Healthy Holiday Snacks for Picky Toddlers: 3 Easy Recipes Every Mom Needs
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Time to Read: 6 min
We all know the holiday season brings with it sugary treats and indulgent meals, which can be a challenge when trying to feed your little ones something healthy. For moms with picky eaters, finding nutritious snacks that toddlers will actually enjoy can seem like an impossible task. Luckily, these three snack recipes are here to save the day! They’re healthy, easy to make, and perfect for toddlers who might otherwise turn up their noses at holiday food. Serving them up with a few favorite pieces of stainless steel dishware adds a fun, safe touch to the holiday snack experience.
About Ahimsa
Founded by a pediatrician and mom of three
Stainless steel is the only kid-friendly material recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics
We are guided by a Scientific Advisory Council comprised of environmental and medical experts, guiding us in creating the safest products, following the latest science and promoting policy to protect human health and our planet
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1. Apple Cinnamon Energy Bites
5-10 minutes
30 Minutes
10
Snack
These bite-sized snacks are perfect for little hands and packed with fiber and nutrients. The best part? They’re no-bake and can be made in advance.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup almond butter or peanut butter
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup dried apples, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine oats, nut butter, honey, dried apples, and cinnamon.
- Mix well until the ingredients are fully combined.
- Roll into small balls and place on a baking sheet.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
These energy bites are a great snack to keep on hand throughout the holiday season. Serve these up on Ahimsa’s bright, colorful stainless steel kids plates to add a pop of festive cheer and make snack time feel extra special. Plus the stainless steel design keeps things easy to clean, even if the little hands are a sticky mess.
Must Have Stainless Steel Products
2. Veggie-Packed Hummus Wraps
5-10 minutes
5 Minutes
10
Snack
These wraps are a great way to get some veggies into your toddler’s diet without them even realizing it. They’re easy to make, customizable, and a perfect snack for busy holiday afternoons.
Ingredients:
- Whole wheat tortillas
- 1/2 cup hummus
- 1/4 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup chopped cucumber
- 1/4 cup shredded cheese (optional)
Instructions:
- Spread a thin layer of hummus over the whole wheat tortilla.
- Sprinkle the shredded carrots, cucumber, and cheese (if using) evenly over the hummus.
- Roll up the tortilla tightly and slice into small rounds for easy toddler-sized bites.
These veggie-packed wraps are a fun, mess-free snack to serve during the holidays. Serve them up on Ahimsa’s toddler-safe stainless steel plates , which are durable and non-toxic, and are perfect for serving this wrap up with a side of fruits and dips. The separate sections are ideal for toddlers who like to keep foods apart, and the plate’s stainless steel design is sturdy enough for even the most excited snack sessions.
3. Frozen Yogurt Bark with Holiday Sprinkles
5-10 minutes
2-3 Hours
10
Snack
This recipe is a great alternative to sugary holiday treats and can be customized with your toddler’s favorite toppings. It’s a festive and fun way to enjoy a healthy snack.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup holiday sprinkles or dried fruit
- 1/4 cup granola
Instructions:
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix the yogurt and honey.
- Spread the yogurt mixture evenly on the baking sheet.
- Sprinkle dried fruit, granola, and holiday sprinkles on top.
- Freeze for 2-3 hours or until firm, then break into pieces.
This frozen yogurt bark is a fun, festive snack your toddler will love. For easy storage and freshness, keep the bark pieces in Ahimsa’s stainless steel containers. These durable, non-toxic containers are perfect for holding treats in the freezer, keeping them fresh and organized, and making it easy to serve a piece whenever your little one is ready for a snack. When you’re ready serve it up on Ahimsa stainless steel trays for a healthy, mess-free treat.
A Kid-Friendly, Healthy Holiday
Holiday snacks don’t have to be full of sugar and processed ingredients. With these easy, healthy recipes, you can keep your picky toddler happy while staying true to your clean-living values. Plus, Ahimsa’s stainless steel products make it easier to serve up snacks safely and sustainably. Here’s to a season of nutritious, toddler-approved snacks that make the holidays feel bright and joyful—no sugar overload required!
Explore the full Ahimsa Holiday Collection for eco-friendly, kid-safe dinnerware that makes every meal a celebration. Here’s to a holiday season filled with health, happiness, and a touch of Ahimsa!
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.
Snacktime 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.
