Snack chart

Attack the Snack Attack the Snack Snack chart

We’ve created this chart to help expand the variety of snacks your child enjoys. It’s fun, pressure-free and really works.

By turning new foods into a playful adventure, even reluctant eaters can feel excited to explore. This simple chart can make trying healthier snacks feel like a game – where every small step is a big win!

Just download, print and colour it in – and if you like, pick up some star stickers from the shop to make it extra fun.

How to use the snack chart – step by step

Introduce the chart
Show your child the snack chart and explain that it’s a fun way to explore different snacks and build balanced snack plates.
Mark their favourites
Ask your child to colour in or add a sticker / star to the snacks they already like in each section.
Explain the goal
Let them know that at snack time, the idea is to choose one snack from each section to create a balanced selection.
Create snack plates together
Help them choose one snack from each section, then prepare a plate or bowl with those items served together.
Start slow
You don’t have to serve equal portions right away – start small and build up gradually.
Work with what they already like
- If they only like one item in a section, that’s fine – start with just that.
- If they don’t like any items in a section, turn it into a challenge to discover a new favourite.
Try new snacks together
Suggest tasting sessions to explore different options. Try a new one each day or compare a few in one sitting.
Focus on preferences – not likes / dislikes
Instead of asking “Did you like it?”, ask:
- “Which one did you prefer?”
- “What did you think of the texture/flavour?”
- “What would make it better?”
Use their feedback
Listen to comments like “too crunchy,” “too slimy,” or “too many pips” to adapt how you serve certain foods (e.g. cooked vs. raw, smaller slices, cut into different shapes).
Build a personalised snack list
Once they’ve ranked their favourites, encourage them to add the top one or two from each section to their chart.
Encourage continued exploration
When they’re comfortable with their favourites, suggest trying the snacks they haven’t coloured in yet as a fun challenge to complete the chart.
Let them take the lead
Use the chart as a tool for choice – let your child help plan snacks for the day or pick items for the next supermarket shop from each section.

Tip: If, despite your best efforts, you’re still hitting a wall of “NO,” don’t worry – you’re not alone. Head over to this page where brilliant child psychologist Dr Clare Holley shares practical techniques designed to help you move forward.