3 Best Vegan Kid Snacks
With the right time and knowledge, maintaining a vegan diet as an adult can be a breeze; for kids, this specific dietary preference may be more challenging. With their fast metabolisms and buzz of energy, kids vary between picky eating and always craving their next meal. Between class parties, time spent on the road, and the near-constant desire to eat, you’ll definitely want to keep your pantry stocked with these vegan kid snacks.
By keeping the best snacks on hand, there’s no reason your child can’t maintain a cruelty-free lifestyle even between meals!
At Willow in NYC every dish is homey and familiar, then elevated with unique flavors and upscale presentation. We’re taking relatable American food and turning it on its head—then making it vegan!
Vegan Kid Snacks They’ll Adore:
Whether your child prefers their snacks salty, spicy, or somewhere between, they’ll find something they love on this list.
Hummus
We all know how necessary protein is to a healthy, happy lifestyle, but for kids, this macronutrient can be even more vital for mood and health. Though the exact amount heavily depends on your child’s age and weight, research shows that kids around 14 and under can require up to 42 grams of protein!
To help your child maintain the necessary amount of protein, keep your home stocked with healthy, protein-rich vegan kid snacks like hummus.
Made from a blend of chickpeas, olive oil, and various seasonings, this Mediterranean snack is full of protein and fiber to keep your kid full between meals. Its mild flavor makes it easy to personalize. Try mixing in roast garlic, basil, red pepper, or even sriracha sauce to take this snack to the next level and flavor it to your child’s liking.
The options for personalization don’t stop there. Encourage your child to try new ways to eat this old classic: on toast, with pretzels, over sliced bell peppers.
Roasted Chickpeas
As delicious and versatile as chickpeas can be, some children find themselves dissuaded by the mushy texture of hummus. If you know your child needs more healthy protein in their diet but prefers crunch snacks instead, try roasting chickpeas for a salty treat.
The process of roasting your own chickpeas is incredibly easy, making it a great way to introduce your child to the basics of the kitchen. Start by opening a can of chickpeas and rinsing in cold water. Spread the beans over a paper towel and allow them to dry; your child might enjoy helping speed this process along by shaking the chickpeas in a cheesecloth or towel. For a crispier, less chewy result, remove the skins.
Once dry, toss your chickpeas in olive oil and season in whatever spice or flavor you prefer. Roast the chickpeas in a single layer at 450 degrees for thirty minutes or until crispy. Once these tasty treats have cooled, enjoy!
Be warned though; roasted chickpeas become less crispy over time. You’ll want to eat all of these within at least three days.
Vegan Nachos
Just because someone doesn’t eat cheese doesn’t mean they won’t enjoy some delicious vegan nachos!
For a delicious vegan kid snack, top some tortilla chips with your favorite healthy toppings:
- Roast bell peppers
- Guacamole
- Sriracha sauce
- Roasted garlic
- Vegan cheese
- Black beans
- Grilled onions
- Tomatoes
- Jalapenos
After placing crispy tortilla chips in a single layer, toss on a mix of your chosen toppings. Don’t be afraid to follow up with additional seasonings like garlic salt, chipotle pepper, or lime juice. When you’re done, simply slide this mix into a toaster oven, set to broil, and remove whenever you see your ingredients steaming and your chips lightly browned.
We can admit, though vegan cheese is tasty and filling, it doesn’t always have the same smooth, melted consistency most people associate with nachos. That’s perfectly okay! Just because you’re avoiding dairy in your diet doesn’t mean you and your family can’t enjoy this delicious vegan kid snack. If vegan cheese isn’t your forte, just skip that ingredient entirely and stick to healthy veggies over chips.
The best thing about this snack is that you’re free to personalize it to the health level of your choice. Want some extra protein in your child’s diet? Supplement with more black beans. Thinking of adding antioxidants and potassium to help stave off growing pains? Top their vegan nachos with a few thin slices of avocado!
Kid-Friendly Vegan Dining
To raise your child under a cruelty-free diet that sticks, it’s important that they never feel deprived of the easy meals they likely see their peers eating. Show them that vegan food can be just as fun and delicious! Keep your cabinet stocked with vegan kid snacks that help them always feel full and excited about nourishing their bodies.
A helpful part in making sure your kids enjoy every step of the vegan experience involves making sure they don’t feel left out when eating out. Luckily, every dish at Willow is completely vegan, delicious, and sure to leave your kids asking for more!
If your kids enjoy vegan nachos, they’ll love our taquitos, stuffed with chile and cumin-infused impossible meat and served with homemade salsa. Feeling more in the mood for a dessert reward? Eat sweet with our fan-favorite bananas foster, or indulge with your kids over vegan ice cream.
Willow in NYC takes pride in creative, vegan options even the pickiest child in your family will enjoy! Dine with us to celebrate the report card, piano recital, or any special occasion. Not feeling up to a night on the town? Order delivery and allow us to bring dinner to you.
