Recently I’ve been finding myself in a snack rut. I know there was a time when I served more than cereal and sunflower seeds for snacks and simple meals, but for the life of me when I go to the store, I so often just cannot think of what to buy. We are also on a mission to reduce and hopefully extinguish our single use plastic purchases. So I decided to really think and put together a list of simple and (mostly) healthy snack plate ideas to stock my cupboards with. The hope is to buy fresh and locally in season or at least dried in bulk in a reusable container. Of course my first item doesn’t not fit that rule (shaking head), but we’ll be looking for an alternative brand.

Plantain Chips: We love the Trader Joe’s version. If your kiddo likes salty snacks this is a great alternative to potato chips.

Craisins: Simple, sweet and yummy! Find these in the bulk foods section of your local store or you can grab a huge bag at Costco (look for them to go on sale periodically for a few dollars off!).

Cut Fruit: I find my daughter doesn’t usually ask for fruit, but if it’s on the table she will devour it. We like to mix it up with pineapple, apple, watermelon etc. To get a good variety and get your little ones trying new things have them pick out fruits that are in season locally that they’d like to try. Check out a local farmers market or have a box of local produce sent right to your door.

Pumpkin Seeds: Make your own in the Fall or purchase hulled, roasted and salted. They are all delicious and full of vitamins.

Sunflower Seeds: Super simple and full of nutrients, what’s not to love? Find these in the bulk foods section of your local store.

Dry Cereal: You’d be surprised how much kids love Raisin Bran! Add a scoop to any snack tray and watch it disappear.

Celery Sticks: Keep a container in the fridge at all times and pair with peanut butter, greek yogurt, ranch, pesto or your favorite dip.

Blueberries: To make these treats even more delectable, try freezing them. For a fun Summer outing take your kiddos to pick their snack at a blueberry farm. Our three year old and five month old both loved being out on the farm and even with littles in tow we were able to pick over 3 pounds in a short time!

Raspberries: Grab some at your local farmers market and serve fresh, frozen or dipped in chocolate. They’re sure to please!

Sliced Mushrooms: Sneak in some vitamin D. Slice and serve plain or with dip.

Cashews: Add a savory, buttery flare to any snack plate with a few cashews. Remember to watch little ones closely to avoid choking.

Sliced Bell Peppers

Jicama:If your’re not used to eating this root, you are probably wondering how anyone could possibly get a toddler to eat something that looks like a mix between an onion and a potato. However jicama is sweet and watery with a taste similar to an apple. In fact, I’ve had kids mistake it for apple once sliced up. Simply peel and slice.

Fresh or Cooked Green Peas: Our absolute favorite thing to eat right out of the garden is definitely peas! Grow your own or grab some at your local farmers market. With or without the shell, they are delicious and packed with nutrients.

Dried Mango: We don’t do a tun of dried fruit in our house, but the occasional dried mango is a delicious and fun addition to any snack plate.

Mandarin Oranges: Take the time to show your cuties how to peel these little gems and you will have a rewrapped snack they can take anywhere and peel themselves!

Cucumber Chips: Wash and slice. Leave the peel on for added nutrition. If you have a few extra, throw them on the grill as a side for dinner. They are seriously yum!

Zucchini Chips: Wash and slice. Leave the peel on for added nutrition. If you have a few extra, throw them on the grill as a side for dinner. They are seriously yum!

Broccoli Spears: For some kids (or adults, ahem) the top of broccoli is just too flowery when it’s raw. Try buying some with a longer stem and cutting the stem into sticks/ spears. It is juicy and somewhat sweet without the flowery texture. For added flavor set it out with your favorite dip.

Kale Chips: A great way to get the nutrition from kale without forcing salad down your toddler’s throat. Simply chop your kale, lightly drizzle with olive oil and a bit of sea salt. Then bake until slightly crisp.

Chilled Chickpeas: Open a can, rinse and chill.

Baked Chickpeas: My daughter discovered these little treasures at Starbucks. She LOVED them, and I LOVED that she was eating chickpeas as a snack! At a few dollars per bag, I decided we needed to figure out how to make our own. A quick Google search and I found tuns of super quick recipes. Check out this one from Minimalist Baker. I love that there are only 4 ingredients and the seasoning is to your personal taste. We can’t wait to make all different flavors.

Frozen Bananas: This is a perfect way to use overripe bananas. We like to peel and chop the bananas, then put them in a ziplock freezer bag. If you don’t want your bananas to stick together at all just place them on a parchment lined cookie tray and place in the freezer for a few minutes before placing into the bag. Bonus if you have a banana purée machine. Easily turn frozen bananas into creamy, frozen goodness.

Frozen Chocolate Covered Banana: Follow above tips, then dip in melted chocolate. Let them rest on parchment paper and store in the freezer. YUM!

Sliced Tomatoes: Wash, slice and devour! Add a bit of salt and pepper or your favorite seasoning for added yum! These can be super easy to grow from starts. Grab a few starts from a local nursery and get your littles involved in taking care of the plant. They will be so excited when they see the little tomatoes growing and ripening!

Share your favorite toddler or big kid simple snacks in the comments.