Getting little ones to eat something can be hard enough, let alone something healthy. Here at Tiny Troops Soccer, we know all too well the battle of “one more bite.” That’s why we decided to collaborate with our team to share our TOP FOUR favorite healthy snacks for kids (and adults!).

Use these sweet and savory healthy snacks as a rewarding incentive after a fun morning of play out on Soccer Island on Saturday, or any day in between!

#1: FROZEN BERRY BITES

These deliciously cool miniature bites of frozen yogurt are sweet and tangy, and the best rewarding treat for a little one. Or a big one—we will just add now that while these are kid friendly, they are adult friendly too! From now on, it goes without saying.

These frozen yogurt bites are as perfect as they are customizable. Start with your yogurt of choice: plain, vanilla, flavored, or Greek. Greek yogurt is preferable for this recipe because of its thicker consistency, but regular yogurt will do if the tang is too much.

The amount of yogurt you use depends on how many bites you would like the recipe to yield. Begin with your yogurt in a bowl large enough for mixing. Now, decide your fruit of choice. Strawberries are a really good option, and raspberries are too. Wash and dry your fruit, being sure to remove any excess water. Dice your fruit into small pieces, then add to the yogurt mixture. Fold in gently. Use a piping bag with a large nozzle, or simply a spoon, and dollop bite-sized amounts of the mixture onto a baking sheet lined with wax paper. Once finished, pop the baking sheet into the freezer and freeze until solid. Once solid, remove the bites from the paper and store them in a freezer bag or container. Enjoy!

#2: FROZEN YOGURT BARK

This frozen yogurt bark is similar to frozen berry bites, but different in all the right ways. It is a fun and customizable recipe that is perfect for a kiddo who loves to help in the kitchen.

Begin with a baking sheet lined with wax paper and your yogurt of choice. Spread the yogurt onto the wax paper in an even, thick layer, about ¼- ½ inch thick.

Now for the fun part. You and your little one can go crazy with the toppings! Berries, granola, seeds, chocolate chips, even sprinkles: the possibilities are truly endless! Once your yogurt bark is decked out, place it in the freezer until solid. After solid, remove the bark from the wax paper and break it into pieces. Delicious and nutritious!

#3 APPLE “DONUTS”

These apple donuts can also be dubbed apple “pizzas”, but the premise remains the same. I couldn’t help but attempt to put my spin on this Pinterest recipe that will get little ones asking for more!

Begin with an apple variety of your choice (my favorite is honey crisp), and make sure that the fruit is cleaned and dried. Place your apple on its side and slice the apple to create circular apple “chips.” To remove the center, use a piping tip, a small cookie cutter, or (carefully) use a knife. Once you have enough of your desired apple rings, the fun can begin!

The frosting for the donut can be made in two ways: sweet or savory. The basis is cream cheese, and I found that the whipped variety was the best. If you prefer a savory apple donut, simply spread each ring with cream cheese, and enjoy! If you prefer a sweet apple donut, mix a few tablespoons of maple syrup into the cream cheese to have a sweeter topping that is refined-sugar-free!

Cream cheese not in your little one’s wheelhouse? Peanut butter is another great option!

Top with any fun toppings that are a favorite in your family! Chocolate chips, raisins, sprinkles, coconut, seeds, and more!

#4: RICE CAKE MONSTERS

Using a rice cake in place of a piece of bread is a tasty alternative to help keep things interesting in the kitchen.

Begin with your rice cake of choice: plain or flavored. Next, add your favorite edible “glue.” This can be mashed avocado, peanut butter, cream cheese, or another spread of that nature.

Put your creative pants on, parents, because here comes the fun part! Use a variety of fruits or vegetables to design a monster face on top of the rice cake; those pesky monsters who try to get our soccer balls! This is another great snack to encourage creativity with your kiddo.

Let’s face it: snacking can be a battle. Whether it’s choosing a healthy snack or choosing any snack at all, we know how snack time can feel like an uphill climb. That is why we put together four fun and healthy snacks that can be customized to fit your family’s health and diet needs. See you on Soccer Island!

Peyton Maechtle is a former Tiny Troops Soccer Coach at our Miramar location. In addition to her passion for working with children and teaching them the great game of soccer, she also enjoys cooking and trying new recipes. She especially loves making healthy snacks for her family.