7 easy snack recipes the kids will love

8 HEALTHY SNACKS THE KIDS WILL LOVE

If you have young kids, then you know that snack time seems to be ALL the time! Need some inspiration? Opt for snacks that are healthy and balanced, provide a boost of energy, contribute to children’s growth and development, and help them concentrate and learn.

Whether it’s to hold them over until dinner or to curb their hunger throughout the day, here are 8 easy-to-make recipes kids (and even adults!) will love!

1. FRUIT SKEWERS WITH DIP

Kids love fruit—even more so when they’re served in a fun way, with dip! Try cutting your fruit into different shapes (star, heart, triangle, etc.) or chop them into smaller pieces and serve them on skewers. You can accompany the fruit with a yummy Laiterie Chagnon vanilla yogurt dip.

Hibou

For a sweet yet healthy snack, you can also whip up a batch of this flavourful dip, the perfect accompaniment to your fruit skewers. Made with cream cheese and yogurt, its rich texture and orange flavour will have the kids asking for more!

2. SUPERHERO COOKIES

For a nutritious and delicious snack, make a batch of cookies using healthy ingredients the kids won’t even realize they’re eating!

Some healthy ideas: adding white bean purée to your chocolate chip cookies, grated zucchini to your oatmeal-raisin cookies, or squash purée to these tasty orange-squash cookies!

Date purée—a 100% natural sugar substitute that’s rich in fibre—is also a healthy and delicious addition to all your homemade cookie recipes.

3. WACKY CHEESES

Quebec cheese makes for an excellent snack. Have your kids discover them by giving them wacky names: Ping-Pong balls (bocconcini), palm trees (string cheese), the mouse’s hideout (Swiss cheese), skouik-skouik cheese (cheese curds)...

Let the kids come up with other fun and original names, too!

Here’s a healthy, balanced snack idea: Quebec cheese, whole-wheat crackers, crudités and fruits, or a vegetable juice.

4. FUN AND FLAVOURFUL DIPS

Kids love dips! For a healthy snack, make sure they’re rich in protein and serve them with fibre-rich foods, such as whole-grain bread.

For a quick grab-and-go snack, combine Quebec Greek yogurt with pesto, or opt for low-fat, ready-made dips like hummus or tofu spread.

Feel like trying something new? Whip up a batch of our yummy beans and pork dip and serve it with spicy pita chips. An explosion of flavour in every bite!  

5. VERSATILE FRUIT COMPOTE

In addition to being easy to make, homemade fruit compote is a great way to reduce waste by using overripe or wilted fruit. And because ripe fruit contains natural sugar, you don’t even need to add refined sugar to your compote! For a touch of flavour, you can add vanilla or cinnamon.

Practical and delicious, fruit compote can be enjoyed with plain yogurt, in turnovers, or in cookies and muffins. 

6. SUCCULENT SMOOTHIES

Smoothies are the ideal snack for kids who love fruit beverages. For a protein and vitamin-filled version, add silky tofu, almond butter, Greek yogurt, spinach, or avocado—the kids will be satisfied and full!

Another option: LOOP ready-to-drink smoothies. Made with fruits and vegetables that don't meet food industry quality standards, they are delicious to the last drop! 

7. CRISPY BITES

Do your kids love chips? Make them a healthier version by grilling thin slices of zucchini with olive oil and salt, or kale chips seasoned with olive oil and soy sauce, or Parmesan.

Have popcorn fans in your house? Try popping your own kernels and seasoning them with a homemade spice blend. For Mexican-style popcorn, sprinkle with a chili powder seasoning mix.

Another inspiring idea: roasted chickpeas seasoned with spices! Simply season a can of chickpeas with spices or sea salt and roast in the oven.

8. BACK-TO-SCHOOL TRAIL MIX

Rally the troops and get the kids to help you with snack prep! A great activity is having them create their own trail mix. 

Give them a variety of ingredients to choose from: sunflower seeds, dried fruits (cranberries, bananas, blueberries, raisins, apricots, mangoes, dates), and sweets (chocolate chips, cereal, yogurt-covered raisins, and grated coconut). Then watch as they get creative!