When you think of healthy snacks for kids most probably you are thinking of cooking or baking something. But snacks for kids can also be as simple as grazing platters that include a variety of healthy and colorful foods and require very little prep.
Today we will look at how you can build easy snack plates for kids using Whole Foods.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF BUILDING SNACK PLATTERS FOR KIDS
- Snack platters don’t require any cooking and are relatively low-prep.
- You can offer children a variety in terms of colorful vegetables, protein-rich foods, and fresh in-season foods.
- Snack platters can include a balanced combination of foods that are rich in fiber, protein, and fats.
- Can be tailored to suit picky eaters and also encourage picky eaters to try new foods by providing exposure.
- Snack platters are great summer snacks or after-school snacks for kids.
- This idea of building a snack platter also work if you have multiple kids, are busy and want to put out self serve food options for the kids.
HOW TO BUILD A HEALTHY SNACK PLATTER FOR KIDS
Our usual favorites on snack platters are
Cucumbers
Carrots
Bell peppers
Cherry tomatoes
Roasted almonds
Cashew nuts
Pistachios
Cheddar cheese cubes (My favorite brand Happy Milk cheese.)
Whole wheat crackers
Apples
Grapes
Oranges
Healthy dips to go along
Hummus or
Nut butters
Note:
* Most of these options are stable to be left on the dining table for a while. I portion out small quantities that I know will be finished. Especially with cheese since we don’t refrigerate leftovers for cheese.
* The rest of the leftovers can be put into an airtight container to be carried forward for the next snack break or as sides with a meal on that day.
* You can instruct older children on how to return leftovers back to the fridge, it is a great task for them to learn too.
EXAMPLES OF SNACK PLATTERS FOR KIDS | HEALTHY SNACKS FOR KIDS
Here are some quick snack ideas for kids. Easy for the kids to build themselves or as an after-school snack plate.
Our beautiful elephant wooden platter is from Kindora toys. You can use code easymommylife10 to avail a 10% discount on your purchase from their store.
Plate 1 : Assorted vegetables like red and yellow bell peppers and carrots, hummus, cheese cubes, and roasted almonds.
Colorful vegetables, protein-rich hummus, and cheese make this snack perfect for kindergarteners and school kids.
Plate 2 : Whole wheat lavash, hummus, and roasted nuts like almonds and pistachios.
Plate 3 : Grapes, dried figs, and cheese
Plate 4 : Banana, dates, and cashews
Plate 5 : DIY Banana boat bar
A DIY Snack plate is a great way to involve children in building their own snacks. The child can learn how to peel the bananas, chop them in half, spread the peanut butter, and add toppings of choice. You can use any toppings your child likes, we went with desiccated coconut and chocolate chips, you can also try sprinkles and toasted almond flakes.
These are so fun to build, super delicious and healthy for the kids.
Other quick snacks for kids that are no-cook and low-prep.
For more easy kids’ recipes check the recipe section on this blog.
I hope you got some simple snack ideas for kids that you can quickly plate up on busy school days.
What is your go-to low-prep snack? Let me know in the comments below.