When it comes to feeding toddlers, getting them to enjoy healthy snacks can feel like a bit of a game. But it’s totally possible to make nutritious options fun and exciting. In fact, a study found that kids are more likely to try new foods when they’re presented in a fun and colourful way. Another study showed that the more a toddler is involved in choosing or preparing their snacks, the more likely they are to eat healthier options. 

Ready to swap out the usual snacks for something a little more nourishing? Here are some toddler-approved treats that are as tasty as they are good for them.

Tired of Snack-Time Struggles? Discover Healthy, Toddler-Approved Snacks!

Say goodbye to picky eater meltdowns! Healthy Parents, Healthy Kids by Dr Nick Fuller, Australia’s leading expert on childhood obesity, is packed with simple, fun snack ideas that toddlers love. This guide helps you turn snack time into a chance to nourish your little one with tasty, healthy options they’ll actually enjoy.

Make snack time enjoyable and healthy. Grab your copy of Healthy Parents, Healthy Kids today and discover snacks your toddler will love.

Healthy Snacks Toddlers Usually Like to Eat

It's time to dive into snacks that combine both nutrition and fun. These snacks are perfect for toddlers, not just for keeping them full, but also for keeping their taste buds happy.

Lamington Bliss Balls

These choc-berry flavoured bliss balls are a fantastic sweet treat that toddlers will love. Not only are they packed with flavour, but they’re also a healthier snack option for when you’re looking to satisfy a sweet tooth. You can easily double the recipe if you’re prepping for a gathering or need a simple homemade gift. Store them in the fridge for up to a week, making them perfect for busy days.  

Type: Vegetarian, Vegan, Lactose Free, Snacks

Makes 10-12

Prep Time: 10 minutes + refrigeration 

Cooking Time: 0 minutes

Ingredients

• 15 pitted dates
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 3 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds
• 1 tablespoon dried cranberries or goji berries, chopped into small pieces
• 1 tablespoon shredded coconut (optional)

Recipe

1. Place the dates in a small bowl and add enough warm water to just cover the dates. Allow to soak for 5 minutes. 
2. Add the soaked dates and a couple of tablespoons of the soaking water to a blender or food processor. Add the oats, cocoa powder and chia seeds and blend to combine. Add a little more water if necessary, to bring the mixture together. The mixture should be thick and does not need to be completely smooth. 
3. Mix in the chopped dried berries into the bliss ball mixture. 
4. Roll heaped teaspoons of the mixture into balls. Place the coconut onto a small plate and roll the bliss balls in the coconut to cover. Refrigerate for an hour or more until firm before serving.

Tasty Tomato Toasts

This easy twist on bruschetta is a delicious and nutritious snack that toddlers will happily munch on for breakfast, brunch, or even a light dinner. With fresh ingredients and plenty of flavour, it’s the perfect snack to add to your toddler’s menu.

Type: Vegetarian

Serves 2

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 0

Ingredients

• 4 slices whole grain bread 
• Small punnet mixed baby tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
• Few sprigs of parsley
• ½ cup reduced fat cottage cheese
• Sprinkle of salt and pepper

Recipe

1. Roughly slice the tomatoes and place into a small bowl. Add the balsamic vinegar and parsley, then set aside
2. Toast the bread to your liking. Spread the cottage cheese evenly between the slices.
3. Top with the tomato mixture and drizzle any of the remaining balsamic from the bowl over the top of the toasts.
4. Season with salt and pepper and enjoy.

Baba Ganoush (Eggplant Dip)

Baba Ganoush is a smoky, flavour-packed eggplant dip that toddlers will enjoy dipping into. It’s simple to make and uses ingredients you’re likely already familiar with from other IWL recipes. This dip is perfect for when eggplants are in season or as a clever way to use up those softening eggplants in the fridge. To save time, roast the eggplants and garlic ahead of time while using the oven for another meal, then cool and store in the fridge until you’re ready to whip up the dip.

Type: Vegetarian, Vegan, Lactose Free, Gluten Free, Snacks

Makes 2 cups

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes

Ingredients

• 3 medium sized eggplants, sliced in half lengthways
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 tablespoon olive oil 
• 1 tablespoon tahini
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• Sprinkle chili powder
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon

Recipe

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C. Line a baking tray with baking paper. Place eggplants onto a tray with the cut side facing up. Score each eggplant in a criss-cross pattern with a sharp knife, being careful not to slice all the way through the eggplant skin. 
2. Place the garlic cloves onto the tray and place into the oven. Roast for 35-40 minutes until very soft. Set aside to cool.
3. Once cooled, squeeze the garlic from its skin into a food processor or blender. Add the eggplant (skin on) as well as the olive oil, tahini, cumin, chili, lemon zest and half the lemon juice. Blend in pulses until combined. If the dip is too thick, add the remaining lemon juice and blend again. The dip should remain slightly chunky and does not need to be perfectly smooth. 
4. Transfer the dip to a bowl. Serve warm or cold with toasted wholemeal Lebanese bread or sliced veggie sticks for dipping. Enjoy! 

Wholegrain Seeded Rye Loaf

This rustic round loaf is a hearty, toddler-friendly snack that’s baked on a flat tray for that classic artisan look. Prefer a loaf tin? Go for it—just keep an eye on the timing as it might need a little adjustment. You can also switch up the seeds with whatever mix you and your toddler like best. Just a heads-up: this one needs a bit of patience, as the dough takes time to rise—perfect for a slow weekend bake.

Type: Vegetarian, Snacks

Makes 1 large loaf

Prep Time: 20 minutes + 2 ½ hours rising time

Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups wholemeal flour
• 1 2/3 cup wholegrain rye flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 ½ teaspoons dried yeast (1 sachet) 
• ¾ cup sunflower seeds
• ½ cup pepitas
• ¼ cup sesame seeds
• 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
• 1 tablespoon golden syrup or honey
• 320ml warm water
• Olive oil spray

Recipe

1. To a large mixing bowl add the wholemeal flour, rye flour, salt and yeast. Reserve ¼ cup of the mixed seeds for later, then add the remaining sunflower seeds, pepitas, sesame seeds and poppy seeds to the mixing bowl. Stir to combine, then form a well in the center. 
2. Add the golden syrup and warm water to a jug and stir to combine. Add the water and syrup mixture to the mixing bowl, then mix well to combine. If the dough does not come together you can add a little more water. 
3. Tip dough out onto a lightly floured surface and bring together into a ball. Knead the dough, sprinkling more flour as you go if necessary to stop it sticking, for 5-10 minutes until smooth. Place the dough into a bowl lightly sprayed with olive oil spray, cover with a tea towel and place in a warm spot to rest for 2 hours. 
4. Line a flat baking tray with baking paper. Tip the dough back onto your bench and punch in the middle to knock out the air. Form into a ball shape, then roll the top and sides of the dough in the reserved mixed seeds. Place onto the baking tray, cover and allow to rest for a further 30 minutes.
5. Preheat the oven to 200°C. Once the dough has risen, use a sharp knife to slice a criss-cross pattern in the top of the loaf. Bake in the middle rack of your oven for 30 minutes until golden on top. The loaf should sound hollow when tapped. Allow to rest and cool for at least 15 minutes before removing from the tray and slicing into thin slices. 
6. This bread stores well in the freezer. Slice the loaf and freeze, then pop in the toaster before eating. 

Sticky Date Baked Oats

A delicious and decadent tasting breakfast recipe, inspired by sticky date pudding. If you would like to prepare this for young children, split the mixture between 2 or 3 small ramekins and bake for 10-15 minutes. 

Type: Vegetarian, Kid Friendly, Baby Friendly, Snacks, Contains Nuts

Serves 1-2

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 25 minutes 

Ingredients

• 2 dates, pitted
• 2 tablespoons boiling water
• ½ cup rolled oats
• 1/3 cup milk
• ½ of a small banana
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• Pinch of cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon natural 100% almond butter, to serve
• 1 tablespoon Greek yoghurt, to serve

Recipe

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C. Prepare a large ramekin or small bowl or oven proof dish. 
2. Add the dates and the boiling water to a small bowl. Allow to soak for 5 minutes.
3. Transfer the soaked dates as well as the soaking liquid into a small blender. Add the rolled oats, banana, milk, baking powder and cinnamon. 
4. Blend until well combined. 
5. Transfer the batter to your ovenproof dish. 
6. Place into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until risen and lightly golden on top. The centre should still be soft and dense, like a sticky date pudding. 
7. Top the baked oats with the almond butter and yoghurt. If you are serving young children, allow them to cool completely before serving. Enjoy!

Zucchini and Corn Slice

This one’s a total breeze to whip up and a hit with toddlers, whether served as a quick snack at home or packed into a lunch box for school or daycare. It’s simple, tasty, and just the right size for little hands.

Type: Vegetarian, Kid Friendly, Baby Friendly, Snacks

Makes 15 squares

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cooking Time: 40 minutes 

Ingredients

• 6 eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup wholemeal self-raising flour
• 2 large zucchini, grated
• 1 cup corn kernels
• Handful fresh herbs eg. Coriander, mint
• ½ cup grated cheese (optional)

Recipe

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C. 
2. Line a rectangular baking tray with baking paper.  
3. In a large bowl whisk together the eggs and the milk. Add the flour and whisk until smooth. 
4. Add in the grated zucchini, corn, herbs, and the cheese (if using). Stir well to combine. 
5. Pour the batter into the baking tray. Place into the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, until puffed up and golden. 
6. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely in the baking tray. Once cooled, cut the zucchini slice into squares and enjoy.

Looking for more snack ideas that even picky eaters will enjoy? Check out this article packed with easy, fuss-free options toddlers actually like.

Wrapping Up

Healthy snacks don’t have to be boring, and as you’ve seen, toddlers are more likely to enjoy food that’s fun, colourful, and full of flavour. Whether you’re making something quick at home or preparing ahead for the week, these toddler-approved options strike the perfect balance between nourishing and tasty. With a few clever twists, snack time can become one of the easiest and most enjoyable parts of the day.

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Meet Dr Nick Fuller

My Story

As a father, I know first-hand that raising healthy and happy children is tricky. Children are fussy, particularly at the end of the day when they are shattered. We also live in a society where companies seek to profit from what we feed our kids; incorrect and damaging advice is pushed on us and marketed towards our children, and we have no time.