TASTY SNACKING TOP TIPS

Toddlers need to snack to grow. Eating little & often is ideal as their tummies aren’t big enough yet to take on board enough energy & nutrients from just three meals a day. Snacks help top them up & keep them going.

• Variety is important – lots of shapes, tastes and textures helps little explorers try new things!

• Mix it up between sweet and savoury – try 2 savoury and 1 sweet snack a day.

• Treats some can be better than others, but moderation is key. If possible, keep sugary foods to mealtimes as a pudding to minimise tooth problems. Consider swapping sugary treats with our soft oaty bars made with fruit juice instead of sugar.

• Juice - little ones need about 6-8 drinks a day, water and milk are ideal. Make sure pure fruit juice is diluted 1 part juice to 10 parts water & only at meal times.

Toddlers need to eat regularly and need nutritious snacks between meals. The best snacks are those which are low in added sugar. A variety of snacks should be offered including:

• Fresh fruit - Full of vitamins, fresh fruit is a natural treat offering plenty of variety for your little ones to try new flavours and textures. Here are some great ideas to try: kiwi, a handful of grapes or raisins, berries, half an apple or pear.

• Vegetables - Fresh, crunchy vegetables chopped into easy-to-grab sticks are a healthy snack for toddlers. Try dunking carrots, celery, pepper or cucumber in dips for a new sensation!

• Dairy - Packed with protein, calcium, vitamin D and A, dairy products make a creamy, tasty treat. A 100 ml of milk, yoghurt or small portions of cheese make a great toddler snack.

• Carbohydrates - Give your little one the energy they need with tasty low-salt snacks such as: oat cakes, pitta bread with cream cheese or wholegrain cereal.

• Organix snacks - All our toddler snacks are great for little ones aged 12+ months and are made with only the best organic ingredients. From soft oaty bars, to tasty toddler biscuits they're great for on the go!

TODDLER SNACKING FAQS

Do toddlers need snacks?

Yes, your toddler is growing at an alarming rate they will be constantly hungry and their small stomach will only be able to tolerate small meals. Snacks are a great way to keep your child’s energy up and if they are flagging it will also improve their mood. But remember, snacks don’t replace meals. 

How many snacks should a toddler eat?

Your toddler should have a mid-morning and a mid-afternoon snack.

What should I do if my toddler only wants to eat snacks?

If you find that your toddler seems to only want to eat snacks and graze their way through the day, it is probably time to make some changes to regulate their appetite. Take time to stop and look at the kinds of foods they are snacking on and working out why they are constantly snacking as opposed to relying on their main meals of breakfast, lunch and dinner as their main sustenance.

Ask the questions are the snacks too exciting? Or does your toddler just need distracting for a while until it’s snack time?

Should toddlers have a bedtime snack?

Bedtime snacks are not always necessary however your toddler may not have reached their energy requirements for the day and therefore an appropriate bedtime snack could be

• 200ml full-fat milk
• 1/2 a large banana and 100ml full-fat milk
• or a small apple and 130ml full-fat milk.

Remember toddlers are often fond of delay tactics before bedtime and will use hunger as an excuse to delay going to sleep!

Are raisins a good snack for toddlers?

Yes! Raisins are a good source of many vitamins and minerals that your toddlers need as part of a healthy diet. And since they taste so good and are easy to eat, they make a great snack. 

We recommend fruit snacks are given following a meal to minimise dental health impact.