Snack ideas for young children

Being a parent is a challenge, and when comes the time to plan meals and snacks, our culinary creativity is put to the test to find something healthy and tasty for our growing child. To be a good energy source for children, a snack needs to contain glucids and proteins.

1. Glucids

Why glucids? Are we talking about sugar here? Children spend a lot of energy and need a rapid source of that energy to nourish their cognitive functions. We find a lot of glucids in those three food groups: cereals, fruits and veggies and milk products (and substitutes).

fresh fruits (strawberries, raspberries, apples, pears, blueberries, bananas, etc.)
fruit compote
fresh veggies (carrots, celeris, cucumbers, mushrooms, bell peppers)
low sodium crackers
homemade muffin
banana bread
energy balls
granola bars
yogurt

2. Proteins

Proteins make the snacks sustainable and allow children enough energy until the next meal. We find proteins in meat and substitutes and in milk products.

peanut butter (be mindful of allergies, check with your school administration for any restrictions)
nuts (see note above)
hummus
cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, cottage, etc)
Milk or soy drinks
yogurt
dessert tofu

To create a healthy snack, it's as simple as 1 + 1 ! Choose one product rich in glucids combined with one rich in proteins and here you go! You just made a perfect healthy snack for your child.

Last step is to put those healthy snacks in a reusable snack bag like our LiliSnack from Les Confections Lili. Eco-friendly and washable, they're ideal to transport all your healthy little snacks in style!