Snacks for toddlers can be so hard! I have compiled a list of our current favorite snacks. Most of these can be found at Cost-Co, however, you can scope out your local Aldi's, Tjmaxx, Target, or Walmart for these as well.
- Yum Earth lollipops: These are organic, allergy friendly, vegan, and have real fruits and veggies in them. They are a great treat that we can just grab and go for in the car or out at the store. I found this bag at Tjmaxx for $6.
- Pirate's Booty popcorn: These are a great alternative to popcorn. These are gluten-free, they are baked, and made without any artificial colors or preservatives. I found these at Costco and they come in a huge box with 40 bags in it for $15. They are also such a great snack for grabbing and going.
- Muffins: While these are probably not the healthiest, they are a great quick breakfast in the morning or even for a mid-day snack. For $10, you get 12 huge muffins. You get to pick 2 boxes of muffins and can mix and match flavors. This week we got the double chocolate as well as the pumpkin streusel muffins.
... Read moreI totally get how tricky it is to find snacks that toddlers actually eat, are somewhat healthy, and don't break the bank! It's a constant juggle, especially when you're on the go. After a lot of trial and error, I've found a few more gems that complement our existing favorites and really help streamline snack time.
Let's dive deeper into why snacks like Pirate's Booty are such a lifesaver. Those individually packaged snacks from Costco aren't just convenient; they're perfectly portioned, which means less waste and less mess. I always keep a box of these in our pantry. We love the Aged White Cheddar rice and corn puffs, and my little one even points out the pirate character on the bag! When buying in bulk, I sometimes transfer a few bags into a smaller basket in our snack drawer so they’re easy for him to grab (with supervision, of course!). It’s also great to know they’re baked and free from artificial colors, making me feel a bit better about giving them as a treat.
Speaking of treats, those Yum Earth organic lollipops are a brilliant find, especially from places like TJMaxx where you can snag a bulk bag for a great price! Knowing they're organic, vegan, and allergy-friendly gives me peace of mind. They're perfect for those moments when you need a quick distraction in the car or a small reward. We’ve also explored their fruit snacks, which are another fantastic 'clean' option for little hands.
And for muffins – while the Costco double chocolate and pumpkin streusel muffins are delicious and huge, I often try to balance them out. Sometimes, I’ll bake my own healthier mini muffins with hidden veggies like zucchini or carrots. That way, I can control the sugar and add extra nutrients. But for busy mornings, those big Costco muffins are a lifesaver! I often slice them in half and freeze them, then just pop one in the microwave for a quick breakfast.
Beyond these, I’ve found that incorporating more fresh, budget-friendly options alongside these purchased snacks makes a big difference. Think about buying big bags of apples or bananas from Costco – simple, natural, and always a hit. Cheese sticks, yogurt pouches, and mandarins are also go-to items that I buy in bulk. Look for deals at Aldi’s or even Target on these staples. I’ve noticed that having a variety of snack items readily available, including some easy-to-grab fruit and vegetable options, prevents snacktime meltdowns and keeps my toddler happy and fueled. Creating a dedicated snack drawer with a mix of individually packaged snacks and fresh items has been a game-changer for us. It’s all about finding that balance of convenience, nutrition, and affordability!