As summer draws near, it implies that your kids will be in the house round-the-clock. Particularly against the backdrop of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, virtual learning has been the new normal, converting our homes into schools since March. We all recognize the familiar picture – kids being home all day equals surges in snack consumption. Assessing whether they are genuinely hungry can be quite challenging. But regardless, stocking up on more healthful, reasonably-priced snacks is essential in maintaining household peace. So, here’s a curated list of some of the finest summer snacks for kids to keep your little ones satisfied and content.
1. CHOCOLATE-DIPPED BANANAS:
Being fond childhood treats for many of us, these are incredibly easy to make. Just skewer some ripe bananas (not overly ripe) on popsicle sticks for a cleaner eating experience, coat them with chocolate sauce (Magic Shell or homemade dark chocolate), wrap each one in wax paper, and leave them in the freezer for about an hour. This summer delight is something your kids will absolutely relish.
2. FRUIT:
Nothing says classic snack like fruit. With summer, comes an abundance of fresh produce from your local farmer’s market or CSA. For a more interesting twist to regular fruit servings, consider dehydrated or freeze-dried fruit. It’s essential to keep the fruit varieties rotating to avoid snacking fatigue. Some top dried fruit options include sun-dried Fruit Mix, Pitted Dates, Dehydrated Mandarin Oranges, Turkish Apricots, and Freeze-dried Strawberries.
3. VEGETABLES:
Vegetables make a simple, healthy, and tasty summer snack. But similar to fruit, kids can tire of the same options. So it’s a great idea to present a variety of veggies to keep the interest alive. Dehydrated vegetables make a brilliant option if you wish to switch it up from fresh produce, and some excellent choices can be freeze-dried Broccoli, Crunchy Kale Chips, Sun-dried Tomatoes, freeze-dried Okra, Peas, and Dried Seaweed.
4. SALTY TREATS:
For further diversity, consider including some salty snacks in the mix. However, if you are accommodating gluten sensitivities or Celiac Disease within your family, gluten-free options like Veggie Pirate’s Booty are a household favorite. Pretzels (both gluten-free and regular) are a popular choice as well.
5. DIPPABLE SNACKS:
Back to basics; fresh fruit and veggie sticks dipped in assorted sauces can be a hit. Some of our top picks for dip-ables are: Apples, Rainbow Carrots, Celery, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Sugar Snap Peas. Delicious choices for dips include: Organic Peanut Butter, Hummus, Guacamole, Ranch Dressing.
6. PARFAITS:
Children love assembling parfaits because it allows them to express their creativity with their food. With a base of Greek Yogurt or Organic Vanilla Yogurt, the additions are limitless: Fruit, Nuts, Dark Chocolate Chips.
7. SMOOTHIES:
Smoothies are an easy-peasy way to pack in a range of fresh fruits and veggies into a single serving. You only need some frozen fruit and a liquid base to blend. Some favorite frozen fruit options include: Mango, Pineapple, Raspberries, Mixed Berries, Blueberries, Strawberries, Cherries, Kiwi, Banana, and base options are: Milk, Almond Milk, Coconut Milk, Orange Juice, Lemonade, Apple Juice. It’s also an opportunity to sneak in extra greens without the kids noticing – Lettuce, Chard, Broccoli, Sugar Snap Peas, Carrots, and Green Vegetable Powder Mix.
8. POPSICLES:
An effortless summer snack, Popsicles can be made with leftover smoothie mix or juice blended with pieces of fruit, frozen in a mold.
Above all, it’s essential to provide variety to evade snack fatigue and simultaneously ensure diverse nutrition that can help enhance their overall health. Talk about a win-win!
We’d love to hear about your favorite summer snacks for the kids.
