Healthy snacks for kids: There are plenty of healthy snacks you can give kids, but kids don't necessarily like what's healthy. Here are some snack ideas that you can give children as a treat for St Martin's Day, Easter, Christmas, St Nicholas or Halloween, so that fewer calories are eaten without sacrificing flavour:
Healthy snacks for children: snack ideas
Sweet snacks
ChocolateEvery child likes chocolate. When snacking on chocolate, the following applies: no chocolate with caramel, cream, nougat or similar fillings. Instead, use dark chocolate, which has a rich chocolate flavour but is lower in calories than milk chocolate.
Dried applesDried apples covered in chocolate are healthy and are a favourite with children who love sweets.
Fruit barDelicious fruit bars are available in health food shops. They are healthy, tasty and low in calories.
Melon balls on a skewerHollow out the melon and watermelon using a melon corer. Simply skewer the melon balls onto toothpicks.
Apple and peanut butter sandwichCut an apple into slices. Remove the core and seeds from the apple rings using a cookie cutter. Spread each ring with peanut butter and sprinkle with sultanas. Place another apple ring on top to make a "sandwich".
Trail mixIf the child is not allergic to nuts and seeds, these are ideal healthy snacks for children. They provide fibre, protein and fat - the energy trifecta!
Savoury snacks
PretzelsInstead of greasy and fattening crisps, try a lightly salted pretzel.
Pretzel sticks with cheeseUse the pretzel sticks as "toothpicks" for the cheese. Cut the cheese (e.g. Gouda) into bite-sized cubes. Pierce each cube with the end of a salt stick. To turn this into a healthy snack for toddlers, grate the cheese and replace the pretzel sticks with wholemeal toast or tortilla cut into small pieces.
Seasoned crispy chickpeasDrain and rinse the chickpeas. Toss with 1/4 cup olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder and 1/2 teaspoon turmeric. Spread the seasoned chickpeas evenly on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until deep golden and crispy.
Cheese and crackersChoose crackers made from whole grains or nuts and seeds to ensure they contain some fibre and nutrients rather than just refined white flour. Top the crackers with cheese spread or hard cheese.
Hummus and vegetablesHummus is a nutritious way to make vegetables delicious. Try introducing other vegetables like peppers, cucumbers, even radishes or jicama alongside their favourite dippers (celery, carrots)!
Hard-boiled eggsA classic and surprisingly popular with many children. Cut hard-boiled eggs into halves and arrange on a plate.
Your child doesn't eat fruit and vegetables? 10 healthy snacks for children
