It’s back-to-school time once again! While most parents are rejoicing the return of normality to the household, there is the small matter of lunches, snack-time, and after-school treats – how do you keep the kids happy with healthy snacks, and keep it fresh & interesting for them?
No surprise, we’re big fans of yogurt here at Natren – not least because for centuries it has been a healthy, functional food, offering a natural way to get some beneficial bacteria in the digestive system. We’ve put together a selection of healthy yogurt-based snack ideas on our Pinterest board for inspiration, and we’ve also featured four of our favorites below.
Before we start, a quick word about the quality of yogurt – not all yogurt is created equal, and much of the store-bought varieties are nothing more that sugar-filled junk food (for more information, read our blog How Big Brands Turned Yogurt into Junk Food.) Ideally, consider making your own yogurt at home – that gives you complete control, and is super-easy – check out our yogurt-making tips. If you do go down the store-bought route, be sure to read the labels carefully, and avoid products with added sugar and unpronounceable ingredients!
Frozen Banana Bites
We love this one because it is so flexible. Make and freeze these ahead of time, and pop them in the lunchbox in the morning. Depending on the daytime temperature, they will still work as a frozen morning snack, or eaten with a spoon later in the day, like regular yogurt.
Main Ingredients
- 1 large ripe banana
- 150g Yogurt
- Handful of dried banana chips (optional)
See full recipe on our Pinterest board here
Fro-Yo Pomegranate Bites
Another frozen treat – this one works best as an after-school snack, as they get a little messy if they thaw, but great taste, and loaded with antioxidants.
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups yogurt
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups pomegranate seeds
See full recipe on our Pinterest board here
Breakfast Minis
This recipe is great because it is an easy breakfast treat – however we suggest a tweak to the published ingredients: the recipe calls for a store-bought fruit yogurt, but we think you can do better (and healthier) by using plain yogurt – preferably home made – add some fruit jelly for flavor. Just a suggestion!
Main Ingredients
- 1 bag Chex Granola Mixed Berry
- Yogurt – plus fruit jelly for flavor
- Fresh berries—blueberries, strawberries (hulled and halved), blackberries
See full recipe on our Pinterest board here
Peanut Butter Fruit Dip
Great for feeding a whole tribe of hungry kids, and with fruit as a bonus! This works just as well as a lunchbox favorite as it does as a party platter. Mix up the fruits as seasons and tastes change.
Main Ingredients
- Fruit. Lots! Chopped & sliced into dipping pieces
- 1 tbsp Honey
- 1/3 cup Creamy Peanut butter
- 10 oz Yogurt
See full recipe on our Pinterest board here
The post Fun and Healthy Yogurt-Based Snacks for Back-to School! appeared first on Natren Probiotics Blog.
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