Snacks That Kids Like

Snacking and kids go hand in hand. The downside is, so many store-bought snacks are laden with sugar, artificial food coloring and preservatives. By making your child's snacks yourself, you can eliminate these ingredients and know exactly what you're giving to your little ones. Preparing your own snacks is easy, and many can be made ahead to have on hand when hungry tummies start to rumble.

  1. Homemade vs. Store-bought

    • While pre-made snacks are definitely convenient, they aren't always the best choice -- even ones that are labeled "healthy" or "natural." Smaller snack-sized portions are also more expensive and can be full of unwanted ingredients or excessive amounts of sugar or calories. Being able to control what goes into your snacks is an added bonus for picky eaters or children with dietary restrictions. If you choose to have a few store-bought snacks on hand, become familiar with reading labels to help avoid those with less-than-healthful ingredients.

    Portable Snacks

    • Hunger occurs at any time so be prepared by carrying a few on-the-go snacks with you. Foods like sliced fruits, peanut butter sandwiched between crackers, baby carrots and little snack-sized baggies of granola or trail mix can be life-savers. Having portable snacks on hand helps you resist the urge to stop for fast food when hunger pangs arise.

    Frozen Treats

    • Kids love frozen treats and luckily they're simple enough to prepare on your own. Freeze fruits like grapes, sliced peaches or nectarines, strawberries and peeled bananas for nearly effortless make-ahead snacks. When it's warm outside, freeze yogurt or juice in small paper cups or plastic molds for an icy treat the kids will love.

    Drinkable Snacks

    • Smoothies and fresh fruit milkshakes make excellent choices for quick and easy snacking. Fresh fruit and milk or yogurt is all you need to create delicious concoctions that will tide the little ones over until mealtime. Freezing the fruit or yogurt in advance gives these drinks a slushier texture and eliminates the need for added ice. Drinkable snacks are also an ideal way to sneak a few vegetables or vitamins past picky eaters; carrots, greens and protein powders make excellent additions.

    Bento Boxes

    • Bento boxes are compartmentalized lunch boxes that are perfect for kids. Often colorful and engaging, bento boxes provide a springboard for all sorts of snack ideas, and the little compartments encourage a well-balanced diet. Get creative; cut little sandwiches and fruit or vegetables into different shapes with cookie cutters. Kid-friendly choices like veggie sticks, hummus, fruit and sandwiches or a protein complete the snack. Children typically enjoy brightly colored and kid-friendly foods. The use of cookie cutters to give standard food new shapes delights their eyes as well as their tummies, and is a great way to get kids to try new foods.

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