Taking care of kids daily is not an easy endeavor; however, if you are in the daycare business, you must provide the kids with a snack menu that aside from being delicious and attractive, also aligns with their nutritional needs.
Coming up with a snack menu that considers all these will necessitate careful planning. Howbeit, with a touch of creativity and variety, it is possible to come up with snacks that are both delicious and healthy.
Best Daycare Snack Menu ideas That Children Love
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Fruit and Yogurt Parfait
This is one of the best options to go with especially when you consider how children love this colorful and nutritious snack. It is also something you can make very quickly by layering fresh fruit, like berries or sliced bananas, with low-fat yogurt as well as a handful of granola.
Aside from being a visually appealing snack that children love, it is filled with nutrients like calcium, vitamins, and fiber, and these make it a healthy treat that satisfies sweet cravings.
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Veggie Sticks with Hummus
This can feature carrot sticks, and cucumber slices, in addition to bell pepper strips. It is renowned for being crunchy and fun to eat, particularly when accompanied by creamy hummus.
It is filled with fiber, vitamins, and protein, and will work to imbibe healthy eating habits into children from a young age. However, be sure to offer a vast array of veggies to ensure the children remain interested.
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Cheese and Whole-Grain Crackers
The children will love this snack that has long been a staple among families and gatherings. It is a good blend where the cheese provides protein and calcium, while the whole-grain crackers bring fiber and energy.
Aside from being easy to make, it can also be easily customized to align with varying tastes by making available a wide range of cheese, like cheddar, mozzarella, or string cheese. Always make sure to only go with low-sodium crackers to guarantee a healthy snack.
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Apple Slices with Peanut Butter
This will indeed complement any menu you are looking to curate to ensure that the children have an exciting and healthy snack.
They are known to be satisfying as well as a good balance of sweetness and protein. One thing that makes it so nice is the crispiness of the apples which align so well with the creamy texture of peanut butter.
It is also fully packed with fiber, healthy fats, and protein, which will ensure the kids remain full and energized. If you would prefer a nut-free option, then use sunflower seed butter in place of the peanut butter.
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Mini Sandwiches
A good reason to add mini sandwiches is that they are versatile and loved by kids. To make it, you just have to use whole-grain bread and fill the sandwiches with very nutritious options such as turkey, cheese, avocado, or hummus.
You can slice the sandwiches into fun shapes with cookie cutters to ensure they remain attractive to the kids. It is also recommended you stay clear of sugary spreads but rather go for healthier fillings such as mashed avocado or cottage cheese.
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Fruit Kabobs
Aside from the fact that they are visually attractive, it is one viable way to ensure the kids always have more fruit. To make it, you only have to skewer numerous fruits onto a stick.
It is easy to make, fun to eat, and filled with vitamins and antioxidants. You would also want to make available a yogurt dip on the side to inculcate an additional layer of flavor.
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Homemade Trail Mix
You would also want to consider homemade trail mix especially since it is easy to customize and is loved by kids. You just have to blend a mix of dried fruits, whole-grain cereals, and nuts, as well as a few chocolate chips or yogurt-covered raisins to ensure the kids have a sweet and salty treat.
This is a good snack that will ensure the children get a proper mix of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats. Nevertheless, you must stay clear of choking hazards by only going with age-appropriate ingredients, particularly those meant for younger children.
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Rice Cakes with Toppings
This is another very good and versatile base that can be easily topped with a wide range of healthy ingredients. You can spread some almond butter before finishing it up with sliced bananas.
If you want to make something savory, then try cream cheese and cucumber slices. Rice cakes are a perfect snack option especially since it is light, gluten-free, and versatile. Do not forget to use thin rice cakes to make them easier for the kids to bite into.
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Greek Yogurt with Honey and Berries
Greek yogurt when combined with honey and berries is a protein-rich snack you need to consider. Aside from being both creamy and refreshing, it is important to note that the natural sweetness of the honey aligns so perfectly with the tartness of the berries, and Greek yogurt will provide probiotics and calcium. You might as well want to top it up with granola for extra crunch and fiber.
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Popcorn
Popcorn is a whole grain that’s entirely healthy especially when made with very little or no butter or salt. Aside from that, it is a fun snack that kids appreciate, and it can be made more ravishing by inculcating varying seasonings such as cinnamon, Parmesan cheese, or a little drizzle of melted dark chocolate.
It is recommended you air-pop the popcorn to ensure it stays light and healthy. Also, be very careful with serving sizes for younger children due to the risk of choking.
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Smoothies
Smoothies is an avenue to ensure children have a good dose of fruits. You just have to blend bananas, strawberries, and spinach, as well as a splash of milk or yogurt to come up with a creamy snack.
You can also infuse oats or chia seeds to give it additional fiber and protein. Make sure to serve in small cups accompanied by a straw to make it easy to drink.
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Whole-Grain Muffins
Whole-grain muffins, like banana or blueberry, will prove to be an exciting and healthy snack and can also be made in advance. Be sure to bake them in mini muffin tins to ensure that they can fit into the small hands of kids. You should as well consider reducing sugar content by using mashed bananas or applesauce as a natural sweetener.
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Oatmeal Energy Bites
This is one snack to go with if you are seeking no-bake snacks. It is known to encompass rolled oats, peanut butter, honey, and mix-ins like chocolate chips or dried fruits.
They are also very easy to prepare as well as filled with nutrients like fiber, protein, and healthy fats. It is something you can make in advance and store in the refrigerator to ensure they remain fresh and ready to grab.
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Hard-Boiled Eggs
It is renowned for its high protein content and can be made in bulk as well as served all through the week. In addition to being filling and featuring a good number of essential nutrients like choline, it is also very vital to the brain development of kids. You can serve it with a sprinkle of salt or pepper, or with whole-grain crackers to ensure the kids have a more complete snack.
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Frozen Yogurt Bark
You wouldn’t want to overlook this fun and cooling snack that will leave the kids satisfied and calm during hot days. To make it, you only have to spread yogurt on a baking sheet, touch it up with fruits, nuts, and drops of honey, and then freeze.
After it has frozen, you can then break it into pieces to ensure the kids enjoy a delightful, crunchy treat. Be sure to go with Greek yogurt due to the extra protein, and you can try your hands with varying toppings to keep it exciting.
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Cottage Cheese with Fruit
This snack is known for being very creamy and refreshing. Ideally, cottage cheese is filled with protein and calcium, and this makes it a viable choice when catering to growing children.
However, you must take great care when choosing the cheese, especially since you would want to go with low-fat or full-fat cottage cheese, although it will most likely depend on the nutritional needs of the children.
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Mini Pita Pockets
Mini pita pockets that feature ingredients such as hummus, shredded carrots, cucumber, and cheese are another valid option to infuse into your Daycare snack menu.
Aside from the fact that they are very easy for kids to handle, it is also a good and viable way to incorporate more vegetables into their diet. Howbeit, you might want to consider going with a whole-wheat pita for added fiber and nutrients.
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Banana Bread
You can’t go wrong with this snack, especially since it has proven to be delicious and can be made a lot healthier by using whole-wheat flour.
You infuse nuts or seeds to further elevate the nutritional value, making it a hearty snack that kids will always ask for. Nevertheless, it is recommended you bake in a loaf pan as well as slice into kid-sized portions or make the muffins for easier serving.
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Avocado Toast
Avocado toast is one of the more modern and exciting options on the list. Kids of this age love this snack as a result of its creamy texture and mild flavor. To make it, you just spread mashed avocado on whole-grain toast and finish it up with a little salt or cheese.
It is a very good snack option given its richness in healthy fats, fiber, and vitamins. Always remember to slice the toast into small squares or shapes to ensure they can be visually alluring to children.
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Applesauce
Regardless of whether it is homemade or store-bought, unsweetened applesauce is a valid choice that will resonate in any snack menu. Aside from being easy to digest, keep in mind that this snack provides a good dose of vitamin C.
You can also choose to pair it with a sprinkle of cinnamon, which will give this snack a much more enticing flavor void of additional sugar. Nevertheless, be sure to serve in small cups or with a dollop of yogurt for extra creaminess and protein.
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Quesadillas
Quesadillas made with whole-wheat tortillas and massively filled with cheese, beans, or shredded chicken will make an interesting, enticing, and satisfying snack.
It is without doubt a viable choice, only that you will need to slice them into small, easy-to-hold wedges. You might as well serve them with a side of salsa or guacamole for dipping to further elevate the flavor and add some veggies.
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Pancake Bites
You would want to consider this delicious snack that is renowned as an alternative to traditional pancakes. If they are something you know you can work with, you only have to pour the pancake batter into a mini muffin tin and infuse some mix-ins such as blueberries or chocolate chips.
The kids will love this snack that is quite easy to consume, and you can also make them in advance and store them in the fridge.
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Sweet Potato Fries
One good reason to consider this is the fact that they are an exciting and nutritious alternative to regular fries. It is fully packed with fiber and vitamins such as beta-carotene.
You will have to bake them until crispy, and lightly season them with cinnamon or a pinch of salt for added flavor. You can serve it with a yogurt-based dip or ketchup to further boost the experience.
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Cucumber Sandwiches
This is one snack that is popular among kids and is known to be light and refreshing. You just need to utilize the cucumber slices as the “bread” and fill them with cream cheese, turkey slices, or hummus.
These sandwiches will prove a hit with the kids and is a good way to introduce kids to new textures and flavors. Consider making use of cookie cutters to shape the cucumber slices into fun forms such as stars or hearts.
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Mini Pizza Bagels
No daycare snack menu is ever complete without mini pizza bagels. This is easy to make since you only need whole-grain bagels, spread with tomato sauce, and finished up with cheese and vegetables.
Afterward, bake until the cheese melts to come up with a snack that’s both exciting and fun to eat. Be sure to try out a wide array of toppings such as diced peppers, mushrooms, or olives to ensure kids can customize their mini pizzas.
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Ants on a Log
This is a classic snack that features celery sticks carefully filled with peanut butter or cream cheese and finished up with raisins. It’s a good choice as kids are known to love the crunchy, creamy, and slightly sweet taste that is quite satisfying.
Regardless of the variety, it is recommended you replace raisins with dried cranberries or maybe almond butter in place of peanut butter.
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English Muffin Pizzas
You wouldn’t want to overlook this pizza that kids are fond of. Aside from being fun and customizable, it is a snack that is relished by kids.
You only have to split the whole-grain English muffins, spread with tomato sauce, and top with cheese as well as other toppings you want to add.
Be sure to bake until the cheese is bubbly. If possible, create room for the kids to help with assembling the pizzas to make snack time interactive.
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Pumpkin Bread
This is without doubt a good option for daycares looking for something rich in vitamins and fiber. This more or less refers to well-baked whole-wheat flour. Note that this works to reduce the sugar as well as make it a healthier option.
Note that the nice and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg make it exceptionally loved by kids. You might want to infuse some raisins or nuts for additional texture and nutrition.
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Granola Bars
Homemade granola bars have long been noted for being a chewy, nutritious snack that can be easily aligned to the taste of children. You would want to blend with oats, honey, and mix-ins like dried fruit, nuts, and seeds, and bake until golden.
It will prove to be a hit, and will also provide the necessary energy boost. Don’t forget to slice the bars into small squares for better handling and portion control.
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Frozen Grapes
This particular snack is good and refreshing, particularly during warmer or even hot months. Note that the freezing process gives the grapes a delightful texture, and will transform it into bite-sized frozen treats.
Nevertheless, you would want to take your time to cut the grapes in half for younger children to limit the risk or possibility of choking.
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Zucchini Bread
This refers to whole-wheat flour that is lightly sweetened and has been one of the best ways to guarantee kids eat their greens without even realizing it. Howbeit, you would want to infuse some walnuts or chocolate chips for extra texture and flavor.
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Carrot Sticks with Ranch Dip
This is used to describe carrot sticks that are graciously accompanied by ranch dip. It is renowned for being a crunchy and tasty snack that kids easily fall in love with. To make the ranch dip a lot healthier, it is recommended you use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
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Tuna Salad on Crackers
This is tuna salad served on whole-grain crackers and is renowned for being a protein-rich snack that’s easy to prepare. You only have to mix the tuna with a bit of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt, as well as include nicely diced celery or pickles for crunch. If you want to make it a little exceptional, add a small amount of diced apples or grapes to the tuna salad for a sweet contrast.
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Edamame
Edamame, or young soybeans, is another exciting and nutritious snack that will turn out to be one of the favorites in your Daycare.
Aside from being packed with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins, it makes for a satisfying and healthy finger food especially when lightly sprinkled with salt.
It is recommended you serve the edamame in their pods to make snack time interactive, ensuring that kids can take the beans out themselves.
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Frozen Banana Pops
You can’t afford to underestimate this sweet and healthy treat when looking to curate a nice and healthy snack menu for a daycare. To make it, you cut bananas in half, insert a popsicle stick, dip them in yogurt, and then freeze.
You can also roll them in crushed nuts or granola before freezing for extra crunch. If want to elevate this treat, then add a bit of melted dark chocolate over the frozen bananas.
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Roasted Chickpeas
This is a crunchy, savory snack that’s high in protein and fiber. Another fact you will love about this snack is that it can be seasoned with a wide assortment of spices such as paprika, garlic powder, or cinnamon for a bit of sweetness. It is recommended you roast the chickpeas until they’re fully crisp to guarantee an enjoyable crunch.
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Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds, also referred to as pepitas, are a nutritious snack that’s packed in healthy fats, protein, and minerals such as magnesium.
Also, note that they can be lightly salted or seasoned with cinnamon for a sweet touch. Just make sure to serve them accompanied by a small piece of fruit for a balanced snack.
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Apple Chips
One of the major reasons to consider apple chips is the fact that they are a crispy, naturally sweet snack that is also very easy to make at home.
To make them, you just have to take your time to slice apples thinly and sprinkle with a bit of cinnamon before baking them until they’re crispy. Be sure to store the apple chips in an airtight container to guarantee they remain crunchy.
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Mini Rice Balls
Mini rice balls, most often referred to as onigiri, are a fun and portable snack that is made from sticky rice. One good reason to add it to your daycare snack menu is because it can be filled with a wide array of ingredients such as cooked chicken, tuna, or veggies.
You can as well decide to roll them in sesame seeds to infuse more flavor and texture. Another valid thing to point out is the need to shape them into fun forms such as triangles or animals to ensure they remain appealing to kids.
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Cheese Queso Dip with Whole-Grain Chips
The cheese queso dip comes with whole-grain tortilla chips and has proven to be loved and enjoyed by kids. Truth be told, the creamy cheese dip is a satisfying favorite, and when paired with whole-grain chips, it makes for a delicious and healthy snack. It is recommended you add a couple of diced tomatoes or mild salsa to the queso for additional flavor and a hint of veggies.
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Turkey Roll-Ups
Aside from being easy to make, it is renowned for being fun for kids to eat and enjoy. To make it, you just have to roll slices of turkey around a piece of cheese, cucumber, or avocado.
This will serve as a quick and tasty bite that kids will always be eager to have. Be sure to only make use of whole-wheat tortillas to make turkey and cheese wraps for extra fiber.
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Graham Crackers with Cream Cheese and Fruit
This refers to graham crackers spread with cream cheese and finished up with fresh fruit slices such as strawberries or peaches.
This is without doubt a sweet and satisfying snack and a good choice for your daycare snack menu. Keep in mind that the combination of crunchy, creamy, and fruity textures remains very popular with kids.
However, it is recommended you go only with low-fat cream cheese as well as whole-grain graham crackers to ensure the snack remains healthier.
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Mini Quiches
This particular snack is made with eggs, cheese, and a wide array of veggies that include spinach or bell peppers. It makes for a delicious snack that’s both filling and nutritious.
However, it is always important you bake them in a muffin tin to ensure you have a size and portion that is ideal for kids. You can also choose to make it ahead of time and serve cold or warm.
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Rice Krispie Treats with a Twist
One notable way to make Rice Krispies treats a lot healthier is by adding in some extras such as dried fruit, seeds, or even a bit of nut butter.
These treats easily retain their gooey texture while ensuring that kids can get a bit more nutrition than the traditional version.
You might also want to use brown rice cereal as well as drops of honey or maple syrup as the sweetener for a healthier twist.
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Cucumber and Cream Cheese Roll-Ups
You might want to consider this option especially if you are looking for a light and refreshing snack for the kids. You only have to spread cream cheese on a slice of cucumber before adding a good amount of sliced ham or turkey and roll it up.
Note that this snack is super crunchy, creamy, and very low in carbs. You can secure the roll-ups with toothpicks to ensure they remain intact and easy to handle.
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Blueberry Oat Bars
This is indeed another very exciting choice especially given that it is a sweet and chewy snack that blends the goodness of oats with antioxidant-rich blueberries.
Note that these bars can be made with whole-grain oats as well as drops of honey for sweetness, and this makes them a valid and exciting treat. Just make sure to cut them into small squares for easy snacking and portion control.
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Cheese and Apple Skewers
Take this particular snack very seriously because it is renowned for being fun and easy to eat. It brings together the creamy texture of cheese with the crisp sweetness of apples.
You only have to alternate cubes of cheese and apple slices on a skewer for a balanced and delicious treat. You would also want to leverage a good number of apples such as Granny Smith and Gala to infuse color and different flavors.
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Pita Bread with Tzatziki
One thing you and the kids will love about this is that it is as flavorful as it is refreshing. Tzatziki, made with Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and herbs, has long been noted for being a cool and creamy dip that aligns so well with soft pita bread. When making for kids, you must slice the pita into small triangles to ensure easy dipping.
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Apricot and Cheese Bites
Apricot and cheese bites are a nice and ravishing snack. To make it, pair dried apricots with small cubes of cheddar or brie cheese to ensure you have that good mix of sweet and savory flavors.
The snack ensures that kids can have a good balance of protein, fiber, and healthy fats. When fresh apricots are in season, you should use them to ensure the snack has a better and fresher taste.
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Yogurt-Covered Pretzels
This sweet and salty snack will turn out to be the kids’ favorite. Keep in mind that the blend of crunchy pretzel and creamy yogurt coating makes this a mind-blowing treat that can be enjoyed in moderation.
However, it is always important you go with pretzels that have minimal salt as well as yogurt that contains lower sugar content to guarantee the snack stays healthy.