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 Live Cultures 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.
Table of Contents
Are all live cultures good for children?
Not all live cultures 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 Live Cultures & Fibre supplement!
Note: While live cultures 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 Live Cultures to children’s snacks?
Our Kids Live Cultures 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 the live cultures to snacks that aren’t too hot, as high temperatures can reduce their effectiveness.
Consume the snack immediately to ensure the live cultures 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 Live Cultures tablets enhances the taste of these snacks, making them even more enjoyable for kids. When making healthy 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 – Energy Balls with Live Cultures
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 tablets of Kids Live Cultures
Instructions:
- Mix oats, nut butter, and honey/maple syrup in a bowl.
- Stir in mini chocolate chips or dried fruit.
- Crush the tablets and mix the powder into the dough.
- Roll into bite-sized balls and refrigerate until firm.
Recipe #2 – Apple Sauce with Live Cultures
Serving Size: 2 servings
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsweetened apple sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1-2 Kids Live Cultures tablets
Instructions:
- Crush the tablets and mix the powder into the apple sauce.
- Sprinkle with cinnamon for extra flavor.
- Serve as a healthy snack or dessert.
Recipe #3 – Smoothie Pops with Live Cultures
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 Kids Live Cultures tablets
Instructions:
- Blend the banana, berries, spinach, yogurt/kefir, and sweetener until smooth.
- Crush the tablets and add the powder to the mixture.
- Pour the smoothie into popsicle molds and freeze until solid.
Recipe #4 – Yogurt Parfait with Live Cultures
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 Kids Live Cultures tablets
Instructions:
- Crush the tablets into a fine powder.
- Layer Greek yogurt in a cup or bowl.
- Sprinkle fresh berries and granola on top.
- Mix the crushed Kids Live Cultures powder into the yogurt.
- Drizzle with honey for added sweetness.
Recipe #5 – Fruit Dip with Live Cultures
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 Kids Live Cultures tablets
Instructions:
- Mix cream cheese or Greek yogurt with honey and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Crush the tablets and stir the powder into the dip.
- Serve with a variety of fresh fruit slices.
As you can see, these homemade 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 yogurt live cultures. 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 live cultures snacks if they’re on antibiotics?
Yes, kids can take snacks with live cultures even if they’re on antibiotics. In fact, live cultures 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 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 Live Cultures! From yogurt parfaits to smoothie pops, these easy-to-make recipes ensure your child gets their daily dose of gut-friendly bacteria.
