related Post:12 deliciously healthy kid friendly breakfast recipes for easy school mornings

Simple Sweet Potato Fries

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This super simple sweet potato fries recipe has been one of my oldest daughters favorites since she was about a year old! Now myself and 2 girls love devouring a whole tray of these in one sitting. They are sweet and have plenty of healthy nutrients in them, so I don’t feel bad when we eat a whole tray of them in one sitting.

Vegan Ice Cream

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If your child loves ice cream, but you don’t want to keep buying it. Because, you know, vegan ice cream can be quite pricey, and processed. Opt to make it at home with whole ingredients, your child could even choose the flavor! Check out 6 different (toddler approved) vegan ice cream recipes here!(Works best if you use a food processor to make, just a tip from my experience.)

Or click on the picture above for the Vegan Berry Ice Cream Recipes!

Crunchy Air Fryer Chickpeas

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If your little prefers savory, instead of sweet, snacks, check out this crunchy chickpeas recipe. You can use an air fryer, or the oven to make these, so don’t say no to this one just because you don’t currently own an air fryer.

Excellent Eggplant Fries Recipe

If you’re trying to get more colors of the rainbow into your childs diet, purple veggies can sometimes be hard to come by, especially for a toddler to eat. Be sure to use the vegan version of this recipe. But, I’m sure your toddler will love these, just as my toddler does!

Vegan Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

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If your toddler likes cookies, make sure they are getting in some fiber with their cookies. Try out these oatmeal raisin cookies, for a ‘better for them’ type of snack, that they’ll end up begging you for!

My Simple Homemade Applesauce (that you’ll regret not making)!!

What toddler doesn’t love applesauce?! Make this sweet and simple applesauce and your kids, big and small, won’t let it last the day! Seriously, you’ll need to steal some for yourselfbefore giving it to your kids to make sure you get some.

Related Post:10 Vegan Comfort Food Recipes My Kids Go Crazy For

Chocolate Banana Coconut Chia Pudding

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If your little one loves chocolate, this dessert like snack should be a no brainer to give them. It’s chia seed base will provide them with omega-3 fatty acids (you know, the ones that barely enough people in this country consumer), plus protein to help keep them full til the next meal!

Surprisingly Delicious Healthy Apple Muffin Recipe!!!

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The only reason these are ‘surprisingly delicious’ is because everyone in my family liked it, from toddler to husband! And, the fact that I just threw a bunch of ingredients together (wrote them down) and they tasted awesome! Of course, they come out the same each and every time, so no worries about them being a one time wonder!

HEALTHY OVEN BAKED ZUCCHINI CHIPS RECIPE – NO BREADING

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When I was a kid, the only thing I remember my mom making with zucchini was zucchini bread, and I’m sure it wasn’t vegan. Luckily, there are so many more creative ways to use this veggie that’s actually easy to grow (I should know, I grew plenty of these a few years ago, before we moved to the west coast, but my husband calls me a plant killer).

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Another healthy toddler snack recipe to use up your zucchinis, and potatoes, is this tater tots recipe. Great for toddlers to dip in sauces. Which I know is a super fun thing for toddlers to do. My toddler goes to the fridge to get her own ketchup or marinara sauce if I forget to put some on her plate!

My Go to Green Smoothie Recipe

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Once your toddler is able to drink from a cup, or straw, without making a mess, they will love this smoothie. And, so will you! It has fruits, veggies, and healthy fats/proteins, to give you a balanced snack for your toddler, and an energy booster for yourself.

Related Post:27 Healthy Smoothie Bowls and Smoothie Recipes for Kids

HEALTHY DATE BARS | NO BAKE ENERGY BARS (GLUTEN FREE)

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If your toddler likes the snack bars that can be bought at the store, but you want a less processed version that you can control the ingredients for; you will want to check out these healthy date bars!

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I don’t know of any toddler (at least of mine) that would deny chocolate anything. This doesn’t have a ton of sugar in it like you might expect! So, it’s perfectly fine to give to your toddler as a healthy snack, at least every once in awhile!

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If you’re looking for a gluten free blue berry muffin recipe, because not all oat flours are gluten free (which is what the blueberry muffin recipe above calls for); this healthy toddler snack recipe is for you, I mean your toddler!

Homemade Gluten-Free + Vegan Goldfish (Allergy-Free, Grain-Free)

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The classic ‘snack that smiles back’, now healthy, home made, vegan, and gluten free. The perfect snack for any toddler as it’s allergy free, too!

Homemade Gluten-Free + Vegan Cheez-Its (Allergy-Free, Grain-Free)

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I know my girls love it when my husband buys cheez-its for himself, they are usually asking for them anytime he opens up the box. Unfortunately, they aren’t the healthiest snack in the world, and certainly not vegan. But, you can make them yourself and not have to worry about them being unhealthy or having preservatives baked into them.

MINI CHICKPEA FLOUR VEGAN FRITTATA BITES

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If your toddler isn’t a picky eater, you have got to make these for them! I could see my toddler eating these and loving them….until she sees her older sister start picking out all the veggies.

Baked Mini Gluten-Free + Vegan Mac & Cheese Bites

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Kids love mac and cheese, luckily, there are a number of vegan mac and cheese recipes! This one is a mac and cheese bite recipe. Perfect for a healthy toddler friendly snack.

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MINI GLUTEN-FREE CHOCOLATE CHIP PUMPKIN MUFFIN BITES

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Kids love chocolate chip muffins, and toddlers are no exception, use this healthy toddler snack recipe with pumpkin added in for some extra ‘mom approved’ goodness!

Vegan Chickpea Squash Fritters

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For a savory snack, have your toddler try this fritter recipe! It’s super healthy and with the chickpea flour, I’m going to assume high in protein, too!

Fresh Vegan Spring Rolls

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My toddler loved the vegan spring rolls that the Thai restaurant my husband used to work right next to had. Luckily, this recipe makes it possible to make these at home!

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I hope this made finding Healthy Toddler Snack Recipes that your little one will enjoy, much easier

It’s hard enough to find enough for our little ones to eat during the day, especially on those days they act like empty pits and are going through growths spurts. Add the fact we want their food to actually be good for them and not just any old snack off the shelf at the grocery store, and it can become almost impossible!That’s why I’m so grateful we have the internet. We can all share the healthy snacks we make with our kids, and find awesome food bloggers with the same mindset as us; wanting to raise healthy kids, who eat as close to natural and whole foods as possible.

I hope your toddler, picky eaters, and even yourself, love the recipes above. They may not all be huge wins, especially with picky eaters, but they should be close, even if it’s something you make once a month; just one less store bought snack. And, one more healthy toddler snack that will help your child grow into a healthy adult (hopefully not anytime soon)!

26 Healthy Toddler Snack Recipes That Your Picky Eaters will Love (2024)

FAQs

What are some healthy toddler snacks? ›

Instead of highly processed snack foods, snack time is a great time to offer your child whole foods that provide energy and nutrition.
  • 28 healthy snack ideas for your kids. ...
  • Yogurt. ...
  • Popcorn. ...
  • Celery with peanut butter and raisins. ...
  • Nuts. ...
  • Trail mix. ...
  • Sliced pears with ricotta cheese. ...
  • Cottage cheese.

What are healthy snacks for picky eaters? ›

Look for white whole-wheat bread that is a softer and more visually accepted whole-grain option, and present several topping choices for kids to play with. Sliced fruit, nut butters, avocado, cream cheese, dried fruit, granola, and more can be fun options to try.

What are dry healthy snacks for toddlers? ›

Some healthy, yummy, and safe toddler ingredients to consider: apple chips, dry cereal or puffs, soft roasted chickpeas, yogurt melts, shredded coconut, dehydrated, freeze-dried, or chopped dried fruit. (Mini dark chocolate chips can be a fun add-in, but since they can melt, be mindful about when to use.)

What are easy snacks for fussy toddlers? ›

Good snacks include fruit or vegetable slices, baby rice cakes, dried fruit, bread sticks and cheese. It's a good idea to have some of these ready in the fridge, so you have something to hand when you're faced with a hungry toddler.

What is a good finger food for a 2 year old? ›

15 Best Finger Foods For Babies
  • Carrot/Beetroot finger foods:
  • Baked potato or sweet potato wedges:
  • Steamed/Boiled green beans:
  • Steamed or par-boiled broccoli/cauliflower florets:
  • Tomato wedges or cucumber slices:
  • Cooked chickpeas (chhole) or Rajma:
  • Cheese Sticks:
  • Paneer Cubes:
Feb 8, 2024

What foods keep toddlers full? ›

Snacks with fiber or protein help kids feel full longer. Foods with these nutrients take more time to digest. Fiber comes from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Protein comes from beans, cheese, milk, meats, eggs, nuts, and nut butters.

What are 3 tips for picky eaters? ›

Approaches to Try
  • Try eating the food first to show them you like it. ...
  • Make funny faces with the foods on their plate. ...
  • Give them a choice of different foods to try. ...
  • Serve new foods with foods you know they like.
  • Try freezing small bites of leftover foods. ...
  • Wait a couple of days before offering the food again.

What is a healthy snack for fussy kids? ›

Have chopped and ready-to-eat fruit and veg, like apple, carrot, cucumber, celery, peppers, peeled satsuma segments, strawberries, halved grapes, tinned pineapple or melon slices pre-prepared for an easy snack kids can eat with their fingers.

What foods do picky kids eat? ›

Our Favorite Meals for Picky Eaters
  • Baked Potato Bar. With a serve-yourself baked potato bar, your little ones can assemble their own dinner creations! ...
  • Pizza Bagels. ...
  • Mac & Cheese with Cauliflower. ...
  • Chicken Fajitas. ...
  • White Bean Burgers. ...
  • Peas & Cheese Tortellini. ...
  • Veggie Wraps. ...
  • Chicken Bites, Mashed Yams & Green Beans.
Sep 14, 2018

What is a comfort food for toddlers? ›

Here are some of the best toddler dinner ideas to try…
  • Tortellini With Pesto Toddler Dinner. ...
  • Easy Risotto Toddler Dinner. ...
  • Pea Fritter Toddler Dinner. ...
  • Chicken Nugget Mashed Potato Bowl. ...
  • Baby Bolognese Toddler Dinner. ...
  • Flaked Salmon Toddler Dinner. ...
  • Chickpea Patty Toddler Dinner. ...
  • Breakfast for Dinner.

What are high protein snacks for picky toddlers? ›

Picky-Eater Protein Options
  • Lorissa's Kitchen Beef Sticks. There's a lot to love about beef sticks. ...
  • A Glass of Milk. If there's one thing that seems consistent, it's that kids love the taste of milk. ...
  • String Cheese. ...
  • Peanut Butter Waffles. ...
  • Nut Butter on Fruit. ...
  • Quesadillas. ...
  • Protein-Infused Baked Goods.
Aug 14, 2023

What to make toddlers for lunch? ›

The Top 15 Tasty Lunch Ideas for Toddlers
  • Cauliflower Cheese Bites. Most toddlers love cauliflower cheese, but oh boy the mess can be something else. ...
  • Egg Cups. ...
  • Homemade Fish Fingers. ...
  • Pizza Pockets. ...
  • Apple, Cheddar and Peanut Butter Sandwiches. ...
  • Toddler-tastic Noodles. ...
  • Hummus and Crudités – Toddler Style. ...
  • Egg in the Hole Toast.

What is the best toddler snack? ›

Toddler Snacks to Serve Instead
  • Hummus and vegetables (full of fiber and phytonutrients)
  • Homemade, whole-grain muffins with fruit, nuts, and natural sweeteners.
  • Granola bars or bites with a low sugar and a serving of veggies included.
  • Cut fruit (the best kind of sugar, plus loaded with nutrients and vitamins)
Sep 22, 2023

What is a healthy alternative to chips for toddlers? ›

Back to School: 8 Potato Chip Alternatives
  • Carrot Chips. 1 of 9. ...
  • Spiced Apple Chips. 2 of 9. ...
  • Banana Chips. 3 of 9. ...
  • Orange Sweet Potato Chips. 4 of 9. ...
  • Pear Chips. 5 of 9. ...
  • Cinnamon Sugar Radish Chips. 6 of 9. ...
  • Beet Chips. 7 of 9. ...
  • Zucchini Chips. 8 of 9.

How to make healthy snacks for toddlers? ›

Pretzel sticks with cheese

Cut cheddar (or another type of hard cheese) into bite-sized cubes. Pierce each cube with the end of a pretzel stick. To turn this into a healthy snack for toddlers, grate the cheese and replace the pretzels with whole wheat toast or tortilla cut into small pieces.

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