Healthy Snacks for toddlers in the UK in 2024?

Ensuring toddlers eat healthily is a crucial aspect of their development. In the UK, as we move into 2024, there are a variety of healthy snacks that are both nutritious and toddler-friendly.

Organic Fruit Purees:

Organic fruit purees are a wholesome and convenient snack for toddlers. Here’s a simple recipe to make them at home:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of organic fruit (choose your toddler’s favourites, such as apples, pears, or berries)
• Water or organic juice (as needed for desired consistency)

Instructions:

1. Wash the fruit thoroughly and peel if necessary.
2. Cut the fruit into small chunks and remove any seeds or pits.
3. Place the fruit in a steamer basket over boiling water and cover. Steam until the fruit is soft and tender.
4. Transfer the steamed fruit to a blender or food processor.
5. Add a small amount of water or organic juice to help blend the fruit into a smooth puree.
6. Blend until you reach the desired consistency.
7. Allow the puree to cool, then serve immediately or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

These homemade organic fruit purees are free from added sugars and preservatives, making them a healthy choice for your toddler’s snack time.

Whole Grain Puffs:

Whole grain puffs are a light and healthy snack that’s perfect for toddlers. Here’s how you can make them at home:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup whole-grain brown rice flour
• 1/4 cup oat flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for children over 1 year old)
• Water (as needed)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Combine the brown rice flour, oat flour, and salt in a mixing bowl.
3. Add the coconut oil and honey (if using) to the dry ingredients.
4. Gradually add water and mix until a dough forms.
5. Roll out the dough between two sheets of parchment paper until it’s about 1/8 inch thick.
6. Use a small cookie cutter or the rim of a glass to cut out puffs.
7. Place the puffs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
8. Bake for about 10 minutes or until puffed and slightly golden.
9. Let them cool completely before serving to your toddler.

These homemade whole-grain puffs are free from artificial colours and flavours, making them a safe and nutritious snack.

Vegetable Sticks and Hummus:

Vegetable sticks paired with hummus make for a nutritious and delicious snack for toddlers. Here’s a simple recipe to prepare this healthy treat:

Ingredients for Hummus:

• 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 2 tablespoons tahini
• 1 garlic clove
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt to taste

Instructions for Hummus:

1. In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, tahini, garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice.
2. Blend until smooth. Add a little water to reach the desired consistency if the hummus is too thick.
3. Season with salt to taste.

Ingredients for Vegetable Sticks:

• Assorted vegetables such as carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers

Instructions for Vegetable Sticks:

1. Wash and peel the vegetables.
2. Cut them into sticks that are easy for toddlers to hold.

Serve the vegetable sticks alongside the hummus for a snack that’s not only tasty but also full of essential nutrients.

Mini Turkey and Vegetable Meatballs

Ingredients:

• 500g ground turkey
• 1 medium carrot, grated
• 1 small zucchini, grated
• 50g breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, grated carrot, zucchini, breadcrumbs, and egg. Season with oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
4. Roll the mixture into small, bite-sized balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the meatballs are cooked through and golden brown.
6. Let them cool slightly before serving to your toddler.

These meatballs can be served alone or with a side of pasta and tomato sauce for a complete meal. Enjoy!

Oatmeal Fingers:

Oatmeal fingers are a nutritious and easy-to-handle snack that’s perfect for toddlers. Here’s how you can make them:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1 ripe banana, mashed
• 1/4 cup blueberries (optional)
• A pinch of cinnamon (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats and mashed banana. If you’re using blueberries or cinnamon, add them to the mixture.
3. Spread the mixture onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper, forming a rectangle about 1/2 inch thick.
4. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
5. Once cooled, cut into strips that are easy for little hands to hold.

These oatmeal fingers are not only tasty but also provide a good source of fibre and essential nutrients for your toddler’s growth and development.

Banana Blueberry Pancakes:

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe bananas
• 100g blueberries
• 150g whole wheat flour
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 100ml milk (or a dairy-free alternative)
• Honey or maple syrup (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mash the bananas until smooth.
2. Add the blueberries, whole wheat flour, egg, baking powder, and cinnamon to the mashed bananas and mix well.
3. Gradually pour in the milk while stirring to create a thick batter.
4. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and scoop a portion of the batter onto the pan.
5. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side or until pancakes are golden brown and cooked through.
6. Serve warm with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup if desired.

These pancakes are not only tasty but also packed with nutrients that are great for your toddler’s growth and development.

These are just a few healthy enjoyable snacks for your toddler.

Always check for potential allergies and consult with a healthcare provider if you’re unsure about introducing new foods to your toddler’s diet.