Healthy preschool snacks! Here are 15 ideas for plant-based preschool snacks that are healthy and simple.
Many parents worry that when they send their kiddos off to daycare or preschool, there won’t be healthy snack choices offered.
Not to mention, if your child is plant-based, it can be difficult to ensure that the standard snacks offered at outside facilities align with your family’s diet pattern.
This is one reason why many choose to pack snacks from home for their child to take. That’s why we’ve rounded up 15 healthy snack preschool snacks below!
These are all plant-based and nut-free to adhere to allergen requirements at many preschools. We hope this helps give you some inspiration when you’re packing your babe’s school bag.
15 Healthy Preschool Snacks for Plant-Based Kids
1. Fruit Kabobs
Skewer small pieces of various fruits like strawberries, pears, and mandarins onto reusable kid-friendly skewers for a colorful and nutritious snack.
2. Ants on a Log
Spread sunflower butter on celery sticks and top with raisins or dried cranberries to mimic “ants on a log”.
3. Homemade Trail Mix
Combine a variety of seeds and dried fruits like pepitas, raisins, and leftover snacks from the shelf (e.g., pretzel sticks, O’s cereal, dried peas) for a nutrient-dense snack.
4. Whole Grain Crackers with Hummus
Serve whole-grain crackers with a side of hummus for a tasty and satisfying snack rich in protein and fiber.
5. Vegetable Sticks with Dip
Offer sliced veggies such as thinly sliced carrots, peeled cucumbers, and bell peppers with a side of hummus or guacamole for dipping.
6. Popcorn
Popcorn is a choking hazard for kids who are under 4 years old, so save this for the older preschoolers (as long as you are comfortable sending it). Air-popped popcorn is a whole-grain snack that’s low in calories and high in fiber. You can sprinkle it with a little nutritional yeast for added flavor.
7. Homemade Fruit Popsicles
Blend fresh fruit like berries, bananas, and mangoes with a little water or fortified soy milk, then pour into popsicle molds and freeze for a refreshing treat. We often take this opportunity to use up leftover smoothies by pouring them into such molds. A great snack if your preschool has freezer space!
8. PBJ Balls
We’ve got plenty of versions of these on our website. They’re a great source of protein, fiber, and healthy fats, easy to make and store, and most importantly, kid-approved. Try our Raspberry Tahini Chickpea Balls or Carrot Cake Chickpea Balls.
9. Apple Slices with Sun Butter
Slice apples and serve with a side of sunflower butter for a delicious and satisfying snack. You might even toss some raisins in for a little extra.
10. Homemade Plant Yogurt
If you’re tired of the sugar-laden yogurts for kids, give homemade yogurt a try. We’ve got 3 DIY Vegan Yogurt recipes that you can make for the week and store individually to toss in school bags.
11. Mini Veggie Quesadillas
Make small whole-grain tortilla quesadillas filled with beans, diced vegetables like bell peppers and tomatoes, and a sprinkle of vegan cheese. Cut into small triangles for easy snacking. If your kiddo likes to dip, guacamole, salsa, or hummus can pair perfectly.
12. Chia Seed Pudding
Mix chia seeds with plant-based milk (such as almond milk or coconut milk) and a little sweetener (like maple syrup or agave nectar). Let it sit in the refrigerator overnight to thicken, then serve topped with fresh fruit. See our recipe for Mango Chia Pudding.
13. Edamame
Steamed edamame pods are a fun and nutritious snack that preschoolers can enjoy popping open to reveal the tasty beans inside. Sprinkle with a little sea salt for flavor if desired.
14. Sweet Potato Chips
Thinly slice sweet potatoes, toss with a little olive oil and your choice of seasoning (like garlic powder or paprika), then air-fry until crispy for a healthier alternative to store-bought potato chips. We also love making these Cool Ranch Kale Chips for our kids. Just make sure they’re protected from moisture when packing their bag.
15. Seedy Banana Rounds
Slice bananas into rounds and coat them with ground flax seeds, chia seeds, or hemp seeds. Optionally, slather two rounds with sunflower butter and stick them together before coating.
These snacks provide a good balance of carbohydrates, healthy fats, and protein, along with essential vitamins and minerals to support your babe’s growth and development.
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Chime In: What other preschool snacks do you recommend? Share them in the comments!
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