Our kids are growing so fast and seem like they’re hungry all the time! As busy parents, we want to make quick and healthy snacks to encourage healthy eating, but also tailoring to our kids (sometimes picky) tastes! Remember, not all snacks are equally good for kids, and children and young adults between the ages of 2 and 19 years consume an average of 17 teaspoons of added sugar each day! So then begins the hunt for tasty and healthy snacks! The good news is, that you can have your healthy snacks without spending all day prepping, with these easy and tasty plant-based snacks we’re sharing today!
Roasted Chickpeas
These crunchy and flavorful chickpeas are a great source of protein and fiber. Simply toss them with olive oil and your favorite spices, then roast them in the oven for 20-30 minutes until crispy.
Recipe:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Rinse and drain a can of chickpeas, then pat them dry with a paper towel.
- Toss the chickpeas with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and your favorite spices.
- Spread the chickpeas on a baking sheet and bake for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until crispy.
Apple Nachos
Slice up some apples and arrange them on a plate. Drizzle with almond butter and sprinkle with your favorite toppings, such as shredded coconut, chopped nuts, or dark chocolate chips.
Recipe:
- Slice 2 apples into thin rounds and arrange them on a plate.
- Drizzle 2 tablespoons of almond butter over the apples.
- Sprinkle with shredded coconut, chopped nuts, and dark chocolate chips.
Hummus and Veggies
Cut up some fresh veggies, such as carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers, and serve with a side of hummus for dipping.
Recipe:
- Cut up 2 carrots, 1 cucumber, and 1 bell pepper into sticks.
- Serve with 1 cup of hummus for dipping.
Trail Mix
Mix your favorite nuts, seeds, and dried fruit for a healthy and satisfying snack on the go.
Recipe:
- Mix 1 cup of almonds, 1 cup of cashews, 1 cup of pumpkin seeds, and 1 cup of dried cranberries.
Banana Oat Bites
Mash up a ripe banana and mix it with rolled oats, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Form into small balls and bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes.
Recipe:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Mash 2 ripe bananas in a bowl.
- Stir in 1 cup of rolled oats, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
- Form the mixture into small balls and bake for 15-20 minutes, until golden brown.
Veggie Sushi Rolls
Spread some hummus on a sheet of nori, then add your favorite veggies, such as avocado, cucumber, and carrot. Roll up tightly and slice into bite-sized pieces.
Recipe:
- Spread 2 tablespoons of hummus on a sheet of nori.
- Add 1/2 an avocado, sliced, 1/2 a cucumber, sliced, and 1/2 a carrot, sliced.
- Roll up tightly and slice into bite-sized pieces.
Sweet Potato Chips
Slice a sweet potato into thin rounds, then toss with olive oil and your favorite spices. Bake in the oven for 20-30 minutes until crispy.
Recipe:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Slice 2 sweet potatoes into thin rounds.
- Toss the sweet potatoes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and your favorite spices.
- Spread the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet and bake for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until crispy.
Chocolate Avocado Pudding
Blend avocado, cocoa powder, almond milk, and a sweetener of your choice for a rich and creamy chocolate pudding.
Recipe:
- Blend 2 ripe avocados, 1/2 cup of cocoa powder, 1/2 cup of almond milk, and 1/4 cup of maple syrup until smooth.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Peanut Butter Banana Bites
Slice a banana into rounds, then spread each slice with peanut butter. Top with chopped nuts or dark chocolate chips.
Recipe:
- Slice 2 bananas into rounds.
- Spread 2 tablespoons of peanut butter on each slice.
- Top with chopped nuts or dark chocolate chips.
Edamame
Boil some edamame in salted water for 5-7 minutes, then sprinkle with sea salt for a protein-packed snack.
Recipe:
- Boil 2 cups of edamame in salted water for 5-7 minutes.
- Drain and sprinkle with sea salt.
I hope this was a helpful jump-start to helping your kids choose healthy and tasty snacks and avoid sugar-filled prepackaged treats. These snacks are super quick, easy to make, and will quickly become a family favorite!
