Every parent knows it: your child is hungry between meals and asks for a snack. But what do you give them? Naturally, you want something tasty, but also something that is good for them. Fortunately, there are plenty of healthy snacks that children love! We line up the best options for you.
1. Arctic Blue gummies with fish oil
With Arctic Blue gummies you start the day well! These tasty gummy bears are not only a party to eat, but are also packed with omega-3 fatty acids. Children need these healthy fats for their development. Besides the popular gummies with fish oil, there is also a vegan alternative with algae oil.
The nice thing about these gummies is that your child does not even realize they are getting something healthy. To them it feels like sweets, for you as a parent it is the certainty that they are getting the omega-3 they need. DHA contributes to the maintenance of normal brain function* and vision.* EPA and DHA also help with the normal function of the heart.*
2. Apple wedges with peanut butter
Cut an apple into wedges and serve with a small bowl of peanut butter on the side. The apple provides natural sugars and fiber, and the peanut butter provides protein and healthy fats. That way your child stays full longer and is not hungry again after half an hour. It is a perfect snack that is also nice and crunchy. The saying “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” exists for a reason.
3. Homemade popcorn
Forget those bags from the store; homemade popcorn is so much tastier and healthier. Simply put some corn kernels in a pan with a little oil, put the lid on and wait until they start popping. Within a few minutes you have a delicious snack without unnecessary additives. You can also use real, raw honey as a dip for a sweet taste.
4. Yogurt with berries
Plain yogurt with fresh berries always works well too. Your child gets protein from the yogurt and antioxidants from the berries. Moreover, it is beautifully colored and looks festive. No fresh berries? Frozen berries work fine too. They are often even more nutritious because they are frozen immediately after harvest. Let them thaw for a bit or mix them into the yogurt for a kind of ice cream.
5. Sandwiches with avocado
Avocado is a superfood for children. It is full of good fats and other important nutrients. Mash a ripe avocado and spread it on a sandwich. Add some salt and pepper, or make it extra tasty with cherry tomatoes or cucumber. It is also incredibly tasty (and healthy!) to put a boiled egg on top of the avocado.
6. Carrots with hummus
Raw vegetables do not have to be boring. Carrots are naturally sweet and children often like to nibble on them. Combine them with hummus for extra protein and flavor. You can choose from different types of hummus (pea, beetroot, pumpkin hummus, etc.) to test.
7. Homemade energy balls
You can prepare these on the weekend and use them all week. Mix dates, nuts and a little cocoa powder in the food processor until it becomes a dough. Roll it into balls and store them in the refrigerator. Feel free to alternate with different nuts and fruits: that way it stays tasty and your child also gets different nutrients.
How to make a healthy snack for your child easy
The secret of healthy snacks? Trying different things and seeing what works. Offer several options and let your child choose what they like. Do not force anything if your child does not want something and just keep offering it from time to time. Sometimes it takes a while before children start to like something.
Also make sure healthy snacks are always available. If you always have fruit in the house and the unhealthy options are harder to reach, children automatically make better choices. And do not forget: you are the example. If you as parents eat healthy snacks, children often do the same.
*Approved health claims from the EFSA. The beneficial effect for heart and brain function is obtained with a daily intake of 250 mg of EPA and DHA.
