5 easy, healthy snack ideas for kids

Snack Ideas

Fruit Kebabs with Yogurt Dip

• Ingredients:
  Seasonal fruits (apple, banana, grapes, mango), cubes of cheese, plain yogurt + drizzle of honey (optional).
  
• How to make:
  Chop fruits and cheese into bite-sized pieces, thread them on small skewers, serve with yogurt for dipping.
  
• Why it works:
  Fun format kids enjoy + natural sweetness + protein from cheese + probiotics from yogurt.

Roasted Makhana (Fox Nuts) Mix

• Ingredients:
  Makhana, small amount of ghee or olive oil, mild spices (cumin powder, salt).
  
• How to make:
  Light-roast makhana in ghee for a few minutes until crisp, sprinkle spices. Serve once cooled.
  
• Why it works:
  Crunchy snack, less oil than deep-fried options, nutrient-rich and portable.

Whole Wheat Vegetable Sandwich or Wrap

• Ingredients:
  Whole wheat bread or tortilla, cucumber/tomato/carrot slices, mint chutney or light cream cheese
  
• How to make:
  Spread the chutney/cheese, layer veggies, fold/close. Cut into fun shapes if you like.
  
• Why it works:
  Balanced snack-whole grain + veggies + familiar format. Easy to pack.

Millet & Nut Energy Balls

• Ingredients:
  Millet flour (or mixed millets), chopped almonds/walnuts, dates/jaggery for sweetness.
  
• How to make:
  Roast millet flour lightly; mix with nuts + mashed dates/jaggery; shape into small balls; refrigerate.
  
• Why it works:
  No refined sugar, kids-friendly texture, good for after-school hunger pangs. (Inspired by “energy bites” idea) Epicurious

Sprouted Moong & Veggie Salad

• Ingredients:
  Sprouted moong, chopped veggies (carrot, cucumber, onion), a squeeze of lemon, sprinkle of salt.
  
• How to make: Mix sprouts + veggies + lemon + salt. Chill or serve fresh.
  
• Why it works: High in plant protein & fibre, colourful and easy to eat, a healthy savoury option.

Quick Tips for Moms

• Prep ahead: Chop veggies/fruits, roast nuts/makhana in advance.
• Keep textures familiar: If your child resists something new, pair it with something they like.
• Use fun presentation: Skewers, mini-balls, wraps, colourful plates.
• Balance snack time: Use snacks not as “junk filler” but as nutrient gaps (protein, fibre, whole-grains).
• Avoid too much sugar or ultra-processed stuff: Focus on natural sweetness (dates, fruits) + real ingredients.