25 Healthy Toddler Snacks (Packable)

These healthy toddler snacks will help keep your kiddo full and happy—without a lot of work for you. Plus, each can be easily packed if you’re heading out on vacation, a road trip, a day out of the house, a playdate, or packing a daycare or preschool lunch.

I know coming up with ideas for toddler snacks at home and to pack can be challenging, but the snack ideas for kids here are nutritious, yummy, and easy!

I’ve included a mix of healthy snacks to make, preschool snack ideas, healthy store-bought toddler snacks, baby snacks, and a few assembly-only ideas to give you a wide range of options for portable foods that are packed with nutrition.

(You may also like my No-Added Sugar Snacks and my Protein Snacks for Kids.)

How to Pack Healthy Toddler Snacks

Here’s my general approach to packing snacks to take on the go.

1. Invest in a set of durable containers to help keep the food from getting smushed. These are our favorite snack containers for kids, whether you like glass, recycled plastic or stainless steel.
2. Pack snacks, most of the time, that have more than one food group. Aim to include fruit or a veggie and a protein or a fat. (Having at least one item of produce and either a fat or a protein means that the snack will keep your toddler full longer.) But also remember that appetite can vary, so even if you pack a “balanced” snack, the kids may not eat all of it.
3. Set dedicated snack times so you and the kids know when you plan to eat. This sort of predictable routine (i.e. afternoon snack is after we wake up from nap) can help the kids get a sense for what to expect in their day.
4. Be flexible! While I always keep a snack or two in my bag for myself and my kids, there’s something to be said for going with the flow. If your toddler doesn’t want what you’ve packed or you happen to be somewhere that has delicious snack options, go for it!
5. Adjust portion sizes as needed for your toddler’s appetite and age—and what they usually enjoy eating. Which is to say, try not to stress if the kids are hungrier (or less hungry) than you expect.

Blueberry Banana Muffins and Berries

Made without gluten, nuts, or dairy, these soft muffins get their flavor from two types of fruit and might be even tastier on the second (or third) day! They pack really well, too.

Soft Granola Bars

These granola bars are a perfect make-ahead toddler snack. They are egg-free and have healthy fats and complex carbs—so they’ll provide balanced energy for your little ones. Try adding some snipped dried fruit to the batter!

Sandwich Cubes

Whether your little one likes nut butter and jam, cream cheese and apple butter, cheese, or lunch meat, a simple sandwich, diced up is easy to pack and really satisfying for little bellies.

TIP: Cut them with kitchen scissors to make that part a breeze.

Banana Spinach Muffins

Serve up fruits and veggies in this bright, protein-packed muffin. Call it a “Hulk muffin” or some other silly name to entertain the kids! These muffins are a favorite homemade toddler snack since the batter comes together easily in the blender.

Cheese and Crackers

Crackers are almost always universally appealing to toddlers and there are many good options that have nutritious ingredients. We like Wheat Thins, Triscuits Thin Crisps, Breton Crackers, and any other whole grain option.

If your toddler can’t do dairy, add in protein from hummus, nut butter, beans, or a nondairy milk with protein like Ripple.

Yogurt and Crackers

Pair quick homemade flavored yogurt with a side of whole grain crackers for a snack that’s both satisfying and easy to pack. Pop the yogurt into a lunch bag with an ice pack to keep it cool as needed. (Yogurt is shown here in a reusable pouch.)

Fruit and Diced Snack Bar

Pack a banana and some diced snack bar (like a Larabar, which is soft and packed with protein and healthy fats) for an easy toddler snack. If your kiddo isn’t hungry enough for both of these foods together, just do one of them!

Or you can try my Fruit and Nut Bars.

Oatmeal Energy Balls

With natural sweetness and the flavors of a favorite dessert cookie dough, these little bites are yummy and nutritious. In the case of a peanut allergy, use sunflower seed butter. (These also work well with almond butter.)

Baked Oatmeal Bars

Moist, flavorful, and super yummy, these gluten-free snack bars are a nice on-the-go option for toddlers. Just wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap or tuck into a compartment of a lunchbox.

Strawberry Banana Bread

Dice up a slice of bread, pop it into a container, add a side of fruit (if you want) and head out for the day.

Savory Muffins

These savory muffins have carrots and classic pizza flavors and are a filling (and yummy!) snack option. We usually have them room temperature with water.

Homemade Pouches

Because I’ve been squirted enough times and had to change enough shirts, I always vote for putting yogurt into this reusable pouch over store bought yogurt pouches. Or try my Yogurt Tubes or store bought ones.

Leftovers

Whether it’s oatmeal, smoothie, or a bit of dinner—cubed meat or chicken, beans, pasta salad—snack time is an excellent time to get in a little extra nutrition, so using leftovers as mini meals is a smart toddler feeding strategy.

Mango Smoothie

Super simple and super yummy, this is a great smoothie to make ahead (or in the moment). Pack in a reusable pouch if needed.

Easy Cheese Crackers

A batch of these crackers never lasts long in our house—and they are a fun component to a packed toddler lunch box. And it’s nice because this homemade toddler snack packs whole grains, protein, and less salt than many store-bought cheese crackers.

Copycat Little Bites Mini Muffins

With that super tender texture and yummy flavor they expect, but a lower price and more nutrition, these are a go-to toddler snack muffin.

Dry Cereal or Puffs and Fruit

Cereals for kids or toddler puffs with low added sugars are always a nice option for toddler snack-time. We like plain Cheerios, Kix, puffed whole grains, and unsweetened Shredded Mini Wheats.

Add a side of fruit or some milk for an easy kids snack. (Halve the blueberries as needed for younger kids.)

Mini Egg Cups with Veggies

These are so perfect to make ahead and warm to serve (or pack for preschool in a little thermos if needed). Add some fruit or crackers to round things out.

Leftover Pancakes

I’m not sure what it is, but leftovers are a great toddler snack for so many kids I know! Pack a few small ones leftover from weekend breakfast and let them snack to their hearts’ content.

Toddler Snacks FAQs

How to Store

Keep any perishable foods in the refrigerator and pack any in an insulated lunch bag with an ice pack.

Best Tips for Toddler Snacks

• Consider snacks like mini meals and include a mix of foods over the whole week.
• Do your best to make the food easy for your kiddo to chew to limit potential frustrations.
• Try to include at least one food with protein and/or fat to help the toddler snack satisfy.

More Snack Ideas for Kids

Baby Food

Master List of Baby Snacks

Snacks

30 Healthy Preschool Snacks

Advice

25 Healthy Snacks for Kids to Buy at the Store

Snacks

Favorite Peanut-Free Snacks for School

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This post was first published May 2018.