Parents know how essential it is to feed their children healthy foods as much as possible. There are times, however, when every parent falls short in this area. Life is busy.
Sometimes you’re rushing out the door with your hands full and grab whatever quick snack ideas for kids you can think of to keep your little ones satisfied while you run your errands. A bag of chips, a few cookies, or a can of soda might be the easiest types of snacks for your grab-and-go moments.
This is common for many parents and if it sounds familiar to you, then know you’re not alone. There is a healthy solution that won’t interfere with your schedule, however, and you should know about it: dehydrated food!
Dehydrated snacks are easy to make and quick snack options for when on the go or when tied up with busy life activities. You might not always have the time to put together a 5-star nutritious meal, but you can offer your children these healthy snacks listed below!
Introduction to Healthy Snacking
Healthy snacking is an essential part of maintaining a balanced diet and lifestyle, especially for growing kids. With the increasing demand for convenient and nutritious food options, dehydrated snacks have become a popular choice for many families. By removing the water content from fruits, vegetables, and other foods, you get a crispy and nutritious snack that can be enjoyed on-the-go.
Dehydrated snacks are not only delicious but also packed with essential nutrients. They are easy to make at home using a food dehydrator, allowing you to control the ingredients and avoid added sugars and preservatives. Plus, getting your kids involved in the snack preparation process can be a fun and educational activity. In this article, we will explore the benefits of healthy snacking, provide tips on how to get kids involved in snack preparation, and share some delicious and easy-to-make dehydrated snack recipes.
Dehydrated Fruits Chips
Think of your children’s favorite dried fruits to munch on. These fruits are healthy and can be convenient at times, but fresh fruit only lasts for so long and can make quite the mess when on the go.
Instead, consider taking your children’s favorite fruits and dehydrating them! dehydrated fruits, when cut into slices, create fruit chips. These fruit chips taste just like candy, and you might find that your kiddos enjoy the dehydrated version of some fruits better!
For those who love sweet snacks, consider dehydrating strawberries. For those who enjoy sour snacks, you can dehydrate kiwis, creating delicious dehydrated kiwi chips.
Wash your fruit and slice them into round pieces. Place them on a dehydrator tray without overlapping them. Dry on high for several hours until the fruit is completely dried out.
Mango Slices
You might have seen dehydrated mango slices in the store before, but it’s important to keep in mind that the ones bought in the store are smothered in sugar and preservatives. Making them at home in your own dehydrator is much healthier for your little ones.
Cut your mango into 1/4 inch slices. If you want a chewier slice, you can cut them thicker. Keep in mind that the thicker the slices are, the longer they’ll need to dehydrate them for.
Lay the slices on the tray and dehydrate for 10-12 hours at 135°.
Apple Cinnamon Fruit Rollups
If your children are like most kiddos, then they enjoy a yummy fruit rollup every now and then. Rather than giving them unhealthy fruit rollups from the store, consider making them at home in your dehydrator. It’s simple!
Take the dehydrator tray and place a piece of parchment paper on top of it. Take unsweetened apple sauce and evenly spread it over the parchment paper. Lightly sprinkle some cinnamon on top.
Dehydrate for 8-10 hours at 135°. The end result is your very own healthy fruit rollup snacks!
Kale Chips
Fresh fruits might be more popular than fresh veggies with your children, but when you dehydrate veggies, they’re scrumptious! You can also dehydrate fresh herbs to add a burst of flavor to your snacks. Kale chips are a great way to introduce your little ones to some greens.
Take your kale and wash it. Pat it dry and break it into bite-size pieces. Place in a bowl and add 1tsp salt, turmeric, and olive oil. Evenly coat the kale bites and place them on a piece of parchment paper on a tray.
Dehydrate for 8-10 hours at 135°. You can then place them in little baggies and grab a bag for your children as you head out the door. They’re delicious and filled with !
Watermelon Jerky
Watermelon jerky is like sinking your teeth into delicious candy pieces. Watermelon jerky provides a satisfying crunch similar to potato chips but is a much healthier option. It takes longer to dehydrate watermelon because of its high water content, but you’ll love the end result.
Take your watermelon and cut it into wedges. Cut the rind off and slice into 1/4 inch slices. Place them on a piece of parchment paper on a tray and place in the dehydrator for 18-24 hours at 135°.
If desired, you can also splash some lime onto the watermelon slices before placing them in the dehydrator.
Pickle Chips
Some children love them and others despise them. They’re pickles! If your children love pickles, then they’ll really love pickle chips
The first step is to drain your pickles and rinse with water. Pat them dry and place on a tray without overlapping them. Dehydrate for 8 hours at 135° or until fully dried out and crispy.
Dehydrated Fish
Dehydrated salmon is high in vitamin D, B12, omega 3, protein, and more. If your children already eat fish, then they’ll enjoy fish jerky on the go. Take a fresh cut of salmon and place it in the freezer for about 30 mins.
Remove from the freezer and slice into 1/4 inch slices. Be sure to remove all skin as well. In a bowl, mix together the following ingredients:
- ½ cup raw apple cider vinegar
- 1 T paprika
- 1 T organic lemon juice
- ½ T onion powder
- 1 ½ tsp sea salt
- 2 T coconut aminos
- 1 cup of filtered water
- ½!– /wp:list-item –>
This will make the brine. Place the salmon slices in the brine, mix together, and let it sit for 12 hours in the fridge. Remove from the fridge and place on a paper towel to help soak up the extra liquid.
Then place the slices on a tray. Dehydrate for 3-4 hours at 145° or until a dark red-brown color.
Protein-Packed Snacks
Protein-packed snacks are essential for maintaining energy levels and supporting muscle growth in children. Dehydrated snacks can be a fantastic source of protein, especially when made with protein-rich ingredients like nuts, seeds, and lean meats. For instance, beef jerky, turkey jerky, and chicken strips are all excellent options that can be easily made at home.
To make these protein-packed snacks, start by choosing lean cuts of meat and marinating them with your favorite seasonings. Avoid adding excessive salt and sugar to keep the snacks healthy. Once marinated, place the meat slices on dehydrator trays and dry them until they reach the desired texture. You can also add protein powder to your dehydrated snack recipes for an extra boost. These snacks are perfect for keeping your kids energized throughout the day.
Healthy Snack Storage and Safety
Proper storage and safety are crucial when it comes to dehydrated snacks. To maintain the freshness and nutritional value of your dehydrated snacks, store them in airtight containers in a cool, dry place. This helps prevent moisture from getting in and spoiling the snacks. For extended shelf life, you can also store dehydrated snacks in the refrigerator or freezer.
When storing dehydrated snacks, make sure to label the containers with the date and contents. This helps you keep track of their freshness and ensures you consume them before they go bad. Always check the snacks for signs of spoilage before consuming them, and discard any snacks that are past their expiration date or show signs of mold or bacterial growth. By following these storage and safety tips, you can enjoy your healthy snacks without any worries.
Getting Kids Involved in Snack Preparation
Getting kids involved in snack preparation is a wonderful way to teach them about healthy eating and cooking. Dehydrated snacks are a great option for kids to make, as they are easy to prepare and require minimal supervision. Start by letting your kids help with simple tasks like washing and slicing fruits and vegetables. As they become more comfortable, they can move on to more complex tasks like mixing and seasoning.
Encourage your kids to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to create their own unique dehydrated snack recipes. For example, they can try making banana chips with a sprinkle of cinnamon or dehydrated strawberries with a touch of honey. By involving kids in snack preparation, you can help them develop healthy eating habits and a lifelong love for cooking. Plus, it’s a fun activity that the whole family can enjoy together.
Nutritional Benefits of Healthy Snacking
Healthy snacking provides numerous nutritional benefits, including supporting energy levels, maintaining weight, and promoting overall health and well-being. Dehydrated snacks are a fantastic option for healthy snacking, as they are rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Dehydrated fruits and vegetables, in particular, retain most of their nutritional value during the dehydration process.
Some examples of nutrient-dense dehydrated snacks include dried strawberries, kale chips, and banana chips. These snacks are not only delicious but also packed with essential nutrients that support your child’s growth and development. By incorporating healthy snacking into your diet, you can support your overall health and well-being, and maintain a balanced lifestyle. So, the next time you’re looking for a quick and healthy snack for your kids, consider reaching for some dehydrated fruits or vegetables.
Which Healthy Snacks Ideas for Kids Will You Try?
There are so many different healthy yet yummy snacks that you can create in your dehydrator. There’s something for every child! With so many options to choose from, which snack ideas for kids will you try?
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