Keep your toddler cool with these 8 easy, healthy frozen snacks. From smoothie pops to yogurt bark, they're perfect for sunny summer days.
When the temperature rises and summer sunshine is in full swing, keeping your little ones cool and hydrated becomes a top priority. But alongside plenty of fluids and shady playtime, healthy snacks play a big role in making hot days more manageable for toddlers and infants. Here’s a guide to fun, refreshing and nutritious snacks that both families and tiny taste testers will love.
1. Smoothy Popsicles
These fresh fruit pops are a healthy twist on the popsicles your toddlers know and love.
Ingredients:
- Fresh fruits (watermelon, strawberries, mango)
- Water
- Yogurt
- Popsicle molds (silicone molds are easiest)
Steps:
- Blend together the fresh fruit with a little bit of water. Add some yogurt for a creamier texture
- Poor the mixture into popsicle molds and freeze for 8 hours or overnight
- Pop the popsicles out of the mold in the morning and you’re good to go!
Tip: For babies under one skip honey and citrus, and stick to mild fruits like pear, peach, or banana
2. Yogurt Drops
These sweet little treats and the perfect healthy and melt in your mouth snack to prepare in advance and pull out of your freezer on short notice!
Ingredients:
- Full fat yogurt (can be plain or flavoured)
- Plastic bag (optional)
Steps:
- Line a tray with wax or parchment paper. Spoon little drops of yogurt onto the tray
- For more precise shaped, put the yogurt into a plastic bag and cut the corner to pipe the yogurt into little dots
- Freeze the dots for 2-6 hours depending on the size of your dots
Tip: For infants, stick to unsweetened yogurt without added sugars or flavorings
3. Banana "Ice Cream"
This healthy twist on ice cream is the perfect way to curb your toddler's cravings, without sacrificing nutrition
Ingredients:
- 2 Frozen Bananas (the riper the better)
- ½ cup-1 cup of milk (low fat milk works fine)
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- Hand full of semi sweet chocolate chips
- Blender
Steps:
- Start by blending your frozen bananas
- Slowly add milk as needed until a thick, creamy texture is achieved
- Add in your vanilla extract to add a bit of sweet flavour
- Optionally, chop up some semi sweet chocolate and throw it into the mix to add a crunchy texture
- Eat it right away, or store it in an airtight container in the freezer. Let it defrost for 5-10 minutes before you scoop and serve.
4. Frozen Fruit Pops
These popsicles are a hydrating and fun way to help your little ones cool down.
Ingredients:
- Fresh Fruits (strawberries, raspberries, etc.)
- Water
- Popsicle Mold
Steps:
- Chop up your fruit into small pieces
- Pour a little bit of water into the mold and press in some fruit
- Continue these steps until the mold is full
- Leave in the freezer for at least 4 hours and you’ll have the perfect hydrating treat for a hot day!
5. Frozen Grapes
This quick and easy snack is a great way to turn a simple serving of fruit into a fun frozen treat!
Ingredients:
- Grapes (try red and green for some variety)
Steps:
- Cut the grapes into quarters to reduce choking hazard for toddlers
- Freeze the grapes for 2-4 hours
- Serve as a refreshing snack on hot afternoons
Tip: Frozen grapes are not recommended for infants. Instead, put some into a mesh feed for a great teething option.
6. Chilled Oatmeal Bites
A soft and scoopable snack that you can prepare with the help of your toddler and is packed with fiber and nutrients.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup old-fashioned rolled oats or quick oats (gluten-free if needed)
- ¼ cup formula or unsweetened milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- ¼ cup mashed banana, unsweetened applesauce or pureed fruit
- 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed or chia seeds (optional for fiber)
- 1 tablespoon full-fat plain yogurt or nut butter
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg
Steps:
- Soften the oats in warm formula or milk by letting them soak for 5-10 minutes
- Mix in the mashed fruit, flaxseed/chia seeds, yogurt or nut butter, and some spices. The consistency should be thick but scoopable
- Scoop little balls using a spoon or cookie scoop, shape them with your hands. Toddlers can help roll them out as well.
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes or freeze for 10-15 minutes. You can store these in an air tight container in the fridge for up to 3 days
7. Greek Yogurt Bark
No popsicle molds? No problem! Try this easy frozen yogurt bark is a customizable treat for warm weather.
Ingredients:
- Whole milk Greek yogurt (plain or vanilla)
- Maple syrup (if using plain yogurt)
- Fruit (strawberries, blueberries, bananas)
- Granola or chocolate chips (optional)
- Nut butter (optional)
Steps:
- Spread Greek yogurt on a parchment lined tray. If your yogurt is plain, mix in your desired amount of maple syrup beforehand.
- Press small pieces of fruit gently into the top of the yogurt.
- Add any extra toppings if desired
- Freeze the treat for 2-4 hours depending on the thickness of your yogurt
- Take the bark out and cut it into pieces
- Enjoy right away or store in a freezer bag for up to 1 month
8. Rainbow Fruit Ice
This healthy take on shaved ice is the perfect way to get your toddler to eat fruits in a fun and fresh way!
Ingredients:
- Strawberries
- Mango or cantaloupe
- Pineapple or banana
- Kiwi or honeydew
- Grater
Steps:
- Freeze all your fruit ahead of time
- Grate the frozen fruit to create fluffy ice shavings
- Serve right away before it melts!
This summer, treat your little one to delicious and refreshing snacks that offer more than just great taste. These eight frozen favorites are easy to make, fun to eat and give you peace of mind knowing your child is enjoying something healthy. Whether it's creamy banana “ice cream” or colorful yogurt bark, these treats are sure to be a hit on hot days.
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