Wholesome, Toddler Snacking

Snacking is such a huge part of our day around here.  I’m a firm believer of three snacks per day; one a couple of hours after each meal.  Our four year old knows this routine as well.  It is a habit for us.  Children love structure and she’s at an age now where she wants to be more independent so she grabs her own snacks as soon as she gets home from school, and plays at the kiddie table, placed strategically in the kitchen, while she waits for me to start/finish dinner.
Toddler Snack Hack Tip:  Place bottled water, juice drinks and fruits on the lower shelves of the refrigerator and non-perishable snacks at a level where your toddler can grab a drink/snack all by themselves. #LifeSkills

Lately, our go to drink of choice is Capri Sun Organic.  The apple and fruit punch flavors are Maddie’s favorite but there’s tropical punch and grape as well (available at retailers nationwide for $4.29 per 10 pack of 6-oz. pouches)! Made with 66 percent fruit juice and no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives, Capri Sun Organic gives kids the taste they love and gives parents a wholesome drink option that they can feel good about serving.

Recently, I’ve taken note of the fact that my child likes things that are sized just for her.  She loves these juice drinks because she can grab them and put the straw in on her own like a big girl and she’s told me on multiple occasions that “these taste so good, mama”.

I’ve also found that if I shape homemade snacks like muffins, she’s more likely to eat them even if they’re packed with wholesome ingredients!  So instead of making granola bars make granola cups!  Is your mind blown too?!  Why hadn’t I thought of this before?  The kid went crazy over them.  They’re easy to make and they only contain six ingredients: Peanut butter, Honey (raw), Coconut Oil (organic), oats, nuts, and chocolate chips (optional).  That’s your ingredient list, folks.  Here’s the four step recipe that takes only 15 minutes to prep:
  1. Over low-medium heat, melt together 1 cup of peanut butter, 2/3 cup of honey and 1/2 cup of coconut oil.
  2. Remove from heat and add 2 cups of oats, 2 cups of nuts (I prefer half sunflower, halve sliced almonds – but use your favorite). Stir until combined.
  3. Press mixture in lined muffin cups and sprinkle with chocolate chips (while still warm).  Be sure to press the chips into the top layer of the mixture just a bit.
  4. Chill for 2 hours (or overnight) in the refrigerator.
       Yields approximately 16 granola cups.
So there you have it. A simple, quick, wholesome snack that can be packed and kept in the refrigerator at your child’s finger tips alongside Capri Sun Organic. They’re also perfect to grab when you’re on the go! 

Please know that wholesome, delicious snacking for your kids does not have to be something that’s labor intensive to create or something that you have to force them to eat or drink.  Find that thing that really gets them excited about eating well; like Capri Sun Organic juice drinks (with no added sugar) or snacks molded into muffin tins!  Then develop a consistent snack time routine that your family can stick to and you’re all set!
What types of wholesome, toddler snack ideas do you have up your sleeve? Share away in the comments!

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

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6 Comments

  1. April 21, 2016 / 4:30 am

    I didn't know they had organic Capri Sun now, that's awesome! I need to try your granola recipe. Homemade granola beats store-bought any day, and your recipe looks so easy to make. Thanks for sharing!

    • April 21, 2016 / 4:43 am

      Yes, Marissa, Capri Sun now has an organic option and my family is loving it! Definitely give the granola recipe a try as well. I totally agree that they are so, so much better than buying them. I am obsessed with this particular recipe.

  2. April 21, 2016 / 4:39 pm

    I need to try those muffins for breakfast! We do the same with placing items our girl can easily grab like cheese, juice, fruit, etc.
    -Linh

  3. April 21, 2016 / 7:18 pm

    Great life hack when there are toddlers in the house! I grew up loving Capri Sun, that's great they have an organic option now.

  4. April 21, 2016 / 9:40 pm

    Although I have no toddlers, I LOVE me a good snack and I happen to have all of those ingredients in my house! Definitely gonna make a batch tonight!

  5. April 22, 2016 / 4:37 am

    These granola cups look so good and I had no idea there were Organic Capri Suns! Thank you for sharing such a great recipe!

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