As parents, we all know the challenge of finding snacks that are delicious and nutritious for our kids. The quest for that perfect balance often leads us to creative solutions. Here, we’ll explore the versatile world of yogurt and discover how it can stand out in various sweet and savory snacks that will have your kids asking for more! Prepare to impress their taste buds with recipes like pressed banana yogurt bites, chocolate peanut butter dip, green pea hummus with veggies, and avocado turkey toast strips.
Yogurt: A Nutrient-Packed Base for Kids’ Snacks
Before we dive into these delicious yogurt recipes, let’s take a moment to appreciate the versatility and nutritional benefits of yogurt as a snack base for kids.
Yogurt is a nutrition powerhouse for kids. It contains calcium, protein, probiotics, and essential vitamins and minerals.1 These nutrients are crucial for children’s growth and development, particularly for their bones and digestive health.2,3,4
Yogurt’s versatility makes it the perfect base for sweet and savory snacks. You can use plain yogurt as a canvas to create various flavors or choose pre-flavored options for convenience. However, be mindful when selecting pre-flavored yogurts for kids, as they often come with extra sugars. Using real fruit for added flavor, Stonyfield yogurt pouches contain only 4 grams of added sugars per serving!
When selecting yogurt for your kids, it’s essential to opt for high-quality products. Look for brands free from artificial flavors, sweeteners, and synthetic hormones. Our favorite option is Stonyfield YoBaby yogurt, specifically designed for little ones.
Now that you know the nutritional benefits of yogurt for kids, let’s dive into some sweet and savory recipes you can explore with them.
Sweet Snack Recipes
Almost every little one loves sweet snacks. These two sweet snack recipes offer natural sweetness with fruit and some protein from nut butter—a powerful combination for a tasty treat.
Pressed Banana Yogurt Bites
These pressed banana yogurt bites are an ideal snack choice for kids. Not only do they taste delicious, but they’re packed with all the good stuff, too! Bananas provide essential vitamins and potassium, while yogurt offers probiotics for digestive health.11,12 The added healthy fats from the nut butter and the fiber from the raspberries and flaxseed make these sliced banana yogurt bites an even more well-balanced snack that can satisfy any sweet tooth.5,6,7
This recipe is super simple. Your kids will have a blast making it without even needing to cook. It’s a fun way to get them involved in making their own healthy snacks. These frozen bites offer a cool and satisfying treat that appeals to young taste buds while nourishing their bodies.
Pressed Banana Yogurt Bites
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Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
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Yield: 12 bites
Description
The added healthy fats from the nut butter and the fiber from the raspberries and flaxseed make these pressed banana yogurt bites an even more well-balanced snack that can satisfy any sweet tooth.5,6,7
Ingredients
- 1 banana
- 1 Stonyfield YoBaby banana yogurt cup
- 1 tbsp nut butter of choice
- raspberries (optional)
- flaxseed (optional)
- coconut flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Slice a banana into bite-sized rounds.
- Smash the pieces with the bottom end of a flat cup to flatten each banana slice.
- Spread a thin layer of YoBaby yogurt on top of each pressed banana slice.
- Drizzle nut butter (peanut butter, almond butter, etc.) and toppings of choice (mashed raspberries, flaxseed, coconut flakes, etc.) on top.
- Place the banana yogurt bites on parchment paper on a baking sheet and freeze for an hour before enjoying these creamy, frozen delights.
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 1 hour
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Category: Snacks
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Method: Chill
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Cuisine: American
Chocolate Peanut Butter Dip
This chocolate peanut butter dip is a fantastic choice for kids, combining scrumptious flavors with healthful ingredients. The yogurt is a good source of calcium and probiotics, promoting strong bones and a happy gut. Natural peanut butter provides protein and healthy fats, while the cocoa powder and cinnamon add a rich, chocolatey taste bursting with antioxidants. Honey, adjustable to taste, adds a little bit of sweetness to satisfy any sweet tooth.1,3,8,9,13
This simple, no-cook recipe is one your kids can easily help prepare, encouraging their involvement in making nutritious snacks. Paired with sliced apples, strawberries, bananas, or pretzels, this dip offers a delightful and wholesome treat, making it an ideal go-to option for parents.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Dip
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Total Time: 10 minutes
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Yield: 4 servings
Description
Loaded with protein and bursting with antioxidants from the cocoa powder and cinnamon, this dip makes for the perfect side dish to your child’s favorite fruit. It’s a sweet treat that can be enjoyed any time of the day.8,9
Ingredients
- 1 cup plain Stonyfield YoBaby yogurt
- 1/4 cup creamy natural peanut butter
- 3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 tbsp honey (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- Sliced apples, strawberries, or bananas for dipping
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix the YoBaby yogurt, peanut butter, cocoa powder, honey, and cinnamon until smooth.
- Adjust the honey to your desired sweetness.
- Serve the chocolate peanut butter dip with fresh fruit slices for a delectable and healthy treat.
Notes
* We doubled this recipe in the images shown.
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Category: Snacks
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Method: Chill
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Cuisine: American
Savory Snack Recipes
Full of protein, these savory snacks are perfect for that time between lunch and dinner when your kiddos seem hungriest and begging for a snack.
Green Pea Hummus
Double the peas, double the plant-based protein! This pea hummus with veggies is a fantastic and fun nutrition-packed snack choice for kids, especially those picky veggie eaters. Chickpeas offer an excellent source of plant-based protein and fiber to help keep your kids feeling full and satisfied.14 Peas provide vitamins and minerals such as iron and vitamin C, both of which are essential to help prevent iron deficiency anemia in kids, the most common nutritional deficiency found in children.15,16 Tahini adds in healthy fats and a delightful nutty flavor, while the touch of YoBaby yogurt introduces calcium and probiotics.1,17
This recipe is a breeze to make in a food processor, making it a convenient go-to for parents. Pair this protein-packed hummus with a colorful display of veggies, and your kids will feel full and satisfied until dinner time (not to mention occupied with all the fun dipping)
Green Pea Hummus
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Total Time: 15 minutes
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Yield: 6 servings
Description
Double the peas, double the plant-based protein. Pair this protein-packed hummus with your child’s favorite veggie or chip, and they’ll be feeling full and satisfied until dinner time.
Ingredients
- 15 oz can chickpeas — drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup aquafaba (liquid from chickpea can)
- 1 cup fresh or frozen peas (thawed)
- 2 tbsp tahini
- 2 tsp lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- Pinch of salt and pepper
- 1/4 cup plain Stonyfield YoBaby yogurt
- Sliced cucumbers, baby carrots, and bell pepper strips for dipping
Instructions
- In a food processor or blender, combine the chickpeas, aquafaba, thawed peas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Blend until smooth.
- Add the YoBaby yogurt to achieve your desired consistency.
- Serve the pea hummus with various fresh veggies for a savory and nutrient-rich snack.
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Category: Snacks
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Cuisine: American
Avocado Turkey Toast Strips
The perfect afternoon snack choice for kids, these avocado turkey toast strips offer a delightful combination of flavors and essential nutrients. Surprisingly to many, avocados are rich in healthy fats, vitamins, and fiber, while the YoBaby yogurt provides calcium and probiotics for growing bodies.1,2,18 The whole-grain bread offers complex carbohydrates rich in fiber and B vitamins that provide your young one with energy to play, learn, and grow, while the turkey slices supply lean protein that provides the building blocks for a child’s growing body.19,20
This recipe is incredibly simple and quick to prepare, making it an ideal go-to option for after-school snacks. Have your kids join you in the food-making fun by mashing the avocado and assembling their own toast. The result is a tasty and nutritious snack or meal that satisfies young appetites while nourishing them.
Avocado Turkey Toast Strips
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Total Time: 15 minutes
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Yield: 2 servings
Description
Surprisingly an excellent source of fiber, the pairing of avocado with protein-packed yogurt and sliced turkey makes for a nourishing and filling after-school snack. You can also use other deli meats instead of turkey, such as ham.
Ingredients
- 1 small ripe avocado
- 1 yogurt cup plain Stonyfield YoBaby yogurt
- Pinch of salt and pepper
- 2 tsp lemon juice
- 2 slices whole-grain bread (toasted)
- 4 slices turkey breast
Instructions
- Toast the whole-grain slices of bread and cut off the crusts. (What kid likes crust?!)
- Mash the ripe avocado and combine it with Stonyfield YoBaby yogurt, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Spread the avocado-yogurt mixture on the whole-grain bread slices.
- Shred turkey slices with your hands and place them on top of the toast.
- Cut the toast into long strips for a fun and satisfying savory snack.
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Category: Snacks
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Cuisine: American
Balancing Sweet and Savory Snacks for Kids
Balancing sweet and savory snacks is essential for providing children with a diverse range of flavors and nutrients. Incorporating both types of snacks in their diet ensures they develop a well-rounded palate and enjoy a variety of foods. Yogurt, with its neutral and creamy nature, is an excellent base for achieving this balance. Here are some tips for this:
- Serving sizes: When offering sweet and savory snacks, consider portions suitable for children’s appetites. Smaller, kid-sized servings are ideal to prevent overindulgence.
- Snack menu: Create a weekly snack menu with sweet and savory options. This variety can make snack time exciting and encourage kids to explore new flavors and textures.
- Nutritional benefits: Educate children about the nutritional benefits of the snacks they enjoy. This can instill healthy eating habits from an early age.
Benefits of Homemade Yogurt Snacks for Kids
Creating snacks at home has several advantages for parents and children:
- Cost-effective: Homemade snacks are generally more cost-effective than pre-packaged options. You can buy ingredients in bulk and make snacks in larger quantities.
- Control over ingredients: When you prepare snacks at home, you have complete control over the ingredients. This allows you to choose high-quality, organic, fresh ingredients, ensuring your child’s snacks are free from artificial additives and preservatives.
- Healthier eating habits: Homemade snacks provide an excellent opportunity to introduce children to various whole foods. This can lead to healthier eating habits and a preference for nutritious options.
In a world filled with countless snack options, yogurt is a versatile and nutritious base for kids’ sweet and savory snacks. These recipes are just the beginning of the exciting culinary adventures you can embark on with your kids. By choosing high-quality yogurt like Stonyfield YoBaby yogurt, you ensure your child’s snacks are not only delicious but also packed with essential nutrients. The benefits of instilling healthy eating habits in children through homemade snacks extend far beyond their early years. You’re setting the foundation for a lifetime of nutritious and delightful food choices. So, roll up your sleeves, get in the kitchen, and make snack time a memorable and nourishing experience for your little ones.
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