Gosh hasn't it been hot lately! Not that we are complaining but we have noticed our kids are not as interested in food, so we have put our heads together and come up with a few summer snack ideas that we hope you and your little ones will enjoy!
1. Fruit Kebabs: Skewer colourful fruits like watermelon, grapes, berries, and pineapple chunks onto bamboo skewers for a refreshing and healthy snack.
2. Frozen Yoghurt Popsicles: Blend together yoghurt and fruits like strawberries, bananas, or mangoes, pour the mixture into lolly moulds, and freeze.
3. Veggie Sticks with Hummus: Slice up cucumber, carrot, and bell pepper sticks and serve them with a side of hummus. It's a nutritious, cool and crunchy snack.
4. Mini Sandwiches: Prepare mini sandwiches with whole grain bread, lean protein such as turkey or chicken, and add some veggies like lettuce, tomato, and cucumber for a balanced snack option.
5. Frozen Grapes: Wash and freeze grapes for a simple and refreshing snack. They're like bite-sized popsicles, remember to cut them in half if your little ones are under 5!
6. Smoothie Bowls: Blend together frozen fruits, a splash of juice or milk, and a dollop of yoghurt to create a thick smoothie. Pour it into a bowl and top with granola, sliced fruits, and coconut flakes or topping of your choice.
7. Cheese and Crackers: Offer a variety of cheese cubes or slices with whole grain crackers. It's a combination of protein and carbohydrates that kids will enjoy and can graze on if they don't fancy a big meal.
8. Mini Fruit Pizzas: Spread a thin layer of cream cheese or yogurt on small whole grain tortillas, then let your child decorate them with sliced fruits like berries, kiwi, and banana.
9. Cucumber Sushi: Roll thinly sliced cucumber, cream cheese, and a slice of deli meat together to create a fun and healthy sushi alternative.
10. Frozen Fruit Cups: Cut up a mixture of fresh fruits like watermelon, grapes, pineapple, and berries, and place them in individual cups. Freeze them for a few hours, and you'll have refreshing fruit cups that are perfect for hot days.
11. Chilled Berry Cups: Mix together a variety of fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries in a bowl. Chill them in the fridge and serve in small cups.
12. Yogurt Parfait: Layer Greek yogurt with fresh fruits like strawberries, blueberries, and mango in a cup or bowl. Top it with a sprinkle of granola for added crunch. Keep it chilled in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
13. Frozen Yogurt Bites: Spoon flavoured yogurt (such as strawberry or vanilla) onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Top each dollop with a small piece of fruit like a blueberry or raspberry. Freeze until firm, and you'll have bite-sized frozen yogurt treats.
14. Iced Fruit Slushies: Blend together ice, your choice of fruits, a little bit of water or fruit juice, and sweeten with honey (if appropriate age) or a natural sweetener. Serve it in a cup with a straw for a cool and fruity drink.
15. Frozen Banana Bites: Slice bananas into bite-sized pieces and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, dip them in melted chocolate or yogurt, and return them to the freezer until the coating hardens. These make delicious frozen treats.
Stay cool and enjoy the summer and the delicious treats!