Healthy Snacks for Toddler: The Complete Guide

Finding delicious and nutritious toddler snacks can sometimes be a challenge. That’s why I’ve compiled an extensive list of the top toddler snack ideas to provide you with a valuable resource. Don’t forget to download the free printable containing all the snack ideas mentioned below, so you can easily reference it whenever you need inspiration.

Related: Best Baby Food Cookbook

Serving Balanced Toddler Snacks

Offering nutritious snacks to your toddler is not only enjoyable but also essential for their well-being. To ensure a well-rounded snack time, it’s beneficial to include two different food groups.

Pairing a fiber-rich option like fruits, vegetables, or whole grains with a protein or fat source can help keep your little one satiated and energized throughout the day. This balanced approach will contribute to their overall health and ensure their satisfaction during snack time.

Related: Recommended Foods To Give Your Teething Baby

How Often Should You Serve Snacks to Your Toddler

For most toddlers, it is recommended to provide snacks every 2-3 hours, typically totaling 2 snacks (sometimes 3) and 3 meals per day. However, this schedule may vary depending on your specific routine. Whenever feasible, aim to offer snacks to your toddler at consistent times throughout the day.

Fruit Snack Ideas for Toddlers

Fruit is a popular choice among toddlers, and it can be a nutritious snack when paired with other foods. There are various fruit options available, including fresh fruit, dried fruit, and even fruit pouches that come in handy for travel or when a packaged option is needed.

Note: Although fruit is rich in nutrients and minerals, it may not provide long-lasting satiety for your toddler. To enhance the snack’s filling power, I suggest combining it with a protein or fat source like cottage cheese, yogurt, peanut butter, or a hard-boiled egg. These additions can help keep your toddler satisfied for a longer period of time.

Below are some of the fruits we love to have as snacks:

• Thinly sliced apple (consider slicing based on age)
• Banana
• Cuties or orange slices
• Berries: blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries
• Melons: cantaloupe, honeydew, watermelon
• Dried fruits: prunes, dates, raisins
• Fruit pouch: 100% fruit juice or pureed fruit in a pouch or applesauce pouch (ideal for when you’re on the go)
• Grapes: quartered lengthwise

Important: Make sure to appropriately cut all fruits to reduce the risk of choking based on your child’s age and developmental abilities.

Related: Best Formula For Gassy Babies To Avoid Trouble

Veggie Snack Ideas for Toddlers

Including vegetables as snacks is an excellent strategy to encourage your toddler to consume more of these nutritious foods. There are various ways to serve vegetables, whether raw or cooked. Here are some of our preferred methods for serving vegetables as snacks, but remember to adjust the cutting style based on your child’s age:

• Pepper sticks
• Cucumber sticks
• Carrots (shredded, depending on the child’s age)
• Baked sweet potatoes (in rounds or slices)
• Small broccoli florets
• Zucchini sliced into small sticks
• Tomato slices or quartered grape tomatoes

Related: Best Snack Containers for Toddlers

High Protein Toddler Snacks

Pairing protein with fruit or vegetables is an effective way to create a well-rounded snack that will provide lasting satiety for your toddler or preschooler. Here are some of our preferred high-protein snacks:

• Yogurt: Enjoy it on its own or top it with fruit. Stoneyfield pouches are a convenient on-the-go yogurt option for toddlers and kids.
• Cottage cheese: Serve it alone or with fruit, such as quartered or halved grapes.
• Cheese: Opt for slices, shredded cheese, or small pieces.
• Hard-boiled egg or Egg Muffins: Consider cutting hard-boiled eggs into long strips or small chunks for younger toddlers. Egg muffins can be a great protein snack for toddlers or babies during baby-led weaning.
• Kefir: Utilize plain kefir to prepare homemade smoothies with berries or serve it plain if your child enjoys it that way.

Related: Best Formulas For Babies

Healthy Packaged Snacks for Toddlers & Kids

When you’re out and about with your toddler and need convenient snacks, healthy packaged options can provide a nutritious choice. These snacks are perfect for visits to parks, playgrounds, restaurants, movie theaters, and more. Here are some of our top picks for healthy packaged snacks:

• Dino Bars
• Crackers
• Cheese Sticks
• Stoneyfield Yogurt Pouches
• Kids RX Bar
• Raisin packs
• Mandarin Fruit Cups
• GoodPop Freezer Pops

Healthy Toddler Snack Ideas for Daycare

I utilize a compact lunch box container along with a freezable lunch box to prepare my daughter’s morning snack for preschool.

By having the necessary supplies, you can pack any snack for daycare that you would typically serve at home. However, it’s essential to remember to adhere to any allergy guidelines that the daycare may have in effect.

Related: Best Baby Scale For Breastfeeding Moms

Healthy Snacks for Preschool

Before deciding on preschool snack ideas for your child to bring and share with their class, it is important to carefully review your school’s guidelines.

Take note of any class allergies and whether there are specific items on the list that should not be brought. Some schools have nut-free policies, while others may have students with dairy or other allergies, requiring you to avoid certain foods.

Consider whether the snacks need to be individually wrapped or prepackaged. Some schools may require individually wrapped snacks or packaged items to minimize handling, while others may permit cut produce but not homemade goods.

Once you have familiarized yourself with your school’s guidelines, here are some of my preferred general preschool snack ideas:

• Fresh fruit, appropriately cut for the age group
• Vegetable sticks, such as carrots, cucumbers, and peppers
• Stoneyfield Yogurt Pouches
• Dino Bars
• Skout Organic Bars

Related: Best Baby Formulas for Colic

Best Snack Containers & On the Go Snacks

Favorite Snack Containers

LunchBots Small Protein Packer – We own the compact LunchBots with 2 compartments, but they also offer a 4-compartment version of the same size. The small LunchBots is ideal for snacks, and it’s what I rely on to pack my 2-year-old’s snack for preschool every week.

Reusable Zip Top Silicone Snack Container – We frequently use these containers for packing snacks when we’re on the go. They conveniently fit in car seat cup holders and securely stay closed. Moreover, they have an adorable design that my kids absolutely adore!

Make sure to explore the 8 recommended snack containers for toddlers to find the one that best suits your specific needs!

Related: Best Healthy Cereals For Kids

On The Go & Road Trip Snack Ideas

In general, I try to minimize on-the-go snacking, but it’s not always practical to have sit-down snacks, especially with multiple kids and various activities and school schedules.

Typically, I prefer using one of my preferred containers, such as a bento box, to pack a snack. However, there are times when we need a snack that’s easier to eat on the go or a packaged option that can be stored in a diaper bag or car for road trips.

Here are a few of my top choices for healthy toddler snacks on the road:

• RX Bars Kids
• Dino Bars
• Skout organic bars
• Stoneyfield yogurt pouches (if you have a cooler or lunchbox)

Healthy Homemade Snack Recipes for Toddlers

Creating your own snacks at home is an excellent choice for toddlers, especially when you have the opportunity to prepare them in advance and store them in the freezer.

Here is nutritious homemade snack ideas for toddlers:

Healthy Toddler Cookies – These cookies are sweetened with dates and do not contain any additional sugar. Made primarily with oatmeal and enriched with nutrient-rich ingredients like flaxseed, hemp hearts, and even carrots, they serve as a perfect snack or breakfast option for your toddler.

Related: Best Mini Fridge for Store Breast Milk

Tips for Easy Toddler Snacks

If you’re seeking ways to simplify healthy snacks for your toddler, here are some practical tips to make it easier:

1. Plan ahead: Take the time to jot down a few snack ideas for your toddler each week. This will help you stay organized and have options readily available.
2. Include no-prep packaged snacks: Opt for prepackaged snacks that require no preparation, making them convenient for grab-and-go situations.
3. Keep fresh-cut produce on hand: Ensure you have fresh fruits and vegetables readily available for balanced snacks. Pair them with healthy nut butter, hard-boiled eggs, or yogurt to add protein and fats.
4. Freeze homemade toddler snacks: Make use of your freezer by preparing homemade snacks like energy balls, muffins, or toddler cookies in advance. This way, you’ll have them ready for busy weeks.
5. Don’t overcomplicate snacks: Making healthier choices doesn’t have to be complicated. Start with small changes, such as swapping sugary yogurt for plain yogurt or opting for healthier prepackaged options like Stonyfield pouches.

By following these tips, you can simplify your approach to healthy toddler snacks. For more ideas, you can also explore my healthy toddler grocery list and wholesome kid’s lunch ideas.