Let’s Make a Delicious Healthy Hanukkah Menu
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Time to Read: 9 min
Hanukkah carries its own kind of magic. The glow of the menorah, laughter in the kitchen, and the familiar smell of latkes crisping in oil make these eight nights feel warm and connected. Food has always been at the center of it all—tradition passed from one generation to the next, one meal at a time.
As a mom and pediatrician, I know how easy it is to lean into the indulgence of the holiday, especially when the kids’ eyes light up at the mention of sufganiyot or fried anything. The beauty of Hanukkah lies in those traditions, but there’s room for a little balance too. A thoughtful menu can honor what we love most about the holiday while keeping our families nourished and happy.
This year, let’s fill the table with colorful, festive dishes (served on the best stainless steel dishes) that bring together tradition and health. Meals the kids can help prepare. Meals that invite us to slow down, savor, and connect—together.
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Stainless steel is the only kid-friendly material recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics
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Why a Healthy Hanukkah Menu Matters
The food we serve can reflect Hanukkah’s themes of resilience and light. Latkes, sufganiyot, and other fried favorites hold a special place in the celebration. Still, balancing those traditional treats with healthier choices helps everyone feel their best, especially kids.
To keep up with the excitement of the holiday, little bodies need nutrient-dense meals that fuel energy and joy. Add whole grains, colorful vegetables, or baked alternatives instead of fried foods to bring variety to the table without losing flavor. A healthier menu doesn’t take anything away from the celebration. Instead, it gives us the chance to nourish our families in meaningful ways.
The idea of tikkun olam — repairing the world — reminds us to consider the bigger picture. Small changes reduce waste and leave a lighter mark on the planet. Skip disposable dishes (may I recommend some stainless steel cups ?), choose local produce, or find creative ways to use leftovers. That second helping of roasted veggies can make a great addition to a frittata the next morning, and leftover latkes turn into a satisfying lunch paired with a quick salad.
By embracing these small choices, we honor tradition while teaching kids the power of thoughtful decisions. Hanukkah becomes a time to show how health, sustainability, and joy can sit side by side at the table. Even during a season filled with treats, those lessons leave an impression that lasts well beyond the holiday.
This simple shift stretches the life of what you already own and teaches your kids the value of cherishing what they have. A favorite snow globe or well-loved garland can become part of your family’s story, reminding everyone that holiday magic isn’t about what’s new but about the memories you make.
Montessori-Style Food Prep for Kids
Kids love to feel useful, especially during big family celebrations. Bringing them into the kitchen turns meal prep into something more than a chore. It becomes a way to build independence, confidence, and real connection over the holiday.
Break tasks into steps they can handle. Washing veggies, scooping dough, peeling potatoes—kids thrive when the work feels manageable and just challenging enough. Older children might measure ingredients or stir batter. Let the little ones sprinkle toppings, mix simple dips, or carry dishes to the table. Each small job teaches a skill while giving them a real sense of pride.
Montessori-style food prep works like magic for fine motor skills and sequencing too. Chopping soft foods with a kid-safe knife, peeling carrots, or pouring ingredients into a stainless steel bowl teaches control and focus. At the same time, kids see how a meal comes together, step by step. They begin to connect their efforts to the bigger picture.
Give them ownership where you can. A child who sets the table feels like an important part of the celebration. Use simple, unbreakable dishes that are easy for small hands to handle. Stainless steel bowls, plates, and utensils make great choices here—not just for durability, but for safety too.
By involving kids in food prep, you invite them to experience the holiday in a new way. They don’t just sit at the table waiting to eat. They help create something for everyone to enjoy, which makes those family meals taste even better.
A Healthy Hanukkah Menu
Food takes center stage during Hanukkah, but adding some lighter options keeps everyone feeling good — without missing the festive spirit.
Light & Colorful Starters
Start with something fresh and bright. Arrange a platter of crisp vegetables—carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers—and serve with dips like hummus or a light yogurt sauce. Kids love a bit of creativity, so turn the veggies into “candles.” Cut carrots and cucumbers into sticks, then add a small dollop of dip to the top to look like a flame. It’s simple, playful, and easy for kids to help prep.
Balanced Latke Alternatives
Latkes deserve a spot on the table, but classic potato isn’t the only way to go. Use root vegetables, sweet potatoes, or zucchini for variations that pack in more nutrients. Bake them instead of frying for a lighter option that still keeps the crispy edges everyone loves. Serve them alongside a sprinkle of herbs or a dollop of light sour cream for added flavor without the heaviness.
Quick, Healthy Soup
A warm bowl of soup brings comfort to the holiday table. Pair the latkes with something cozy and nutrient-rich, like this quick, healthy fall soup . It’s perfect for balancing out the richer dishes and adds a splash of color to your meal.
Protein-Packed Mains
Balance is key during festive meals. Baked fish with herbs, roasted chicken, or a lentil stew provides satisfying protein while leaving room for the rest of the menu. Pair the mains with roasted vegetables or a simple salad to round things out. These options fuel energy for all the excitement, from candle-lighting to spinning dreidels.
Sweet but Smarter Desserts
Dessert doesn’t have to rely on processed sugar to feel indulgent. Baked apples with a sprinkle of cinnamon, dark chocolate-dipped fruits, or homemade date bites bring natural sweetness to the table. Kids can help dip and decorate, making it part of the celebration. These simple treats satisfy a sweet tooth without the crash that comes with heavier desserts.
A thoughtful menu keeps the holiday joyful, balanced, and nourishing for everyone. It’s proof that even the smallest changes can make family meals feel just as special—maybe even more so.
Mealtime Essentials
Creating a Warm & Meaningful Family Atmosphere
Family Hanukkah meals celebrate the moments spent together. The real magic happens around the menorah, at the table, or through shared stories.
Slow down and encourage everyone to enjoy the meal. A little mindfulness changes everything. Talk about the effort behind preparing the food, the flavors on the plate, and how each dish connects to the traditions of the holiday. Kids see food differently when they recognize it as something special instead of just something to eat.
Together, lighting the candles sets the tone for the evening. Share stories, sing songs, or take turns remembering past Hanukkahs. Small traditions — like placing the shamash in the menorah — stick with kids long after the candles go out. Letting the youngest help creates moments they’ll hold onto for years.
Gratitude brings it all together. Give thanks for the hands that prepared the food, the meal on the table, and the blessing of time spent with family. Kids notice these quiet pauses. They learn to see how small joys add up to something meaningful.
Focus on connection. The food tastes better, the laughter grows louder, and every one of those eight nights feels a little brighter.
Bring Ahimsa to Your Holiday Table
At Ahimsa, I designed products that help families live more sustainably, starting with mealtime. Our stainless steel Mindful Mealtime Set includes a plate, bowl, cup, and utensils, all made from food-grade materials.
Make this Hanukkah healthier, brighter, and more sustainable with Ahimsa. Start a new tradition with products that last a lifetime.
Dr. Manasa Mantravadi
Dr. Manasa Mantravadi is a board-certified pediatrician whose dedication to children’s health drove her to launch Ahimsa, the world's first colorful stainless steel dishes for kids. She was motivated by the American Academy of Pediatrics’ findings on harmful chemicals in plastic affecting children's well-being. Ahimsa has gained widespread recognition and been featured in media outlets such as Parents Magazine, the Today Show, The Oprah Magazine, and more.
Dr. Mantravadi received the esteemed “Physician Mentor of the Year” award at Indiana University School of Medicine in 2019. She was also named a Forbes Next 1000 Entrepreneur in 2021, with her inspiring story showcased on Good Morning America. She serves on the Council for Environmental Health and Climate Change and the Council for School Health at The American Academy of Pediatrics. She represents Ahimsa as a U.S. industry stakeholder on the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) for the Global Plastics Treaty, led by the United Nations Environment Program. Dr. Mantravadi leads Ahimsa's social impact program, The Conscious Cafeteria Project, to reduce carbon emissions and safeguard student health as part of a national pilot of the Clinton Global Initiative.
She is dedicated to educating and empowering people to make healthier, more environmentally friendly choices at mealtime. Her mission remains to advocate for the health of all children and the one planet we will leave behind for them through real policy change within our food system.
More Mealtime Essentials
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I use stainless steel instead of plastic? Is stainless steel better for health?
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) released a report in July 2018 suggesting ways that families can limit exposure to certain chemicals at mealtime, including “the use of alternatives to plastic, such as glass or stainless steel, when possible.” The report explained that “…some additives are put directly in foods, while “indirect” additives may include chemicals from plastic, glues, dyes, paper, cardboard”. Further, “Children are more sensitive to chemical exposures because they eat and drink more, relative to body weight, than adults do, and are still growing and developing.” While stainless steel items meet the recommendation to avoid plastic products in children, Ahimsa® products have the obvious advantage of not breaking like glass.
Is stainless steel better for the environment than plastic?
According to the Steel Recycling Institute, steel can be recycled over and over and over again without losing its integrity and requires less energy to recycle than to make anew. Most plastic unfortunately ends up in landfills and it is estimated to take 700 years to decompose. Our special coloring process that allows Ahimsa® products to be fully metal is environmentally friendly, so it does not produce toxic run-off into the ecosystem.
Will Ahimsa products break or peel?
No. Our steel is durable, so it won’t break or shatter with everyday use, like glass. And it won’t peel, like other colored stainless steel products you’ve seen. We use a special process that allows the colors to naturally occur in the metal.
Which Ahimsa products are best for my little one(s)?
Our products are meant to last, you can use Ahimsa at ages 1, 8 and 18! We thoughtfully design our products to be safe for little ones and our planet while reducing consumption. Once your child outgrows the Starting Solids Set and can use regular cups and utensils, the training cup is the perfect size rinse cup in the bathroom, the infant spoon doubles as a tea stirrer and the bowl is great for snacks or as an additional compartment to our modular divided plate. Our plates are great for any age as they encourage choosing a variety of healthy foods at each meal and help visualize portion sizes easily. It’s the lasting beauty of stainless steel - grows with your child and reduces waste.
