The Top 16 Healthiest Foods that Kids Will Actually Eat at Home

Published: February 13, 2025 by Justin Zipprich | Leave a comment

As a parent, finding healthy foods that your kids will actually eat can be a tough battle. Children can be particularly picky, but it’s essential that they get the proper vitamins and nutrients. Worry no longer. There are a surprising number of snacks that your kids will want to try day after day without any convincing at all.

There are some healthy items on this list that you’ve probably considered before, like yogurt and trail mix. There are also many healthy choices that may catch you by surprise, like pickles, olives, and hard-boiled eggs. It may not seem like your kids would like them, but by preparing these healthy items just right, you’ll satisfy their appetites and leave them wanting more. Consider the foods on this list during the next snack time.

Avocado

The first of the foods that kids will actually eat are avocados. Your children should have them because they’re loaded with health benefits. They contain potassium, which regulates your blood pressure. They also have fiber for a healthy digestive system. Avocados are also good for eye and skin health. You can serve avocados by themselves, or you can pair them with chicken and other tasty items.

Yogurt

Yogurt is a great snack and it’s one of the healthiest for people of all ages. Most yogurt is loaded with vitamin D and protein. You can make yogurt more flavorful by adding berries or whole grain cereal. You can also get yogurt in different flavors that you know your kids will enjoy.

Popcorn

If you don’t load your popcorn with butter and you don’t eat too much per serving, then it can actually be a pretty healthy snack. Popcorn contains tons of fiber, which is good for digestive health and weight management. Provide it for an afternoon snack and your kids will be delighted.

Watermelon

When it’s hot during the summer, bring your kids a refreshing and healthy snack. Watermelon is a great treat, and it’s a good source of fiber that helps mitigate digestive issues. The fruit also provides beta-carotene, which becomes vitamin A in the body. That vitamin is necessary for skin and eye health.

Sweet Potato

You may not have considered sweet potatoes before, but if you dress them up right, your kids will love them and they’ll reap the health benefits. Sweet potatoes are also a great source of beta carotene, which helps the body to create that essential vitamin A. Your kids may be more likely to eat sweet potatoes if you turn them into fries or top them off with honey and cinnamon.

Oatmeal

Oatmeal has been a dependable breakfast option for decades, and it still holds up today. Oatmeal is a great source of fiber that regulates digestive health. Staying regular is important, and oatmeal can do the trick. You can make oatmeal more attractive to kids by adding it to smoothies or muffins. Or, add fruit for an extra layer of flavor.

Celery With Peanut Butter

If you want to make a snack that your kids will actually eat, then go with an old classic and get them celery with peanut butter. You can also kick it up a notch by adding raisins and making “ants on a log.” The kids will think it is fun without realizing that they’re getting various health benefits, including lots of protein and plenty of vitamins, including vitamins K, C, and A.

Apples With Peanut Butter

While you have the peanut butter jar out, you can also consider preparing apples with peanut butter. Apple are very healthy because they are rich in fiber, which is necessary to lower cholesterol levels. Also, the skin of apples contains pectin, which is essential for a healthy gut. There are many different apple varieties at the store, so pick one that your kids enjoy the most.

Trail Mix

Most nuts are very healthy for your kids. However, if your children aren’t too excited about a bowl of peanuts, then you can dress them up by making trail mix. Add some raisins and chocolate candies (don’t go overboard). Nuts are packed with nutrients that provide vitamins, healthy fats, and fiber.

Cottage Cheese

Although it may be an acquired taste for some, many kids will be thrilled to eat some well-prepared cottage cheese. It’s soft and tasty and it provides calcium, vitamin B12, and selenium, which helps to improve the immune system. You can make cottage cheese more desirable by adding fresh fruit or a dollop of jam.

Fruit Smoothie

Your kids will actually eat fruit if you make it fun. One way to do that is by preparing a fruit smoothie. Many children will be excited about a colorful drink that also tastes great. Add apples, bananas, blueberries, or anything they like. Many types of fruit provide essential antioxidants, are high in fiber, and are helpful for weight management.

Hard-Boiled Eggs

It may not be the first treat you think of, but many kids get a kick out of hard-boiled eggs. They are a quick snack and each egg is loaded with protein. Plus, a quick egg will deliver essential minerals and vitamins, including riboflavin and selenium. Eggs are great on their own or you can add spices, like salt or herbs. Dill and chives are always great options.

Pickles

There are some people who aren’t fans of pickles, but many kids are, and they can make for a great snack. Avoid sweet pickles that are loaded with sugar. Instead, go to the supermarket and find pickles with live cultures. They’re very healthy and contain vitamin K and probiotic bacteria, which helps with the digestive system.

Kale Chips

This is another surprising entry that is worth a try if you’re having trouble getting your kids to eat healthy meals. Anything with kale will usually be good for you because it’s a superfood that is rich in vitamins K, C, and A. You can find kale chips at the supermarket in a variety of flavors and your kids will likely love them.

Carrot Sticks and Hummus

For another healthy snack that kids will actually eat, reach for the carrot sticks and hummus. Carrots are healthy by themselves because they contain vitamin A for eye health while also improving the immune system. Hummus is also very healthy because it’s typically made with chickpeas, which are loaded with fiber and antioxidants. You can get hummus in a variety of flavors, so find one they’ll like, and they’ll likely be asking for more.

Olives

Your children likely aren’t asking for olives that often, but if you prepare them just right, they’ll become a snack that your kids will actually eat. Olives are very good for you because they contain antioxidants and healthy fats that the body needs to thrive. You can make olives more desirable by marinating them. Add lemon, garlic, and rosemary, and your kids will come back for more.