3 Healthy Snack Ideas for Toddlers

The first thing that comes to mind when you think of a snack is something sweet, salty, or crunchy, maybe something purely indulgent. But as most of us have come to realize, snacking is not just about satisfying cravings, but also being healthy.

This is particularly true when it comes to toddlers. Most toddlers do not eat enough at meal times to get their necessary nutrients. Healthy snacks not only prevent toddlers from becoming hungry and cranky, they also provide essential nutrients needed to fulfill their nutritional needs.

Here I am going to cover 3 wholesome snacks for tiny tots.

1. Cascadian Farm Purely O’s

Both meals and snacks should contain a considerable serving of whole grains. Purely O’s from Cascadian Farm is an organic whole grain oat cereal rich in 11 essential Vitamins and Minerals. It is an excellent source of whole grains, providing at least 16 grams of whole grains per serving. It is made with organic whole grain oat flour, organic whole grain barley flour, and organic wheat starch and is flavored with sea salt. It is also a good source of fiber providing 3 grams per serving (11% of recommended daily value). The tiny O’s are the perfect size for toddlers to pick up and snack on. But, while Purely O’s are a great snack for toddlers, they are very plain and I would not recommend it as your morning cereal.

2. Fruits

Fruit is an excellent snack for toddlers. Not only is it sweet and delicious, but it also provides essential nutrients and fiber. Some easy fruit snacks would include:

1. Sliced banana
2. Bite-sized cantaloupe
3. Diced apples
4. Oranges separated into segments
5. Grapes quartered. (Be sure to quarter them so they don’t pose a choking hazard)

3. StonyField Farm YoBaby Yogurt

This is another wonderful snack to tie your toddler over until their next meal. High in protein and rich in calcium, yogurt serves as a nutritious snack that toddlers won’t say no to.

Stonyfield Farm’s organic YoBaby yogurt contains DHA, an essential fatty acid required for efficient neuron functioning found in fish oils. It also contains live active cultures to aid in digestion and the absorption of nutrients. It comes in various flavors like vanilla, pear, peach, blueberry, banana, and apple. It also comes in a drinkable version. Toddlers love the different flavors and textures, which come with the added fruit and cereal.

These are just three of the many nutritious snacks that can be offered to toddlers. Here are some important tips to remember when trying to find healthy snacks for your toddler:

1. Keep snacks low in sugar, high in whole grains and nutrients.
2. Toddlers are intrigued by colors and are more willing to try a snack that catches their eye.  
3. Never offer a toddler foods larger than a dime. Common choking hazards are popcorn, nuts, hard candy, large chunks of any food like meat, whole grapes, and peanut butter ( a spoonful of peanut butter can stick to a child’s throat).

Happy snacking!

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