Some kids won’t touch anything slimy. Others refuse anything crunchy. And don’t even mention mixed textures—that’s a hard no. Research shows that up to 50% of parents report their child as a picky eater at some point, with food texture being one of the biggest challenges. For some, it’s a phase. For others, it sticks around longer, making mealtimes feel like a never-ending negotiation.

Texture aversion is often linked to sensory processing differences, which affect how the brain interprets sensory input like taste, touch, and smell. But with the right snacks, it doesn’t have to be a battle. Whether they prefer smooth, crispy, or melt-in-your-mouth textures, here are some options that keep snack time stress-free.

Struggling with a Texture-Sensitive Kid? Here’s What Works

Feeding a toddler is tricky enough, but when texture sensitivity comes into play, it can feel even harder. The good news? You don’t have to make separate meals or stick to the same few safe foods. Healthy Parents, Healthy Kids by Dr Nick Fuller offers practical tips for creating nutritious, texture-friendly meals that toddlers will actually eat.

Make mealtimes easier and stress-free with foods that work for the whole family. Grab your copy of Healthy Parents, Healthy Kids today and turn picky eating into happy eating.

Top 6 Texture Sensitive Snack Ideas

Whether your little one loves velvety smooth treats, gentle crunch, or melt-in-the-mouth goodness, these snack ideas tick the right boxes without the mealtime drama.

Sweet Potato Wedges

For kids who like a soft interior with a gentle crisp on the outside, sweet potato wedges are a great option. They’re smoother and less grainy than regular fries, making them easier to eat for texture-sensitive kids. Serve them warm and lightly seasoned for a tasty, fuss-free snack.

Type: Vegetarian, Gluten Free, Lactose Free, Kid Friendly

Serves 4-6 as a side

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cooking Time: 30 minutes 

Ingredients

• 2 large sweet potatoes, chopped into wedges
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Sprinkle of fresh or dried rosemary 

Recipe

1. Preheat the oven to 220°C. Line 2 baking trays with baking paper. 
2. Add the chopped sweet potato into a bowl with the olive oil and rosemary. 
3. Use your hands to gently toss and ensure the potato wedges are coated in oil and rosemary. 
4. Spread the potato wedges out onto the baking trays. Transfer the trays into the oven.
5. Bake for 30 minutes, until golden and crispy on the outside, and softened on the inside. 
6. Remove the sweet potato wedges from the oven, serve, and enjoy. 

Lemon and Blueberry Cheesecake Overnight Oats

Another twist on the IWL breakfast favourite overnight oats. A delicious flavour combination reminiscent of a decadent baked cheesecake. You can easily increase the quantities of this recipe if you want to prepare your breakfast for the week in advance. If you have some extra time, swap the blueberries out for 1 cup frozen berries – heat gently over the stove and stir to make a warm berry coulis to serve over your oats. 

Type: Vegetarian, Breakfast

Serves 2

Prep Time: 5 minutes (+overnight refrigeration) 

Cooking Time: 0 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1 cup milk
• ¾ cup reduced fat cottage cheese
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Blueberries, to serve

Recipe

1. Combine the oats, milk, cottage cheese and lemon zest in a medium bowl.  
2. Stir everything together until well combined.  
3. Divide the mixture between 2 serving bowls, or containers if taking on the go. 
4. Place into the fridge overnight. Top with blueberries before serving and enjoy!

Berry Smoothie

Smoothies are a lifesaver for kids who struggle with lumpy or crunchy textures. A berry smoothie blends into a silky, easy-to-drink snack while still packing in plenty of nutrients. If your child prefers an ultra-smooth texture, strain out the berry seeds. For a little extra thickness, add chia seeds—they soften in the liquid, making the smoothie more satisfying without any harsh textures.

Type: Vegetarian, Gluten Free, Breakfast

Serves 1

Prep Time: 5 minutes 

Cooking Time: 0 minutes

Ingredients

• ¼ cup frozen mixed berries
• ½ banana
• 1 cup (250ml) skim milk
• 1 tablespoon Greek yoghurt
• Handful ice cubes
• 1 teaspoon chia seeds

Recipe

1. Add the mixed berries, banana, milk, yoghurt, and ice cubes to a blender. Blend for 1-2 minutes until smooth. 
2. Pour into a glass and stir in the chia seeds. Enjoy! 

Tasty Tomato Toasts

For kids who enjoy a bit of crunch but not too much, tomato toasts strike the perfect balance. Lightly toasted bread provides a gentle crisp without being too hard, while the juicy tomatoes add a fresh, soft contrast. If texture sensitivity is an issue, opt for smoother toppings like mashed avocado or a thin layer of cream cheese to make each bite more enjoyable.

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!

Apple Streusel

For kids who prefer soft, easy-to-eat textures, apple streusel is a winner. The warm, tender apples provide natural sweetness without any crunch, while the light, crumbly topping adds just enough texture without being overwhelming. Serve it on its own or with a smooth dollop of yoghurt for an extra creamy touch. Plus, it keeps well in the fridge, making it a great make-ahead snack.

Type: Vegetarian, Contains Nuts

Serves 3-4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 25 minutes 

Ingredients

• Olive oil spray, for greasing
• 3 pink lady apples, chopped into small pieces
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon 
• 1 ½ cups rolled oats
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 3 tablespoons almond butter 
• Greek yoghurt, to serve (optional)

Recipe

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C. Spray a small loaf tin with olive oil spray and set aside. 
2. In a mixing bowl combine the chopped apple, lemon zest and juice, and half of the cinnamon. Stir to combine. 
3. Transfer the apple mixture into the loaf tin. Spread the apples to cover the entire bottom of the tin. 
4. Add the rolled oats, honey, almond butter and the remaining half teaspoon of cinnamon into the mixing bowl. 
5. Stir well to combine. If your honey and/or almond butter are not liquid enough to stir easily, heat them gently in the microwave for 10 seconds at a time until runny. 
6. Sprinkle the oat streusel mixture over the top of the apples in the loaf tin. Place the loaf tin into the oven and bake for 25 minutes until golden. 
7. Divide the apple streusel into serving bowls, and top with a dollop of yoghurt. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Peaches and Cream Oats

For kids who prefer soft, creamy textures, peaches and cream oats are a great choice. The oats soak overnight, turning into a smooth and easy-to-eat base, while the ripe peaches add natural sweetness without any harsh crunch. It’s a gentle, comforting snack that’s perfect for warm mornings or a fuss-free bite any time of day.

Type: Vegetarian, Breakfast

Serves 2

Prep Time: 5 minutes (+overnight refrigeration) 

Cooking Time: 0 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1 ½ cups milk
• 2 tablespoons chia seeds
• Greek yoghurt, to serve
• 2 peaches, to serve
• 2 tablespoons honey

Recipe

1. Add the rolled oats, milk and chia seeds to a bowl and stir well to combine.  
2. Cover and place into the fridge for 2 hours or overnight. The oats and chia seeds should soak up all the liquid and become nice and thick. 
3. Divide the oat mixture between 2 serving bowls. Top with Greek yoghurt and sliced peaches.
4. Drizzle with honey, then serve and enjoy!

If these snacks aren’t a hit, don’t worry—there are still plenty of options to explore. Check out these smoothie ideas for texture-sensitive kids.

Summing Up

Feeding a texture-sensitive toddler doesn’t have to feel like an endless struggle. With the right foods, you can make mealtimes smoother and more enjoyable—for both of you. Whether they prefer soft, crunchy, or melt-in-the-mouth textures, there are plenty of nutritious options to explore. Small changes can make a big difference, and with a little patience, you’ll find what works best for your child.

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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.

But with these recipes and resources, you and your children can enjoy simple and well-founded food and lifestyle choices for lifelong health.