It can be tough trying to figure out the best snacks for two year olds. Your little one is constantly growing and changing, and their food preferences can vary week by week. There are so many different options out there, and it can be hard to know which ones are the healthiest.
That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to the best snack options for toddlers. So, read on for some helpful tips and delicious snack ideas that will make feeding your little one a breeze!
Why are snacks important for a toddler’s health?
Snacks are important for a toddler’s health because they help provide ideas for nourishing foods that they will enjoy. Snacking can provide much-needed energy during longer playing hours. It can even provide vitamins and minerals that are vital to a growing child’s development.
Snacking is the best way to prevent your toddler from getting cranky due to hunger. Also, your kid will not overeat during the dinner time if they eat an adequate portion of snacks in the afternoon.
As parents, it is important to ensure that snacks are balanced with healthy ideas. Some of them are fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins and whole-grain carbohydrates. By doing this, snacks can be a way to keep a two-year-old fueled and nourished throughout the day!
What are the Best Snacks for Two Year Olds?
When it comes to ideas for children’s food, the possibilities for snacks for a two-year-old are endless. While sugary treats and fast food aren’t the ideal choices, there are plenty of healthy alternatives that will still thrill your toddler.
1. Trail Mix with Dried Fruits
Trail mix with dried fruits is a great snacking option for any toddler. We put it first in the list of the best snacks for two year olds. It’s colourful, fun to eat and full of flavour! Plus, trail mix offers a diverse array of essential vitamins and minerals like calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and potassium.
Photo by Dayvison de Oliveira Silva
Not only is it healthy, but the snack also provides plenty of energy throughout the day. With an exciting mix of raisins, dates, figs and cranberries alongside all those tasty nuts – your toddler won’t be able to resist it!
Get creative- make sure you use fresh ingredients to make sure your toddler gets maximum benefits from every bite.
2. Vegetable Chips With Hummus
Vegetable chips with hummus are a fun and nutritious snack idea for your two-year-old! Not only do the colourful chips provide a good dose of vitamins and minerals, but they are also easy to eat – perfect for toddlers learning how to feed themselves.
Photo by Polina Tankilevitch
The creamy hummus provides protein while also adding a delicious flavour that kids love. Best of all, preparing this snack requires minimal effort to put together. Just grab some stored vegetable chips, dip them in some store-bought hummus, and you’re done!
3. Mini Pizzas Topped With Veggies
Making food for a toddler can be a challenge, but mini pizzas are the perfect way to make snacks both exciting and nutritious. What could be better than bite-sized personal pies with plenty of veggies sprinkled on top?
Photo by Shameel mukkath
Kids love it, especially 2-year-olds with big imaginations who like to act out their favourite stories while eating them. The best part is that you can easily customise the ingredients based on your toddler’s dietary needs and favourite flavours.
Whether it’s tomato sauce and cheese or pesto and red peppers, your small pizza chef will love playing with their food before they get to devour it!
4. Homemade Energy Balls
Have you considered giving your two-year-old some homemade energy balls? These tasty treats offer not just the perfect balance of sweetness and healthy ingredients, but they’re also incredibly easy to make!
Photo by Milan
All you need are some oats, dates and nut butter – add in some dried fruit or nuts and mix it all in a blender. With no added sugar and plenty of nutrition, homemade energy balls make an ideal snack for your two-year-old .
Plus, if you’re feeling creative you can always get creative with the flavours by adding different spices or fruits depending on what works best for your child.
5. Greek Yoghurt Pudding
Greek yoghurt pudding is an ideal snack for a two-year-old, especially when it’s loaded with plenty of healthy nutrients. It’s a delicious dessert that satisfies a toddler’s sweet tooth while promoting healthy weight gain and strong bones.
Photo by Anastasia Belousova
But what makes Greek yoghurt pudding special is its rich texture and creamy consistency that can be enjoyable even for the pickiest eater. With no added sugar or artificial ingredients, this snack packs plenty of protein and calcium to keep your little one growing healthy and strong.
Plus, it comes in several different flavours so you can tailor the taste to any preference – making for a delicious yet health-boosting snack for your toddler!
6. Granola Bars Are One of the Best Snacks for Two Year Olds
Granola bars are one of the best snacks for two year olds. They are easy to take on the go – no need to worry about spills! Also, these bars are packed with nutritional value. Many granola bars contain healthy ingredients such as rolled oats, nut butter, pepitas, dried fruit, and even dark chocolate chips.
Photo by Annelies Brouw
This makes granola bars a great snack option when you want to give your toddler something nutritious without any hassle. Plus, their recipes are easy enough to make. All in all, they make for a very handy snack choice that’s both delicious and good for your 2-year-old’s health.
Do You Agree With The List of The Best Snacks for Two Year Olds?
Do you agree with our list? Please mention your feedback and suggestion in the comment section.
These ideas provide essential nutrients so your little one can stay full and energised during those crazy days filled with activities. Start by gradually introducing your child to new foods and textures. Let them explore new snacks at their own pace.
If they don’t want to eat something, that’s okay – there will be plenty of other nutritious options available. Above all, make mealtimes enjoyable and positive experiences. You can help your child develop healthy eating habits after a few tries.
If they make a habit of eating healthy snacks, you can take your child for a kid’s meal as a reward. Check out the list of family-friendly cafes in Australia where you can find delicious meals for your child.