Busy days with toddlers often blur into a whirlwind of daycare drop-offs, errands, park outings, and trying to get everyone fed on time. On those nonstop days (which, let’s be honest, is most days), having a stash of easy toddler snacks on hand can make all the difference.
While I always aim to serve fresh, whole foods first, I fully embrace the convenience of grab-and-go options—especially the kind you can toss into a diaper bag or backpack and forget about until you need them.
Here are our tried-and-true favorite snacks for toddlers. They’re easy to pack, low in added sugar, and perfect for keeping little tummies happy (and you sane!).
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1. Fresh Fruit
(Also featured in our Easy Baby Snacks We Love post—prepped here for toddlers)
Fresh fruit is naturally sweet, hydrating, and full of fiber—an everyday staple in our snack routine. With a little prep, many fruits travel surprisingly well.
Toddler-friendly favorites:
- Bananas – Serve whole or in half
- Blueberries – Washed and halved if needed
- Apple and pear slices – Prevent browning with a splash of lemon juice
- Mango and papaya cubes – Soft and easy to chew when ripe
- Seedless grapes – Quartered lengthwise for safety
- Clementine segments – Peel ahead to minimize mess
2. Veggie Snacks
Getting toddlers to eat vegetables isn’t always easy, but the right texture and dips help! We go for soft or crunchy options that are familiar and fun to dip.
Ideas to try:
- Cucumber sticks, sweet peppers, or cherry tomatoes with hummus or guacamole
- Roasted sweet potato cubes – Naturally sweet and toddler-approved
- Steamed broccoli or carrots – Pack warm in an insulated food jar or cool in a snack container
3. Chia Pudding or Overnight Oats (Make-Ahead Cups)
These are full of fiber, plant-based omega-3s, and iron—plus they’re easy to prep ahead. Pack in a small reusable container with a spoon.
Ideas:
- Chia pudding with mashed banana and cinnamon
- Overnight oats with Greek yogurt and diced strawberries
- Try adding ground flaxseed or nut butter for extra nutrition
4. Freezer-Friendly Mini Muffins
(Also appeared in our Easy Baby Snacks We Love post—still great for toddlers)
Mini muffins are great to batch-prep and freeze for busy mornings or long outings. They thaw quickly and are soft enough for little hands and mouths.
Homemade favorites:
- Banana or blueberry oat muffins
- Pumpkin chocolate chip muffins
- Veggie-packed carrots and zucchini muffins
5. Cheese Sticks or Cubes (Fresh Dairy)
Cheese is a great source of protein and calcium—and it pairs perfectly with fruit or crackers. Keep it cool with an ice pack when you're out and about.
Ideas:
- Mini Babybel rounds
- Mozzarella or cheddar cheese sticks
- Cheese cubes + halved grapes or crackers
6. Whole-Grain Tortilla Roll-Ups
Roll-ups make a fun, satisfying snack or light meal. They’re easy to prep ahead and slice into toddler-friendly pinwheels.
Favorite combos:
- Cream cheese and thin apple or pear slices
- Mashed avocado and shredded chicken
- Hummus and grated carrots or cucumbers
7. Hard-Boiled Eggs or Egg Bites
We can’t do eggs at our house due to an allergy, but they’re so nutrient-dense they deserve a mention!
Ideas:
- Hard-boiled eggs, peeled and quartered
- Mini egg bites with cheese, spinach, and finely diced veggies
8. Snack Bars
Sometimes you just need something quick, shelf-stable, and not messy. We go for snack bars with short ingredient lists and low sugar.
Top picks:
- MadeGood Mini Bites and Bars – Nut-free and school-safe
- RX Kids Mini Protein Bars – Minimal ingredients and higher protein (for age 2+)
9. Soft Dried Fruit (No Added Sugar)
Soft-dried fruit is a sweet, treat snack that travels well. Select options with no added sugar.
Favorites:
- Soft-dried mango slices
- Soft-dried pineapple rings
- Organic dried apricots or dates
10. Treat-Style Snacks
These might not be everyday snacks, but they’re great to have on hand for long outings, travel days, or toddler meltdowns when a little treat goes a long way.
Treat picks:
- Pocky Sticks – Fun to hold and less messy than most cookies. My son loves the chocolate and strawberry flavors, and I love that they’re portion-controlled.
- Nature's Garden Probiotic Yoggies – Strawberry, mixed berry, or peach-mango fruit bites coated in creamy yogurt. These are seriously tasty and addictive—but they’re high in sugar and tend to stick to little teeth. If your toddler isn’t great about brushing, it might be best to offer these sparingly or skip them altogether.
- Fruit strips – Look for brands with no added sugar. They’re chewy and sweet, with a slightly better texture for teeth than yogurt-covered snacks, but still best enjoyed occasionally.
What Are Your Go-To Toddler Snacks?
These toddler snacks have saved us more times than I can count. While I love offering fresh fruits and homemade bites, it’s the mix of nutritious and convenient snacks that keeps our days running smoothly. I always keep a few packaged snacks tucked into the diaper bag.
Have a favorite toddler snack in your rotation? Drop it in the comments—I’m always looking for new ideas to try!
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