Families For Life | Easy 5-ingredient snack recipes for busy families

Growing kids often crave snacks even after having a full meal, but does the thought of your little one reaching for salt-laden potato chips or packet cookies chock full of sugar leave you concerned? This guide is for you!

Even if you are pressed for time, these 5-ingredient snacks take only 10 minutes of preparation time. Plus, by making a large batch, they’re always ready for your kids to enjoy at any time. Read on for the recipes!

Crunchy Roasted Chickpeas

Chickpeas are high in protein and fibre, making them the perfect healthy snack for kids. You can use whatever spices you have in your pantry to add flavour.

Ingredients

  • 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • 1/2 - 1 tsp salt

  • 1/2 tsp spice mix of choice

Directions

  1. Thoroughly dry the drained and rinsed chickpeas with two paper towels.

  2. Oil and salt the chickpeas either in a large bowl or directly onto a tray with aluminium foil or baking paper.

  3. Spread the seasoned chickpeas in a single layer on a tray with aluminium foil or baking paper.

  4. Bake in a preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

  5. Remove the chickpeas from the tray and toss with spice mix of your choice. Best enjoyed slightly cooled but still warm. Store in airtight containers at room temperature.

Air Fryer Pasta Chips

Got an air fryer and pasta-loving kids? These crispy pasta chips are great paired with your kids’ favourite sauce. By making these at home, you can also control the amount of salt used. No air fryer? This recipe works with an oven too!

Ingredients

  • 150g or 2 cups dry farfalle pasta, or pasta-shape of choice (avoid strings)

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

  • 2/3 cup parmesan cheese

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

  • Pasta sauce of choice, to dip

Directions

  1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente.

  2. Preheat the air fryer to 200 degrees Celsius.

  3. Drain the water and transfer cooked pasta to a medium bowl. Add the oil, cheese, salt and pepper and stir to coat each pasta generously.

  4. Add to air fryer basket and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, occasionally shaking the basket to ensure the pieces of pasta don’t stick to one another, and that they brown evenly.

  5. Remove cooked pasta chips and allow to cool. Serve with pasta sauce to dip. Store in an airtight container.

Date, Peanut Butter and Chocolate Energy Balls

Small but mighty, these energy balls satisfy the sweet cravings while packing a load of good nutrients. You can also mould these into your kids’ favourite shapes and make snack time a real treat! The best part? No cooking needed!

Ingredients

  • 220g medjool dates

  • 3 tbsp crunchy natural peanut butter

  • 2/3 cup quick or rolled oats

  • 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips

  • 1 tbsp chia seeds

Directions

  1. Remove the seeds and chop the dates into small pieces. You can also use a blender.

  2. Add the remaining ingredients and mix until well combined.

  3. Use your hands to shape the mixture into balls, or any other shape you desire.

  4. Store in airtight containers at room temperature or in the fridge.

Trail Mix

Aside from the nutrition it packs and how easy it is to pack and take anywhere, you can easily customise it to meet your kids' dietary needs. Mix in the crunchy chickpeas from earlier for added fibre, for example!

Ingredients

  • 1 cup dry whole grain cereal

  • 1/4 cup chopped nuts of choice, like almonds or walnuts

  • 1/4 cup chopped dried fruits of choice, like dried apricots or raisins

  • 1/4 cup of the kids’ favourite crackers

  • 1/4 cup mini dark chocolate chips

Directions

  1. Combine all ingredients into a large mixing bowl. Mix to distribute ingredients evenly.

  2. Pack into single-serve containers and enjoy!

Fruit Yoghurt Pops

This next snack is best prepared in advance, as it requires a few hours of freezing time. The result is an instant refresher on a hot day, plus packed with natural goodness!

Ingredients

  • 240g plain Greek yoghurt

  • 2 cups diced fruit or fruit puree of choice

  • 1/4 cup honey

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • Additional mix-ins, like chocolate chips, cookie bits or granola clusters, optional

Directions

  1. Mix honey and vanilla extract into the Greek yoghurt.

  2. Gently fold in your desired fruits and additional mix-ins (if any).

  3. Pour the mixture into dry popsicle moulds, making sure there are no air pockets. You can also use disposable paper cups, cupcake baking tins or ice cube trays. Get creative!

  4. Add popsicle sticks to the centre of each one. Place baking paper or plastic wrap against the surface of the yoghurt to prevent ice crystals from forming.

  5. Transfer to the freezer. Freeze for at least 4 hours.

  6. Before serving, allow the yoghurt pops to sit at room temperature to soften slightly.

These recipes are not only healthy, but are also good ways to spend quality time in the kitchen with your little ones. Check out this article for more kid-friendly recipes to try out with your kids and make unforgettable family memories in the kitchen. Remember to practice basic kitchen safety, and most of all, have fun!