Getting kids to eat healthy can be a real challenge, but it’s essential for their growth and development. One easy way to boost their nutrition is by adding our Kids Probiotics to their favorite snacks. This turns tasty treats into nutritious powerhouses! In this blog post, we’ll share how to make healthy snacks for kids, making it simple and delicious for your little ones to stay healthy.

Are all probiotics good for children?

Not all probiotics for kids are created equal. It’s important to choose strains that are both safe and beneficial. Two of the most well-researched and commonly recommended strains for children are Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. These strains improve digestive health and boost the immune system, which is why we specifically included them in our Kids Probiotics & Prebiotics supplement!  

Note: While probiotics are generally deemed safe, always consult your child’s doctor before starting them to ensure they are appropriate for your child’s needs.

How to add our Kids Probiotics to children’s snacks?

Our Kids Probiotics come in tablet form. To add them to your kids’ snacks, crush the tablet into powder using a spoon or pill crusher. Once powdered, mix it into the snacks listed below.

Make sure to add probiotics to snacks that aren’t too hot, as high temperatures can reduce their effectiveness.

Consume the snack immediately to ensure the probiotics reach your child’s gut alive (they’re essentially useless when dead).

Here are 5 fun and healthy snack ideas for children

The wildberry flavor of our Kids Probiotics tablets enhances the taste of these snacks, making them even more enjoyable for kids. When making healthy probiotic snacks for toddlers and smaller children, be sure to make adjustments to reduce the risk of choking. 

That said, let’s dive into some easy and delicious recipes that your kids will love.

Recipe #1 – Probiotic Energy Balls

Serving Size: Makes 12-15 energy balls

Ingredients:

• 1 cup oats
• 1/2 cup peanut butter or almond butter
• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips or dried fruit
• 2-3 probiotic tablets

Instructions:

1. Mix oats, nut butter, and honey/maple syrup in a bowl.
2. Stir in mini chocolate chips or dried fruit.
3. Crush the probiotic tablets and mix the powder into the dough.
4. Roll into bite-sized balls and refrigerate until firm.

Recipe #2 – Probiotic Apple Sauce

Serving Size: 2 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsweetened apple sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1-2 probiotic tablets

Instructions:

1. Crush the probiotic tablets and mix the powder into the apple sauce.
2. Sprinkle with cinnamon for extra flavor.
3. Serve as a healthy snack or dessert.

Recipe #3 – Probiotic Smoothie Pops

Serving Size: Makes 4-6 popsicles

Ingredients:

• 1 banana
• 1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
• 1/2 cup spinach (optional)
• 1 cup Greek yogurt or kefir
• 1-2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
• 2-3 probiotic tablets

Instructions:

1. Blend the banana, berries, spinach, yogurt/kefir, and sweetener until smooth.
2. Crush the probiotic tablets and add the powder to the mixture.
3. Pour the smoothie into popsicle molds and freeze until solid.

Recipe #4 – Probiotic Yogurt Parfait

Serving Size: 1 parfait

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
• 1/4 cup granola
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1-2 probiotic tablets

Instructions:

1. Crush the probiotic tablets into a fine powder.
2. Layer Greek yogurt in a cup or bowl.
3. Sprinkle fresh berries and granola on top.
4. Mix the crushed probiotic powder into the yogurt.
5. Drizzle with honey for added sweetness.

Recipe #5 – Probiotic Fruit Dip

Serving Size: 4 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cream cheese or Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Assorted fresh fruit slices (apple, banana, pear)
• 1-2 probiotic tablets

Instructions:

1. Mix cream cheese or Greek yogurt with honey and vanilla extract until smooth.
2. Crush the probiotic tablets and stir the powder into the dip.
3. Serve with a variety of fresh fruit slices.

As you can see, these homemade probiotic snacks offer several advantages. You control the ingredients, ensuring they are healthy, fresh, and free from additives and preservatives typically found in store-bought options, including probiotic yogurt. Making these snacks can also be a fun and educational activity, allowing you to teach your kids about nutrition and gut health!

Can kids take probiotic snacks if they’re on antibiotics?  

Yes, kids can take probiotic snacks even if they’re on antibiotics. In fact, probiotics can be especially beneficial during and after a course of antibiotics, as they help replenish the good bacteria that antibiotics may deplete. Just ensure you give the probiotic snacks a few hours apart from the antibiotics to maximize their effectiveness. 

Conclusion

Healthy snacks for kids just got tastier and more beneficial with our Kids Probiotics! From yogurt parfaits to smoothie pops, these easy-to-make recipes ensure your child gets their daily dose of gut-friendly bacteria.

The post Healthy Snacks for Kids: Boosting Nutrition with Probiotics appeared first on Intelligent Labs.