Throwing a party for kids can be a delightful experience, but it also presents the challenge of providing food that is both appealing and nutritious. Parents today are increasingly conscious of the need to offer healthier options that cater to various dietary needs and preferences. The goal is to create a celebration filled with joy, laughter, and delicious food that everyone can enjoy without compromising on health. Here are some creative and practical ideas for healthy kids' party food.
Embracing Whole Foods and Minimizing Processed Ingredients
One of the primary strategies for creating a healthier party menu is to focus on whole foods and minimize ultra-processed ingredients. Ultra-processed foods often contain hidden sugars, unhealthy fats, and artificial additives that can lead to sugar crashes and other health issues. By making a conscious effort to avoid these ingredients, you can provide a more balanced and nutritious meal for the children.
Homemade Bread and Sandwiches
Instead of relying on store-bought bread that may contain numerous hidden ingredients, consider making your own. A simple sandwich loaf can be surprisingly easy to prepare and allows you to control exactly what goes into it.
Ham and Cheese Sandwiches: Use homemade bread and freshly thin-sliced butcher's ham. Grated supermarket own-brand cheddar provides a familiar and kid-friendly cheese option. These sandwiches, made with care, offer a healthier twist on a classic favorite.
Mini Pizzas from Scratch
Mini pizzas are always a hit at parties. By making the flatbread dough from scratch, you can avoid many of the unhealthy additives found in pre-made versions. Top with supermarket own-brand organic tomato puree and grated cheddar for a simple yet satisfying treat. Lightly cook and freeze the mini pizzas ahead of time to save time on the day of the party.
Read also: Healthy food access with Highmark Wholecare explained.
Chipolata Sausages
Opt for butcher's chipolata sausages, which tend to have fewer processed ingredients than their supermarket counterparts. These can be cooked the morning of the party and served cold, making them a convenient and tasty option.
Creative and Nutritious Snack Ideas
Snacks are an essential part of any party, and there are plenty of ways to make them both fun and healthy.
Rainbow Fruit Skewers with Yogurt Dip
These colorful and interactive fruit skewers are a simple and fun way to encourage kids to eat more fruit. Serve them with a cinnamon-spiced yogurt dip for an extra touch of flavor.
1 kabob with 2 tablespoons dip: 147 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 143mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
Mini Hummus Cups with Veggie Sticks
Pair protein-rich hummus with crunchy carrot, cucumber, and bell pepper sticks. This combination provides a satisfying and nutritious snack that is also visually appealing.
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Apple Salsa
Serve apple salsa as an appetizer, snack, or even dessert. Its sweet flavor and easy portability make it a versatile option for any party.
Ants on a Log
This classic snack consists of celery sticks filled with peanut butter (or sunflower seed spread for allergy-conscious hosts) and topped with raisins. It’s a fun and easy way to get kids to eat vegetables and protein.
Yogurt Parfaits
Layer yogurt with granola and berries in small cups for a colorful and healthy treat. These parfaits can be customized with different types of yogurt (dairy or non-dairy) and a variety of fruits to suit different tastes and dietary needs.
Allergy-Friendly Options
With the rise in food allergies and sensitivities, it’s essential to consider allergy-friendly options when planning a kids' party. Being proactive about allergens is not just polite but essential, especially in diverse communities.
Nut-Free Trail Mix
Create a nut-free trail mix using seeds, dried fruits, and allergen-free cereals. This ensures that all children can enjoy a tasty and satisfying snack without the risk of allergic reactions.
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Dairy-Free Ice Cream Bars
Serve dairy-free ice cream bars made with coconut milk or almond milk. These creamy and delicious treats allow everyone to indulge, regardless of dairy sensitivities.
Gluten-Free Mini Pizzas
Make mini pizzas using a cauliflower crust as the base. Top with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and your favorite toppings for a gluten-free twist on a classic favorite.
Mini Sandwich Skewers
Skip the bread entirely or use gluten-free options. Thread bite-sized pieces of cheese, meat, and vegetables onto skewers for a fun and allergy-friendly snack.
Chia Seed Pudding with Berries
Prepare chia seed pudding ahead of time using unsweetened almond milk, chia seeds, and a touch of honey. Top with fresh fruit for a nutritious and satisfying treat that is both gluten-free and dairy-free.
Baked Treats and Desserts with a Healthier Twist
No party is complete without some sweet treats, but you can still offer healthier options that kids will love.
Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread
This fun and interactive treat allows kids to "play" as they roll pieces of refrigerated biscuit dough into balls.
1 piece: 133 calories, 6g fat (4g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 174mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
Root Beer Float Cookies
Capture the flavor of root beer floats in cookie form. These cookies are even better the next day, making them perfect for preparing in advance.
1 cookie: 130 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 96mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
Fruit Pizzas
These pretty fruit pizzas start with premade cookie dough, making them super simple to prepare. Top with a light cream cheese frosting and an assortment of fresh fruits for a colorful and delicious dessert.
1 slice: 235 calories, 12g fat (6g saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 162mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
Frozen Yogurt Pops
These frozen yogurt pops are a healthy snack and a cool, creamy sweet treat all in one. Kids love them at birthday parties.
1 pop: 60 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 28mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
S'mores
Enjoy the taste of s’mores year-round with this simple recipe.
1 piece: 145 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 66mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
Banana Muffins
This banana muffin recipe goes over so well with kids. These banana bread muffins are like cupcakes and ready in just half an hour.
1 muffin: 209 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 209mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
School Cake with Royal Icing Lego Pieces
Opt for an old-fashioned school cake because it is easy to make and doesn't have multiple layers of cake and icing, so you dodge extra sugar that way. Plus, it's easy to cut into small cubes, and because you make royal icing lego pieces, the kids will go mad for it. Serve cake 40 minutes before the end of the party so that any sugar high can be worn off.
Savory Bites and Appetizers
Balance out the sweet treats with some savory options that are still kid-friendly.
Mini Burgers
Use bread crusts accumulating in your freezer to prepare these mini burgers. They’re delicious and a kid-friendly finger food.
1 burger: 68 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 153mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
Mac and Cheese Hot Dogs
Pile mac and cheese on hot dogs. Add extra cheese, relish, and even bacon for a fun twist.
1 appetizer: 198 calories, 12g fat (5g saturated fat), 25mg cholesterol, 446mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
Pesto Pinwheels
Combine refrigerated crescent roll dough, prepared pesto sauce, and roasted red peppers for colorful and impressive snacks.
1 pinwheel: 76 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 201mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
Mini Lasagnas
This is a super fun way to serve lasagna for make-ahead lunches, potlucks, or other fun get-togethers.
2 mini lasagnas: 414 calories, 19g fat (9g saturated fat), 83mg cholesterol, 970mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 22g protein.
Pizza Sloppy Joes
A pizza version of the sloppy joe, this hot and melty open-faced sandwich is a surefire kid pleaser. Adults love it, too!
2 open-faced sandwiches: 280 calories, 14g fat (6g saturated fat), 46mg cholesterol, 612mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 18g protein.
Quesadillas
Serve these quesadillas as chili dippers or load them up with salsa and sour cream for a super starter. Add bacon for a sweet-smoky flavor.
1 each: 47 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 105mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
Taco Bar
Create a taco bar with whole wheat tortillas, lean meats like ground turkey or shredded chicken, and veggies like onions, bell peppers, avocado, and shredded lettuce. They’re easy to prepare the day before and a good source of protein and nutrients.
Baked Sweet Potato Fries
These are one of the most popular snacks at parties. They feel indulgent but are packed with vitamin A and fiber.
Hydration and Beverages
Encourage kids to stay hydrated with fun and healthy beverage options.
Water Station with Infused Water
Set up a water station with pitchers of water infused with fresh fruits like lemon, lime, and berries. It’s a great way to encourage kids to stay hydrated while adding a pop of flavor.
Freshly Squeezed Juices
Prepare freshly squeezed juices using a variety of fruits and vegetables. Try combinations like apple-carrot, orange-ginger, or watermelon-mint for a refreshing and nutrient-packed drink.