Learning how to make healthy snacks is a great way to get your kids started in the kitchen.
Not only are they easy and fun to make, they also help to teach kids useful skills that will help them become more independent.
Discover 20 healthy snacks kids can make themselves and how to help your kids get more comfortable in the kitchen!
At What Age Can Kids Start Preparing Their Own Snacks and Meals?
Kids are capable of preparing their own snacks and meals earlier than you may think. Preschoolers as young as 3 can learn how to make their own snacks.
Think about it…this means less time hearing “Mom, I need a snack!” and more time for yourself.
And one of the best parts is that when kids make snacks themselves, they are more likely to eat them!
5 Tips to Make Kids More Independent in the Kitchen
The thought of letting your kids work independently in the kitchen may seem scary at first. However, with your help, they’ll be ready to tackle things on their own in no time. These 5 tips will help your kids become more independent in the kitchen.
- Go shopping together – Get your kids involved in the process – from making the shopping list to going to the grocery store. Sit down with them and make a list of everything you’ll need to buy. Little kids can create a list using pictures cut out from a magazine. In the store, have them check off items, add them to the cart, and pack them in bags.
- Demonstrate skills – Help your child by teaching them the skills they need to prepare their food. Show them how to wash fruits and vegetables before eating them. Using a butter knife, teach them how to spread nut butter or cut up soft foods. Once you feel confident in their skills, allow them to do it on their own with a little supervision.
- Chop and prep – Have things ready to go by chopping and prepping ahead of time. Peel and chop fruits and veggies or mix up dips or sauces. Portion things out so you know they will have just the right amount. It’s also a great way to teach your kids about serving sizes.
- Create a snack spot – Create a space or bin in the pantry, a low cabinet or drawer, or the refrigerator, and fill it with ready-to-go snacks such as pretzels, raisins or dried fruit, yogurt, cheese, chopped fruit or veggies, nut butter, crackers, or air-popped popcorn. Keep in mind the age of your child(ren) to avoid any potential choking hazards. Now when your child is feeling hungry, they know where to go to grab a quick, healthy snack that’s mom approved.
- Encourage playing – We’ve all been told it’s not OK to play with our food. But for our kids, playing with their food and experimenting can help develop their skills and grow their imagination. It may be a little messy, but that just gives them the opportunity to learn how to clean up!
5 Kitchen Essentials for Kids
These 5 kitchen essentials will have your kids ready to prepare snacks themselves.
- Kid-Safe Knife Set – These kid-friendly knives are easy to use and will protect their little fingers.
- Kid’s Kitchen Step Stool – Help your little ones reach the counter while staying safe and secure with this counter-height kid’s stool.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons – This set will give them everything they’ll need to measure and pour all the ingredients.
- Reusable Snack Bags – Keep snacks or ingredients handy and fresh in these colorful, reusable snack bags.
- Cooking Utensils – Just the right size, these kitchen tools will have your kids ready to stir, flip, and roll their way to delicious snacks.
20 Healthy Snacks Kids Can Make Themselves
Need a little inspiration? Here is a list of 10 simple, healthy snack ideas!
- Fresh veggies and dip or hummus
- Hard-boiled eggs
- Cheese and crackers
- Apples and nut butter
- Mixed fruit and yogurt
- Orange slices
- Dry cereal
- Applesauce pouches
- Tortilla chips and guacamole
- Trail mix
You can also try these 10 healthy (and yummy!) snack recipes that your kids can make themselves or with a little help from you. They are a great way for your child to try new things and become a more adventurous eater!
Rainbow fruit skewers | BBC Good Food
Encourage your kids to eat more fruit by assembling these colorful rainbow skewers.
Cinnamon-Raisin Soft Pretzels | Food Network
Sweet and salty, these whole-wheat pretzels are filling and delicious!
Fruit Salsa with Cinnamon Chips | Homemade Interest
A twist on traditional chips and salsa, this snack is sweet and full of nutrients.
Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks | Kitchen Fun With My 3 Sons
Cheesy and gooey, these mozzarella sticks are healthy and fun to make!
Homemade Fruit Snacks | Dessert for Two
Avoid the artificial colors and flavors of traditional fruit snacks by making this healthier option.
Berry Granola Yogurt Bark | Baby Foodie
The bright berry color and fun toppings of this healthy snack will have your kids coming back for more.
Ants on a Log | I Heart Naptime
This classic kid-friendly snack is easy to make and is a great way to get a little creative.
Gluten-Free Cheesy Crackers | Food Network
Kids can roll and shape these cheesy snacks that are perfect at home or on the go.
Peanut Butter and Jelly Tacos | Homemade Interest
This is a simple snack full of fresh fruit that’s perfect just about any time of day.
Energy Balls | Super Healthy Kids
With so many different options, your kids is sure to find an energy ball in this list that they love!
By allowing your kids to make snacks themselves, you’ll help them feel more independent, gain new skills, and become more confident in the kitchen.
We hope that this list of 20 snacks kids can make themselves has inspired you to get your little ones creating in the kitchen!
