It can be easy to draw a blank when it comes to toddler snack ideas. Sometimes I look at fancy creations online and wonder how some of these amazing mammas have the time or energy to create such fun masterpieces! Hats of to those that do – but in my house… it’s got to be simple.
Two kids down now and I have compiled both of my boys favourite snacks that are simple to make, and have some nutritional value.
But before we get to my list of toddler snack ideas – let’s talk about food presentation.
How to serve toddler snacks
You see – it’s all well and good to plonk foods onto a plate – but keep in mind that like us, toddlers eat with their eyes. If you don’t have the time or energy to create an Instagram worthy food art sensation – you can simply purchase a fun plate to serve them up on.
We particularly love the ezpz range of Happy Mats!
Here’s what we love about them:
- They have three different compartments – great for picky eaters who don’t like foods to touch
- The smiley face design helps to put kids in the right mood for a positive mealtime experience
- You can load them with food and stack 3-4 mats at the time and carry them to the table
- It suctions to the table (or highchair!) so no more tipped plates on the floor
- Made from high quality silicone that is BPA, PVC and phthalate free
- You can throw it in the dishwasher #winning!
- Alternatively its super easy to clean arm soapy water (silicone doesn’t support the growth of fungus, mould or bacteria)
- Microwave AND oven safe
- Built to last (silicone doesn’t fade, corrode or deteriorate)
- They look awesomely fun!
And the best bit is they are currently on sale! 10% off when you spend $50 and over, 15% off when you spend $100 and over, and 20% off when you spend $150 and over. Winning!!!
I’m totally crushing on the Care Bears range they’ve got also! 😍 Where was this when I was a toddler?!
But what about all that mess?
I remember some days changing my toddlers clothes three times per day due to all the mess on his clothes. I don’t mind if there are vegemite smears or crumbs to shake off – but when we are talking things like squished scrambled eggs, porridge or banana, usually a full outfit changes will be required!
There are ton of long sleeve bibs on the market but to be honest I found most of them to be too short and my sons pants would end up a complete mess.
Thankfully the Silly Billyz Messy Eater Bib for toddlers has an extra-long and wide front. The super long durable bib will cover your little peep’s front as well as the knees while they’re seated to eat.
They also have these cool little side press studs which clip together to create a food catching pocket so less mess at mealtimes! Perfect for painting and gooey games too!
Now we’ve got the basics covered…. let’s get onto the list of toddler snack ideas!
Ultimate list of simple toddler snack ideas
For ease of scrolling… I’ve grouped these into categories for you. If you’ve got a fabulous snack idea that you think I should add – please let me know!
Fruit & Vegetables
Fruit and vegetables can be served with any meal of the day. Many parents stress about their children not eating vegetables at dinner time – if you introduce them at snack time also, you’ll be a step ahead in them getting their daily dose!
Younger toddlers may find it easiest eating certain fruits with their peel still on. For example given avocado is quite slippery, it will be easiest to serve a wedge with the skin in tact for them to eat the flesh from.
- Apples, thinly sliced if needed
- Avocado (either served in wedges or on toast / sandwich / crackers)
- Bananas
- Berries (blueberries are packed full of antioxidants!)
- Edamame – toddlers love to learn how to pop out the centres!
- Dried cranberries
- Carrot sticks (lightly steamed for younger toddlers)
- Capsicum strips
- Cucumber sticks
- Mandarins or oranges, cut if needed
- Grapes, sliced in half vertically
- Kiwi fruit
- Mango
- Pears
- Peas – my boys loved eating them frozen, great for fine motor skills!
- Sugar snap peas
- Sultanas
- Tomato wedges
- Watermelon
Protein rich snacks
It’s important to ensure that your kids eat protein rich foods every day. The reason for this is that builds and repairs all the tissues in the human body, including muscles and organs. So super important for growing bodies!
- Boiled eggs
- Chia pudding
- Nut butter – served on toast, sandwich, or even in a celery stick with some sultanas on top!
- Green eggs and ham
- French toast – simply whilst an egg, dip in your bread, and pan fry in a little butter
- Hummus makes a great veggie dipper
- Kidney beans, drained & rinsed
- Cheese – I find the supermarket cheese sticks to be easy to hold and a nice soft consistency
- Tuna on crackers
- Roasted chickpeas – 3/4 cup chickpeas roasted for 20 to 30 minutes with 1 tablespoon each olive oil, and a tiny sprinkle of salt
- Toddler Trail mix – sultanas, sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds
- Meatballs
Baked Items
We just love baking at home! The boys love it too. I get them in the kitchen, they grab their kids knives and they get involved in the process from the start…. right up until it’s time to lick the spoon!
Muffins are a favourite in our house when it comes to baked items! We generally always make them as mini muffins which are great for little hands as well as portion control.
- Banana & apple muffins
- Banana blueberry muffins
- Blueberry pikelets
- Cheesy veggie muffins
- Cacao nib muesli bars
- Sour cream & chives crackers
Dairy
- Cheese sticks – I find the supermarket cheese sticks to be easy to hold and a nice soft consistency
- Cottage cheese or cream cheese – spread on toast or on a sandwich
- Healthy Milkshake
- Smoothies – add a dollop of yoghurt for extra creaminess
- Yoghurt – opt for Greek for more protein. Some of our favourite flavours to add:
- Banana and strawberry
- Apple & Cinnamon (stew your apple first or buy some pureed)
- Honey & Vanilla extract
- Mango
Looking for a toddler approved dinner idea that is jam packed full of goodness? Check out our Super Power Spaghetti Bolognaise.
Rachel Cassidy is the author of this article and the founder of Little Peeps Eats. She is a passionate food blogger and brand ambassador, but her most important job is being a mum! Little Peeps Eats helps families take the stress out of mealtimes by providing healthy, kid approved recipes, as well as fussy eating tips and tricks. Their website hosts a directory of nutritionists, resources and mealtime products to ensure that you have everything you need at your fingertips when it comes to feeding your family.
Rachel Cassidy is the author of this article and the founder of Little Peeps Eats. She is a passionate food blogger and brand ambassador, but her most important job is being a mum! 
