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Kids can be pretty particular when it comes to snack time. They 1) want something that tastes good, 2) won’t take forever to eat, and 3) can be eaten on the go. And, finding a snack that fits all the requirements and is healthy? Talk about a parenting win!
In this blog article, we’re sharing our favorite kid-friendly, delicious snacks that are both easy to make and great for dental health.
1. Applesauce
We’re starting with a classic kid snack – applesauce. It’s tasty and also packed with nutrients like vitamins A and C. And since applesauce is soft and typically seedless, it won't put pressure on your child's teeth. Just be sure to encourage drinking plenty of water after eating to flush away lingering sugars on the teeth.
🦷️ Toothy Tip: There are several brands of applesauce packets that are great for on-the-go snacking! However, be aware that your kiddo doesn’t chew on the plastic spout.
2. Cheese
Cheese is the ultimate kid snack that fits all the requirements 1) easy to eat, 2) perfect for on the go, and 3) is an excellent source of calcium – an essential mineral for strong teeth. Switch it up by alternating between string cheese, tiny cheese wheels, and cubed cheese in a variety of flavors.
3. Yogurt
Yogurt is another excellent source of calcium, plus it’s full of probiotics that are good for gut health. And just like applesauce, this delicious snack doesn’t put any pressure on your kid's teeth. For convenient snacking, try purchasing yogurt in cups and tubes for easy on-the-go snacking. You can even pop a couple of tubed yogurts like Go-gurts in the freezer for a chilled, refreshing snack.
4. Celery
Celery is a great crunchy snack that's low in sugar, full of fiber, and a great source of vitamins A and C (which are essential for oral health.) Try sprucing the vegetable up with peanut butter, Nutella, or even raisins.
🦷️ Toothy Tip: Celery can easily get stuck between the teeth. Encourage your kiddo to floss or rinse their mouth thoroughly after eating to remove any lingering food particles.
🦷️Extra Toothy Tip: Shop strawberry kid dental flossers here.
5. Carrots
Like celery, carrots are a healthy snack option full of vitamins A and C and fiber. They are easy to crunch and make the perfect pairing with ranch dip or hummus.
6. Hummus
Hummus is a healthy and tasty snack for kids. It's made from chickpeas which are a great source of fiber, protein, and vitamins.
Our favorite pairing with hummus include:
- Baby bell peppers
- Pretzel chips
- Soft pita
- Carrots
- Cucumbers
You can also test out several flavors of hummus including southwest, garlic, and even dark chocolate!
7. Popcorn
Popcorn is a universal tasty and fun snack that comes in a variety of flavors including: sweet kettle corn, cheese, butter, and more. Best part? Popcorn helps support healthy digestive systems by being a great source of fiber.
🦷️ Toothy Tip: Remove any unpopped kernels before giving popcorn to a child. They are a choking hazard & can potentially chip teeth if chewed. For extra convenience, opt for a pre-popped popcorn package. They are typically kernel-free.
8. Hard-boiled eggs
Hard-boiled eggs are a filling snack that is high in protein. They are soft on the teeth and pair perfectly with a little salt and pepper or ketchup.
9. Fruit
Berries, kiwis, and bananas are great snacks for kids since they're soft, easy to eat, and packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
🦷️ Toothy Tip: It’s important to note that the acid from fruits can damage tooth enamel. Encourage your kiddo to drink water during and after their snack.
10. Seeds and nuts
Seeds and nuts are great sources of protein and healthy fats and are beyond easy to take on the go. Just be sure to avoid nuts or seeds that have hard shell-like pistachios. De-shelling this food is time-consuming for kiddos, but can also present the risk of your child breaking or chipping a tooth. For extra convenience, opt for pre-shelled nut snack packages.
🚨 CAUTION: Whole nuts are a serious, life threatening choking hazard for ages younger than 4 years. Speak with your pediatrician when the right time is to introduce whole nuts or seeds to your child.
11. Oatmeal
Does your kiddo act like a hungry, hungry hippo? Try oatmeal!
Oats are packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals that are great for feeding good gut bacteria.
The best part is that your little one will feel full for longer since oatmeal is a complex carb and is digested slower than foods containing simple carbs.
Have fun with it and let them customize the flavor of their oatmeal by adding a scoop of peanut butter or a ½ cup of their favorite fruit. You can even find soft oatmeal bars that are easier to eat when traveling or to add to school lunch boxes.
12. Smoothies
This is our favorite #1 hack for parents that have picky eaters.
“Hide” some veggies in a refreshing fruit smoothie. The flavor of the vegetables like spinach, frozen cauliflower, and avocado are easily masked by fruits – making this an easy option to get a couple of servings of vegetables in your child’s diet. You can also add a scoop of protein powder to create a well-balanced snack time for your little one.
Conclusion
Remember to teach your children to brush morning and night and floss daily (or after meals) to maintain good oral health. If you have any questions, be sure to contact your dentist. They can help you determine the best way to care for your child's teeth and what snacks may be the best option for your child.
