Snacks make the world go ‘round, staving off hunger between meals while preventing meltdowns and tantrums along the way. At any age, having quick, energizing vegan snacks on hand is essential. But for kids, it’s even more essential. So here is a round-up our favorite vegan kids snacks — from store bought to homemade!
Growing kids especially need almost continuous access to stay full and focused, fueling a full day of work or play. It’s also a great opportunity to sneak more vitamins and nutrients into your picky eaters, simultaneous staving off the impulse to overeat at mealtimes. When energy levels run low, a quick bite can be a real lifesaver.
Unfortunately, it’s not always easy to navigate around the junk food out there, especially when cravings strike. There’s nothing wrong with an occasional treat, but things like chips and cookies should be the exception rather than the rule.
Avoid the pitfalls of processed foods, get out of your snacking rut, and rediscover the fun of healthy snacking all over again. Just a little bit of planning can take the stress out of that midday break.
The best snacks for kids will always be fresh, whole foods. Sugar, fat, and salt are non-issues when you’re serving up the basics, like cut apples and baby carrots. That doesn’t mean it needs to be boring, though! Get everyone on board by dressing up fruits and veggies with sauces and dips, playful presentations, and crave-worthy flavors. Here are a few instant snacks you can whip up anytime, no recipes required:
It can be a real challenge feeding tiny tots. They may not be as willing to try new foods, lack the teeth needed for crunchy or hard snacks, and small pieces could become chocking hazards. The best vegan toddler snacks manage to balance nutrition with safety and plenty of natural appeal. Don’t be discourage if little ones don’t immediately step up to the plate; sometimes it can take a number of exposures for success.
Amara’s smoothie melts are one of our favorite packages snacks because they’re actually healthy, but they taste like candy so kids love them! My toddler is obsessed.
The ingredients are so clean and simple: organic fruit, organic coconut milk, and organic carrots. That’s it! They have all the flavor and nutrition of a refreshing fruit smoothie with none of the spills, smears, or splashes. And no added sugar!
Two of the flavors are vegan (mango carrot and carrot raspberry) and they are ideal for toddlers, older kids, and even the youngest ones just learning to self-feed. Parents, you can munch on them too — I do! They come in a resealable bag and won’t melt, so they’re very convenient to pack in lunches or toss in your bag and take on-the-go. You can even find them on Amazon.
Pssst! If your little one is just starting to explore solid foods, or you’re trying baby led weaning, these can also help babies practice their grip and improve hand-eye coordination.
Cheese is irresistible, especially since it comes in so many forms. Now there are vegan cheese sticks (from brands like Miyoko’s and Daiya), creamy spreadable wedges (like these from Good Planet Foods), and even a plant-based version of the iconic wax-wrapped Babybel wheel.
You can also make your own chips like these zero-waste crispy potato skin chips and these kale chips!
Plant-based yogurt now comes in ever flavor and color imaginable! You can even find vegan yogurt tubes (for all the Go-gurt lovers) and cashewmilk yogurt pouches ideal for lunchboxes, that are nearly identical to the conventional options.
Just keep in mind most yogurts are loaded with sugar, so even though they contain beneficial probiotics, they should probably fall into a “sweets and treats” category rather than an everyday snack.
Great snacks shouldn’t take a lot of time, effort, or money. Here are some delicious ideas that anyone can make!
These tofu snacks are encrusted with nutritional yeast, known by some as vegan catnip. You might not normally think of bean curd as prime snacking material, but these buttery, cheese little cubes are an excellent high-protein alternative to plain popcorn. Especially when you want something more substantial between meals, this is the recipe to eat on repeat.
These easy vegan bagel bites take the universally beloved flavors of cheese pizza and transform it into an almost instant treat. They’re ready in minutes, freezer-friendly, and great for packed lunches too.
These roasted chickpeas are insanely addictive and stunningly healthy! All you need are beans and a handful of spices to create a crunchy savory sensation.
If your kiddo loves french fries, try making them a bit healthier by using sweet potatoes! Sweet potatoes contain far more nutrition than white potatoes, and they arguably taste even better. These will never steer you wrong as a side, starter, or snack. They’re a snap when made in the air fryer, and much healthier than anything deep fried. Save the oil and load up on flavor instead.
These delicious nut and date balls taste like a cross between chocolate ganache and cookie dough. For something so impossibly decadent, it’s hard to believe they’re made with just nuts and dried fruits! Anyone with a sweet tooth will be draw to these chocolatey morsels; no one needs to know their wholesome secrets.
These pizza spirals are a nostalgic favorite for anyone who grew up in the 90s, and now kids can enjoy them today, without all the processed ingredients! It only takes four simple ingredients to get some gooey pizza goodness on the table. The recipe is positively foolproof.
Khichdi has long been a staple for vegan and vegetarian kids in India, made from easily digestible whole grains and legumes. Traditionally a simple, warming stew, it can also be rolled into balls that are easier for toddlers to pick up and feed themselves. The whole family can enjoy this one as a main dish, too.
This easy-to-make broccoli isn’t just a side dish; it’s also a great snack for kids! A touch of garlic goes a long way in transforming those green florets into prime snacking material. It may sound like a stretch, but veggie-lovers will gobble them right up!
These vegan pumpkin muffins aren’t just for fall. Everyone will be drawn to the gooey chocolate chips strewn throughout that tender crumb, all while loading up on healthy pumpkin puree and unsweetened applesauce in every bite.
Smoothies are the best answer to a kid having a meltdown that claims they’re not hungry. Just a few sips of this refreshing blend will brighten their mood right away.
This recipe proves that potatoes don’t have the monopoly on this concept. Lightly breaded with a crunchy herbed crust, they’re so delicious that they don’t even need a dipping sauce. It’s hard to resist eating them right off the sheet!
Have you ever tried deviled potatoes? These are great for kids and adults, and will make you forget all about eggs. Naturally, there’s no cholesterol in these animal-free alternatives that have just as much rich flavor. They’re fancy enough to serve at a party but quick enough to enjoy anytime.
You’ve probably seen corn ribs on Instagram or TikTok. They’re a viral hit that’s as much fun to serve as it is to eat. It’s the same concept as corn on the cob, but the wedges take the distinct shape of ribs to create a whole new textural experience.
Swap the potato chips for kale chips! These cheesy kale chips will make kids crave vegetables like never before. It won’t be a struggle to put away a whole head of the leafy greens when they’re coated in a rich, cheesy mixture of blended sunflower seeds and nutritional yeast. You might want to double the batch because they’ll disappear in no time.
Many thanks to Amara Organic Foods for supporting this article, and for making amazing healthy snacks for kids! Many of their products are vegan and we encourage you to explore for your own kids. This vegan kids snacks round-up is copyright of World of Vegan, all rights reserved.
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