Healthy Snack Recipes Toddlers Love

Kids love to try and eat what we eat — especially if it’s forbidden foods (ahem, chocolate). But they also like to to try the healthier, more nutritious kind… That is, as long as we, mamas and papas, eat them too! What’s more, “children are more likely to eat healthy foods if their family eats at least three meals together each week,” according to the March 2017 Parents magazine issue.

So be a role model: eat with them at the dinner table, don’t skip meals and eat nutritious foods. And when it comes to snack, you can rewrite the kids’ menu and pack a bunch of healthy ingredients into baked goods. So if you want to experiment with less sugary foods that the whole family can enjoy, check out the the three toddler-friendly recipes below. They offer a boatful of nutrition without compromising taste. A sure hit among your little ones (and big ones, too!).

1. Almond Meal Muffins. Baking with almond meal is a more nutritious alternative to using wheat flour and all-purpose flour. Almond meal is higher in protein and contains Vitamin E, an important antioxidant especially during those germ-inducing months! These muffins are great for breakfast or snack and are easy to pack for on-the-go. Check out the recipe here.

2. Banana Oat Flour Muffins. Oat flour is basically oats ground into a powder form. It’s an excellent wheat-free alternative and a more nutritious option too. These muffins will fill you up because of the dietary fiber found in oats. Spread a little nut butter on top and serve them for breakfast or as an afternoon snack. If your household is gluten-free, you can purchase gluten-free oats, and Bob’s Red Mill offers both options. You can find the recipe here.

3. Almond Butter Thumbprint Cookies. Almond butter is a healthy nut butter spread, and if you are able to make it yourself, you can tone down the salt and sugar content. It’s a good source of protein and healthy fat — both essential for busy parents and growing toddlers. This recipe is a better snack option to many packaged and processed foods, and once you make a batch of almond butter, you can use it for so many different recipes. Check it out here.