Balanced snack platters
Balanced snacks don’t have to be perfect – just a little better!’
It’s all about mixing your child’s favourites (yes, even the crisps and crumpets!) with some fresh, wholesome extras to help fuel their growing bodies.
Think of it as a snack-time upgrade – adding in a bit more colour, crunch, or goodness wherever you can.
Balanced snacks don’t have to be perfect – just a little better!’
It’s all about mixing your child’s favourites (yes, even the crisps and crumpets!) with some fresh, wholesome extras to help fuel their growing bodies.
Think of it as a snack-time upgrade – adding in a bit more colour, crunch, or goodness wherever you can.
Why snack platters work
Snack platters are a great choice for busy afternoons. They’re:
Balanced – combining carbs, protein, fruit and veg in one simple plate
Familiar & fun – start with something they already love and build around it!
Interactive – kids enjoy picking and mixing their own bits
Low effort – minimal prep, zero cooking required
Win-win – they feel in control, you choose the options
Unbranded – decant foods from packets to level the playing field
Snack platters also help avoid constant grazing by creating a proper snack moment – filling the gap before dinner without spoiling appetites.
Explaining balance to kids
Children don’t just need energy (fuel) from snacks, they also need nutrition to grow, play and stay healthy.
Think of it like a car. It wouldn’t get far with fuel alone. Is needs air in the tyres. Washer fluid for the windows. Oil for the engine.
Fuel
Cars need petrol or electricity to go.
Snacks like toast, crumpets, bananas are like fuel – they give us ENERGY.
Engine oil, tyres, air
All the things that keep the car going smoothly.
That’s what NUTRITION is for us – all the vitamins and minerals! They’re the ‘building blocks’ our bodies need to grow, stay strong and keep going for longer.
Think cheese, veggie sticks with hummus, or yoghurt with fruit. Delicious AND powerful!
Let’s drive!
If a car had only fuel but no tyres, it wouldn’t get very far! Just like our bodies – we need a balance of foods to keep going and work at our best.
So the best snacks are the ones with BOTH: energy AND building blocks. Snack platters make this easy: a little fuel and some building blocks – balanced, colourful and fun!
How to build a better snack platter
Aim for one from each section to keep things balanced:
Fruit
Apple slices, berries, sliced pear, peeled satsuma…
Kids’ Portion Guide: ~40g (approx ½ handful)
Veg
Cucumber sticks, sliced peppers, crunchy carrots, celery sticks**, halved cherry tomatoes…
Kids’ Portion Guide: ~40g (approx ½ handful)
Dairy
Cheese cubes, yogurt, cream cheese…**
Kids’ Portion Guide: 15g cheese, 1 small plain yogurt pot
Carbs
Breadsticks, toast, toasted crumpet, malt loaf, pretzels, crisps*, a biscuit…
Kids’ Portion Guide: ½ slice bread, 1-2 breadsticks, 1 crumpet, handful of crisps
*Keep high fat/salt/sugar items small – part of the mix, not the main event.
**Bear in mind common allergens like celery and dairy – find alternatives where needed.
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