Kids deserve delicious and nutritious snacks free of added sugar and salt! Some ideas to keep them fueled and happy:

Fruits and Veggies:

• Rainbow Fruit Skewers: Thread strawberries, grapes, blueberries, and cantaloupe onto skewers for a colorful and refreshing treat.
• Dipping Delight: Cut apple slices, pear wedges, or cucumber sticks and pair them with a homemade hummus or yogurt dip.
• Frozen Fruit Pops: Blend frozen berries, bananas, or mango with a splash of water or coconut milk for healthy popsicles.
• Ants on a Log: Spread peanut butter (check for hidden sugars, and free from hydrogenated oil) on celery sticks and top with raisins or dried cranberries.
• Edamame Power: Shelled edamame is a protein-packed snack with a satisfying crunch.

Crunchy Goodness:

• Homemade Trail Mix: Combine roasted nuts, seeds, whole-grain popcorn, and dried fruit (no added sugar).
• Rice Cakes with Toppings: Spread mashed avocado or nut butter on rice cakes and sprinkle with sliced cucumber or bell pepper.
• Roasted Chickpeas: Season chickpeas with a sprinkle of herbs and spices, then roast for a crunchy, protein-rich snack.
• Carrot Fries with Hummus: Bake thinly sliced carrots for healthy "fries" to dip in hummus.
• Yogurt parfaits: Layer plain yogurt with berries, granola, and a drizzle of honey (for older kids).

Creative Eats:

• Banana Oatmeal Muffins: These sweet and satisfying muffins are naturally sweetened with banana and are a great source of fiber.
• Sweet Potato Fritters: Grate sweet potatoes, mix with whole-wheat flour and spices, and pan-fry for a delicious and nutritious snack.
• Homemade Veggie Chips: Slice zucchini, sweet potato, or kale thinly, bake with a sprinkle of olive oil and herbs for a crispy chip alternative.
• Frozen Yogurt Bark: Spread plain yogurt on a baking sheet, top with berries and granola, and freeze for a refreshing and healthy treat.

Remember:

• Keep it fresh: Cut fruits and vegetables ahead of time for easy grabbing.
• Get creative: Involve kids in choosing or making snacks to increase their interest.
• Offer variety: Provide a mix of textures and flavors to keep things exciting.
• Focus on whole foods: Opt for whole fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds over processed snacks.
• Hydration matters: Encourage water alongside snacks to keep them hydrated.

By offering these healthy and tasty options, you can help your kids develop healthy snacking habits that will benefit them for life!