If you’re a mom of littles, you know how frustrating it can be to pack a snack for your preschooler, only to see it come home uneaten. We get it! Catering to tiny tastebuds can be tricky, but we’ve got some snacks we think your three or four-year-old will love.
Cucumber slices, pretzels, and hummus
As you prepare this snack, remember that you can peel the cucumber or leave the skin on! Some kids like the added crunch of the skin! Include a small plastic cup of hummus with a lid for dipping. Preschoolers love dipping things, and this snack gives them a variety of texture and flavor options for doing so.
Super smoothie pouch
Did you know you can buy reusable pouches? They work great for thick smoothies and purees. Try mixing foods you know your child love with others they don’t into a delicious, ice-cold smoothie pouch. Strawberries, Greek yogurt, spinach, oats, banana, blueberries, chia seeds, and a dollop of chocolate hummus make a perfect combo. You can even add a bit of cocoa powder to make it more chocolatey!
Multigrain chips with cheese and pepperoni
If you’re looking for an energy-giving snack for your child, give them some multigrain chips with a cheese stick or cheese slices and pepperoni. They’ll love stacking these items together to make a “sandwich” or eating them one-by-one. If you include a mandarin or some apple slices, you’ll have a well-rounded snack that is sure to keep your preschooler’s energy up.
Snacks are mini-meals.
Nutritionists say that kids benefit from having their snacks be more like “mini meals.” So instead of tossing a granola bar or a bag of goldfish crackers into your preschooler’s bag, try to pack snacks that include a whole grain, a protein, and a fruit/veggie. Feeding your child nutrient-dense foods for both snacks and meals is important, not only for their health but also for their mood. (Have you ever seen a “hangry” preschooler?) You may be surprised just how excited your child gets about their snack, not to mention how much cheaper these mini meals are for your budget too!