Growing kids need healthy snacks, but how do you know which ones are best for them? From a parent’s perspective, healthy snack ideas for kids should be nutritious. Protein-packed, vitamin-rich foods will keep them satisfied between meals. From a kid’s point of view, they should be tasty.
Are you searching for ideas for nutritious treats? We have you covered. TCHO knows all about delicious plant-based snacks, including our mini chocolate bars and our tasty recipes with chocolate. We’ll use our knowledge about cooking and baking with feel-good ingredients to help you discover something your kids will love. Get out of that snack time rut with TCHO. Explore creative and wholesome treats made with vegan and organic products. Make afternoon breaks more fun or add inspiration to their school lunchbox. There are so many choices on this list that you’re sure to find something that fits you and your kids.
1. Magic Fruit Wands
Everyone can agree that the best kids’ snacks are delicious and fun. You’ll spark their imagination with a magical afternoon snack with fresh fruit on a wooden skewer wand. To make it, you’ll need wood skewers and a cookie cutter shaped like a star or a heart.
Pick a fruit that will hold up well to cutting and shaping, like watermelon or pineapple. These pieces will form the top of the wand. Stick a piece of the fruit on top of the wooden skewer to secure it. Now it’s time to thread more fruit on the other side of the wand. This step will create its handle. Our favorites are blueberries and grapes, but you can also add fruits like cherries or blackberries. Watch your child’s eyes light up as you present a snack that doubles as a toy. They’ll love to play with it as much as they enjoy eating it!
2. Chocolate Oat Balls
It’s hard to find a kid who will say no to chocolate. You’ll inspire them to enjoy tasty, healthier snacks with this no-bake recipe for protein-packed chocolate oat balls. The bonus? Parents love them too! Vegan and gluten-free ingredients keep this recipe nutritious and free of unnecessary extras. You’ll keep the family fueled for hours with the following tasty and plant-based ingredients:
- Quick oats
- Almond flour
- Chocolate protein powder
- Cocoa powder (use TCHO Super Powder)
- Nut or seed butter
- Agave nectar
- Flaxseeds
- Pure vanilla extract
To make the chocolate balls, mix the oats and almond flour together with the protein powder and Super Powder. Now it’s time to add the nut or seed butter to the bowl along with the agave nectar. Add in the flaxseeds and vanilla extract. If the mixture seems too dry, add a few teaspoons of water.
Continue mixing until the batter becomes a thick paste, and then use your hands to roll the mixture into bite-size balls. Once all the balls are formed, it’s time to put it in the freezer to set for a while. Give these protein-packed chocolate balls at least 30 minutes to set and enjoy! If you keep them in the freezer, your recipe will last a while. Does chocolate go bad? It takes months, especially if you store it at the right temperature. Most protein balls will last for weeks, but we’re not sure your batch will last that long!
Try Our Plant Based Chocolate Baking Products
3. Veggies and Dip
Almost every kid should eat more vegetables, so how about offering them as a snack? Sometimes veggies are tastier when served with a side of dip. We like those choices that taste amazing but still pack plenty of nutrition.
Give them protein to fuel their day with black bean dip or a classic hummus made with chickpeas and olive oil. We love to create a simple kids’ version of guacamole featuring mashed avocado and lime with sea salt. If your little one likes pesto, you only need pine nuts and some fresh basil. Take your child’s lead on the garlic but add olive oil and sea salt for flavor. Now it’s time to bring in the veggies. Carrot sticks and celery are perfect for dipping, but you can also serve scrumptious options like cauliflower or broccoli. Cherry tomatoes and bell peppers offer plenty of flavor to go with their favorite pairing. Some kids prefer cucumbers or snap peas.
4. Vegan Chia Pudding
A busy afternoon calls for a cool and creamy pudding. Vegan chia pudding is healthier than other options but tastes as good as your kids’ favorites. Best of all, it includes chocolate! So, what is chia and why is it nutritious? Chia seeds are seeds native to Mexico. They have a pleasant crunch and an impressive nutrition profile that packs a healthy punch. They’re full of antioxidants and fiber. They also include omega-3 fatty acids. Chia seeds add a pleasant crunchy texture to pudding while adding the nutrition that makes it more than just a tasty kids’ treat. To make kid-approved vegan chia pudding, you’ll need:
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (TCHO Super Powder is best for this recipe)
- Maple syrup
- Sea salt
- Pure vanilla extract
- Plant-based milk
- Chia seeds
All you need is a whisk and a bowl to make this recipe. Once thoroughly combined, you’ll chill the pudding overnight to give it a good consistency. This tasty recipe will stay fresh in the fridge for about five days. With such an easy recipe and a satisfying taste, your kids may want it every week!
5. Frozen Fruit Pops
When the weather is hot, a frozen fruit pop makes a refreshing treat. These snacks are also full of vitamins and nutrients! Make DIY healthy fruit popsicles at home with just a few supplies and ingredients. Get a silicone popsicle mold with sticks to hold your fruit purée in place. Now it’s time to gather what you need for your recipe. There are thousands of fruit pop recipes, so think about the fruits your kids like best.
Some of the best fruits for a popsicle purée include mango and strawberry. Try kiwi or pineapple. You can even include kid-tested favorites like blackberry or watermelon. Add juices like orange or lime. Coconut milk adds a sweet creaminess to your fruit flavors. You’ll need to make this snack ahead of time so it’s ready to enjoy when your kids need it. Create your pops in the morning or before bed. Most fruit popsicles require four to six hours in the freezer to look and taste their best.
6. English Muffin Pizzas
Most kids are in the mood for pizza, so grab the English muffins and let them create their own mini pie! Let them add pizza sauce or marinara along with their favorite toppings. Kids love working with non-dairy cheeses and veggies like tomatoes or peppers. Let them get creative with mushrooms or olives. They can even make their own pizza pie face. Cherry tomatoes and black olives make for great eyes, while thinly sliced onions or bell peppers can make noses and mouths. Use toppings to make hair or a mustache. With so many creative options, they’ll love making their snack as much as they enjoy eating it.
7. Plant-Based Protein Shakes
Sometimes your kid needs a healthy and filling snack on the go. Give them a plant-based protein shake if they’re going to school or practice. These snacks are a nutritious choice for growing kids. It doesn’t take long to make, and it tastes delicious. Best of all, these shakes are packed with plenty of plant-based protein and vitamins. How do you choose the right recipe? Plenty of DIY protein shakes are out there, but the best ones have plant-based and kid-friendly ingredients. We like this recipe for a chocolate protein shake for a little one because it relies on natural protein. Here’s what you’ll need to make it:
Chocolate Protein Shake Ingredients
- Banana
- Chia seeds
- Oats
- Nut or seed butter
- Super Powder cocoa powder
- Plant-based milk (like oat or almond)
- Maple syrup
Blend the ingredients together in a blender, and then taste to see if you or your kiddo want to adjust the ingredients. Some little ones prefer more cocoa powder, while others prefer extra nut or seed butter. It’s best when it’s fresh, but you can store this chocolate shake for up to one day.
8. Kid-Approved Trail Mix
Trail mix is great to pack in a lunchbox or diaper bag. It also makes an excellent snack for traveling or sports practice. One of the best things about trail mix is you can customize it to fit your kiddo’s preferences or special diet. Begin with your favorite store-bought or DIY granola. Next, add tasty and healthy ingredients. Nuts and seeds are popular, but you can swap them with dried fruit if your child has a food allergy.
Dried fruits like raisins or cranberries pair well with crunchy granola, but you can also try dried pineapple or mango slices. Many kids like the crisp texture of apple slices or banana slices. Get adventurous with additions like coconut flakes or bits of graham crackers. Some trail mixes taste like a special treat. Keep it healthier and plant-based with chopped pieces of a TCHO chocolate bar. You could even include a few sprinkles of our Crush This roasted cacao nibs for a fudgy flavor that adds deliciousness to any granola recipe.
Make batches of trail mix for the week so your kids can take it to school or daycare. They’ll love making their own mix so you can package it for snacking later. Keep bags in your pantry or add a scoop to their bento box.
9. Avocado Toast
Tons of little ones like toast, but you can give them something healthier on top than non-dairy butter or cinnamon with sugar. Avocado toast packs tons of nutrition, and it looks cool too. It takes just a few minutes to make, but it’ll keep them full for a while. To make this recipe, you’ll need:
- A small avocado
- Sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper (optional if your kiddo doesn’t do pepper)
- Lemon juice
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Your child’s favorite bread
To make it, combine the avocado with the lemon juice and seasonings in a bowl. Mash the avocado with a fork until combined. Now spread the avocado mixture on toast and drizzle with olive oil. It’s a winner any time of day!
10. Chocolate Drizzled Fruit and Pretzels
Fruit and pretzels are even tastier when they include a chocolate drizzle. TCHO vegan chocolate bars and baking chocolate are totally meltable, so you can make the treats your kiddo has been looking for. Pick a hard pretzel that’s easy to dress and dip, like a rod or a twist. After you pick out your crunchy and salty snacks for drizzling, it’s time to choose fresh fruit. Plenty of fruits pair well with chocolate, including strawberries and bananas. Add a thin layer of oat milk chocolate or vegan dark chocolate to your blueberries or mango slices. You can drizzle grapes and pineapple with your favorite chocolate pairing. Add a cup of plant-based milk for a complete and wholesome snack.
Making Healthy and Tasty Plant-Based Snacks for Your Kids
Kids love snacks, so get creative about what you feed them. This list of delicious and unique snack ideas will have everyone inspired about snack time again. With so many plant-based options, everyone will be satisfied. You’ll also feel good knowing your kiddos are getting added nutrition.
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