It seems the standard practice in feeding our toddlers and kids snacks these days is to reach for processed foods. I never realize just how prevalent it is until I go to a park or to a play date and see other moms, armed with snacks for their little ones. What I see most often is goldfish crackers, cereals, or “fruit” snacks (and I don’t mean fresh fruit, I mean those little gummy things the marketers try to pass off as fruit).
I’m a mom and I know that convenience is important. I know I don’t always have the time and energy to have freshly baked crackers on hand. Sometimes Meghan wants something different than a piece of fruit for a snack. But I do know that I can find ways to feed her real foods for her snacks without totally exhausting myself in the process.
For me, it is totally worth it. I want Meghan’s diet to be made up of primarily whole, real food. Processed foods, like goldfish crackers, have shady ingredients that can be harmful. One example? Autolyzed yeast. Sounds innocent enough, right? Actually, that’s another way of stating: “MSG is in this product”. We all know that MSG has a list of negative effects and should be avoided. That’s why they use a different name in their label. (Check out this page for more information.)
Okay, I’m going to step off my soap box now and get to the recipe. This is a super easy trail mix that you can make and keep on hand for when you need a quick snack. Now that the weather is (finally!) warm, we’ve been on the go a lot and this type of snack comes in handy.
This recipe is totally customizable. If you don’t have a certain ingredient, sub it for what you do have. Make it your own!
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Toddler Trail Mix
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 cups 1x
Description
A toddler friendly homemade trail mix
Ingredients
- 1 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1 cup pepitas (pumpkin seeds–look for unsalted)
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 cup dried cherries
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients together and store in an airtight container.
Notes
*Use your discretion as to what foods your toddler is ready for.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Snacks
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 11.5g
- Sodium: 3.3mg
- Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Protein: 3.9g
I love this mix. Only adding chocolate chips would make it better. 😉
I want you all to know that while I would never buy goldfish crackers or similar snacks for Meghan, I do know that having a few will not harm her. We were at a dear friend’s house this weekend and Meghan was offered some goldfish crackers. She ate them and I didn’t say a word. I choose not to be “that mom” who lectures other moms on their food choices. It’s just not my style. Whenever I can, I bring food for Meghan when we go to other people’s houses, but when I don’t, she eats what she’s offered and I know she’ll be okay. 🙂
I appreciate that you think you are avoiding being “that mom” (who ever that is? I think the reference is really vague). But, in the end, I do get the sense from your blog that indeed you *are* that mom. I don’t want to sound harsh, but you do really espouse a holier-than-thou attitude which I think is what you are trying to suggest you don’t do. You know what, you might be just a bit over the top and a bit too extreme. We should all seek balance in this world and we should avoid OVERUSE of processed foods.
It’s interesting that you get that impression. I know, however, that I am not “that mom” (it may be a vague reference, but I meant the one who pushes her beliefs on others or is over the top and obsessive about a certain belief). In fact, lately I am often feeling guilty that I don’t speak up for what I believe in more. Whenever we are on playdates, Meghan eats whatever the host offers. I have never refused food offered at another person’s house. I don’t know what the “holier than thou” attitude you are referencing is…I simply am striving to avoid foods that do more harm than good to my body and my family’s bodies. That is all. I have seen first hand what a poor diet can do to a person’s health in the long term, and I don’t want that for my family. We do eat processed foods and my goal, like you mentioned, is to avoid the overuse of such foods and focus on whole, natural foods. Perhaps you get the impression that I am one way because I find it much easier to be vocal about what I believe when I am writing for a blog. In person, speaking up is much more difficult for me. Either way, I don’t judge others for their choices. We all just do the best we can with what knowledge we have.
Thank you!! Thank you!! I have been scouring the internet looking for a “toddler” friendly trail mix and the ALL have cheerios and goldfish!! I wasn’t even thinking of the pumpkin seeds. My little guy will love those! I saw that you mentioned homemade crackers – have you ever added those? I often try and throw something together for him to eat in his stroller when I walk in the mornings. Fruit is too messy and this is perfect! Thanks! Oh, I will be adding raisins, as those are his favorite! I too am concerned about the walnuts – how small do you chop them, are they raw, have you tried other nuts?
Thanks!
I chop the walnuts pretty small. Maybe in thirds? I’ve used both raw and roasted. I rarely use any other nuts because Meghan absolutely loves walnuts. I used almonds one time but she didn’t like those as well. It really depends on the age of your little guy and what he’s used to eating. He needs to be good about chewing his food before I’d offer any kind of nut. I’ve never added homemade crackers to the mix–but that’s a great idea! The ones I make are usually bigger, but I should try to make a smaller batch. Meghan would love that. 🙂
So, how do people handle it when you bring your own snacks? Does your daughter notice that she’s eating differently than other children, and does it bother her? I don’t want my son to eat processed foods, especially sugar and it is everywhere. I find it difficult to be true to our values without offending others (sometimes feels like everyone else).
It was definitely a lot easier when she was younger as it just seemed more appropriate for me to come prepared with food for her. As she’s getting older it is more awkward, but nobody has ever said anything to me or seemed offended. My friends understand that I am picky about what Meghan eats and I don’t think it bothers them at all when I bring food for her.
oh this is too too cute =)
Your trailmix looks absolutely to DIE for!! I’m a huggge pumpkin seed and walnut lover, and this recipe sounds great! I’m not even a toddler but I’m definitely making this for myself (and perhaps lil’ cousins too!) soon. 🙂 I absolutely love your blog btw!! I just found you through another southwestern ohio blogger who said that you live somewhere in the Cinci-Dayton area! I do too, and love finding other bloggers that live near me! Can’t wait to read more, consider myself subscribed. 😉
I was wonder what you take is on giving nuts to children under the age of 5? I read that it’s OK to give babies over 6 months nutbutters if you don’t have family members who are allergic to nuts. But a doctor has warned me of giving kids under the age of 5 bigger pieces of nuts due to the risks of suffocation. Apparently the nuts can get stuck in the throat in a way where you can’t see it on an x-ray. Do you know anything about this?
No, I’ve never heard of that particular reason to not serve nuts to young children. I have heard of waiting for allergy reasons, but that’s all. Of course common sense tells me not to give Meghan large pieces of nuts, but I feel like she does fine with them if they are chopped. I’ll have to look into the suffocation thing, though.
Thanks so much for your quick reply. I’m also sure that chopped nuts should be fine. Nuts are such a wonderful source of minerals, protein and nutritions fats so it feels like such a same not being able to give it to my daughter Vera. 🙂
Maryea, I’m so glad I found your blog!
I have recently read Dr Sears book “The NDD book” http://www.drsearsfamilyessentials.com/books/the-ndd-book-nutritional-deficit-disorder-how-nut.html” and trying to find a healthy way of raising my kids.
I’ve tried number of recipes from your blog this past week, and they are lovable by kids and also very easy.
Thank you again!
ps: this one is on my list too 🙂
You are welcome! I’m glad you found my little space in the blog world. 🙂 I will have to check out that book; thanks for the link.
I love how you always consider your daughter in all of the foods that you make. I have too many friends that stay concerned of their own choices but never think about their kiddos. I have to admit that I am guilty of giving my boys boxed cereals, pop tarts, candies, etc.; however, I do try to limit the amount that they get. I always offer fruits, yogurts, healthier cereals first, and I keep the house stocked with those items. Unfortunately we didn’t always eat healthy, which means that old habits are hard to break! Plus we have grandma and aunt next door that gives them whatever they want.
I definitely know how hard it is to break old habits. It’s been an ongoing process for me!
We’re definitely on the same page. I try hard to just breathe deeply and smile when others hand my son the kinds of food I’d never buy for him. This trail mix sounds yummy and perfect for our gluten free household – I’m especially a fan of dried mangoes so I’d probably throw those in, too. Also, I’ve been really trying in the past few months to make sure all the nuts I buy are raw, so that’s something to remember. 🙂
Oooh I’ve never tried dried mango–sounds really good!
I love this, especially what you wrote at the end! I am so nervous when my daughter get’s older. People are already putting everything they can into her mouth..but I know that a little bit wont hurt her, and she has to live a little too 🙂
Exactly. And I don’t want my daughter the girl who grows up hiding Snickers in her closet because her mom won’t let her have any junk food. 🙂 Moderation, moderation.
I noticed this very same thing today at our local pool. A mom was feeding a little girl (about 18 mos.) goldfish crackers. Now, I’m like you in that I know that my kids are going to be offered these things at school, birthday parties, etc. and I’m not going to be “that mom” who lectures other moms on food choices. However, this is not a snack that I keep in my house and it’s not something my boys are offered at home. We don’t keep processed foods in our home. I think there are much more healthful options that will help feed a growing body.
I wish I could say that I don’t keep ANY processed foods in our house, but there are a few items I do buy. I just make sure to always get the most natural products I can, with the fewest and most recognizable ingredients.
We love trail mix in our house 🙂 And that is a great attitude to have. Carter loves goldfish crackers, but I try to buy the organic kind to make it a little better. I’m okay with these foods in moderation because I know that most of his diet is made up of healthy food 🙂
Organic makes a huge difference in my eyes because that means the ingredients are (most likely) not from GMO’s. That’s a big deal to me! I agree that moderation is key. If most of the foods our kiddos are eating are fresh, whole foods, I think we’re doing okay. 🙂
i love that you are that mom. So inspiring!
I completely agree. Our neighbor seems to be very health conscious and yet my son came home from her house the other day talking about the goldfish snack he had over there. I don’t mind at all, but I wont support those kinds of products with my money. Same with fruit leather. Why would I buy it when there’s hardly any fruit in them?
Love this trail mix. Now that I think of it I don’t think I’ve ever made my own! That’s gotta change 😀
I think this could be husband trail mix too!
For sure!