Perfect for busy days, these healthy toddler snacks give kids the fuel they need to play. Made from wholesome ingredients and totally dairy-free, these snacks for toddlers are ones they'll ask for again and again.
Whether you're a busy mom or a daycare provider, these healthy toddler snack ideas will save your sanity. In fact, some days I think my kids LIVED off of chocolate date energy balls.
Not only are they easy to make but with classic flavors like peanut butter and jelly, they're a great way for toddlers to eat nourishing foods at snack time without them knowing.
These toddler snacks are ones I used with my own kids and keep making now that they're older. Plus, there's a handful of healthy snacks for toddlers to buy at the store for trips or grab-and-go situations.
Why You'll Love These Snack Recipes
Minimally processed- These healthy snack recipes use real-food ingredients to come together and most are sweetened with honey or maple syrup.
Allergy-friendly- Dairy-free and gluten-free, they're great for kids with diet restrictions.
Easy-to-make- No fuss in the kitchen needed. Many of these healthy toddler snacks are no-bake recipes or ones that require one bowl.
What Foods Keep Toddlers Full?
Protein is what keeps toddlers full so you'll want to make sure to include some at each meal and snack unless your child is struggling with constipation. Likewise, having healthy fats like nut butter or avocados in the mix is wonderful as well.
A well-balanced snack contains all three macronutrients (protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates) which is what is included in these recipes.
What proteins are good for toddlers?
- Any animal-based product like roast beef, chicken bites, etc will work as a protein source
- Greek yogurt if there are no dairy allergies or a vegan Greek yogurt
- Avocados work as both a plant-based protein as well as a great dose of healthy fats
- Collagen powder is wonderful if you have picky eaters as this is a great way to support gut health and can be mixed into just about everything. Know that collagen powder and protein powder are not the same thing. Collagen is literally the cleanest source of protein you can get.
Healthy Snacks For Toddlers
Below you'll find a few different ideas for toddler snacks. Not only are their homemade recipes but a few store-bought bars and ideas for on the go toddler snacks when you don't want to fuss with containers.
These snacks are wonderful for busy moms and daycare providers who want to provide their kids with nourishing snacks that actually keep them full.
Throw Together Toddler Snacks
These healthy snack ideas require zero prep and can be made in under 5 minutes. They're super simple and deliciously healthy.
- Celery and almond butter
- Mini dairy-free yogurt parfaits
- Deli meat, avocado, and berries
- Fruit and nuts
- Cream cheese (dairy-free as needed), cucumber, and hemp heart wrap rollups
- Dried fruit, hummus, and veggies
- Rice cakes with nut butter and fruit
Store-Bought, On-The-Go Toddler Snacks
Staple snack packs that fit in your purse, these on-the-go toddler snacks are perfect for the days when you just don't have time to whip anything up.
- Lara bars
- Little brainiac breakfast blend punches
- Mini fruit bars
- Applesauce and mixed nuts
Smoothie For Kids
The EASIEST way to sneak a bunch of nutrients into a toddler at once is with a healthy smoothie! Learn more about how to make a balanced smoothie as well as how to introduce smoothies to kids.
Below are a few of our favorite smoothie recipes:
- Mango green smoothie
- Breakfast smoothie
- Strawberry fig smoothie
- Watermelon mint smoothie
- Strawberry pineapple smoothie
Quick Tips
For items like overnight oats and pudding recipes, invest in these toddler serving cups so that you can divvy them up easily!
Healthy Toddler Snacks
Simple to make, nourishing, and toddler-approved, these healthy toddler snacks take everyday flavors and turn them into bite-sized, fueling treats!
Kimberly says
This is awesome. My sister and I love this for the kids. Its so hard to stay on top of all the weird ingredients in packaged food these days so we are trying to make more healthy things at home. This is in the rotation now.
fitasamamabear says
Right?! Sometimes it's actually just easier mentally to make your own so you know what's in them.
Becky says
These snacks are amazing! They're healthy and dairy-free, perfect for little ones. They're so delicious and easy to make. My toddler loves them, and I feel good knowing they're nutritious! Thank you!
fitasamamabear says
Happy your kiddo loved them!
Lucia says
My kids really enjoyed the Homemade Granola Clusters. They found them crunchy, sweet and so delicious. I love that they're packed with protein to keep them active throughout the day. Trying the Cocoa Balls next time!
fitasamamabear says
Those are a fun one! My kids love them too.
Meghan says
My 3 year old is ALL about these snacks, especially the date balls and brownie batter. Haven't tried all of the recipes yet, but I'm pinning this for later to refer to!
fitasamamabear says
haha LIFE WIN
jennifer says
I no longer have toddlers, but many of these are clean and easy snacks ideas I love to eat and have pinned for future reference! thanks!
fitasamamabear says
Yes! They're just great "have on hand" ideas.
Mindy says
These are great ideas for toddler snacks! It seems my daughter eats so much and I have run out of ideas sometimes!
fitasamamabear says
My daughter is the same- she's a tank! Hopefully it gives you some new ideas!
sweety says
mouth watering snacks, will try it tonight.
Katie says
These all look great but my son would not eat most of these. Especially the chia seed one. He's four and SO picky. I don't think I've hit a year yet where he would eat these other than the smoothie and muffin suggestions, as much as I would like him to eat more.
fitasamamabear says
Hey Katie, I hear four is a tricky age. My LO is only 21m and she doesn't know any different (score! lol). Hopefully his taste buds shift back around and he gives you a bit more leeway!
theconfusedsoulsree says
Awesome collection of toddler snacks. I am not a mom, but my big sister is, she can use all the ideas 🙂
fitasamamabear says
Feel free to pass them along! And I promise, the snacks work for adults too 😉
Sophia says
I wish my parents had been this adventurous when I was a kid! I love a chia pudding xx
Sophia x https://sophiawhitham.co.uk
fitasamamabear says
I'm with you! I don't think I ate anything this awesome as a kid!
Patricia says
Extremely healthy snacks for a growing toddler! And most of them are probably tasty too. I love hard-boiled eggs and fruit. 🙂
fitasamamabear says
Agreed- perfect for adults as well!
Jenna says
YUM! I don't have a toddler but you bet I will be trying to eat these myself! I have wanted to try the chia pudding for so long.
fitasamamabear says
I also eat all of these things haha there are so many ways to make chia pudding... go with whatever you're craving!!!
Amanda says
Love these ideas! The rice cake mash up sounds adult approved too!
fitasamamabear says
Haha the rice cake mash up is so random but she loves it. To be fair it's sticky, crunchy and goey so yum 😀
Nicole McMillen says
Extremely helpful for people needing healthy resources. I love your ideas and recipes.
My husband is much like a toddler when it comes to healthy food. I think I will try some of these and see how it goes.
fitasamamabear says
Thank you Nicole for the kind words! My husband is the same way haha thankfully I normally get some muffins or oats into him!
Kurline Altes says
Why is this post addresses to Toddlers? I can see everyone eat this. I am seating here reading on my lunch hour and here goes Avocado Pudding taste in my mouth, thanks to you. These are great healthy snacks that we adults should consider dating also. Love this post!
fitasamamabear says
Haha Kurline you're awesome. I eat every one of these- you're right they're great for everyone! And now I want avocado pudding because you mentioned it. Easily one of my favorites!