Healthy Sweets For Children

Healthy sweets can be a great way to provide children with treats without compromising their health. Compared to typical sugary and processed desserts, healthy treats are lower in calories and sugar, contain less fat and sodium, and offer more vitamins and minerals.

Healthy sweets also generally contain natural sweeteners like honey or agave syrup instead of refined sugars, which can cause an unhealthy spike in blood sugar levels. Additionally, many recipes for healthy desserts include fresh fruits, which provide essential nutrients such as vitamin C, folate, potassium, dietary fiber, and antioxidants.

Additionally, by introducing children to healthier dessert options from a young age, parents can set their children up for success in making healthier food choices later in life.

What are the best healthy sweets for children?

Healthy sweets for children can include a variety of snacks and treats packed with nutrition and low in added sugars. Some of the best healthy sweet snacks and treats for children include:

Fresh Fruit

A great way to get in essential vitamins and nutrients while satisfying your child’s sweet tooth is to serve fresh fruit! Apples, oranges, bananas, grapes, strawberries, etc.

Trail Mix

A balanced combination of nuts, dried fruit, cereal, or other whole grains can make a great snack for kids when they need something sweet. Choose options without added sugar and avoid chocolate or other artificial flavors since these are not as healthy.

Dried Fruit

Dried fruits like apricots, dates, and figs are naturally sweet and full of fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Children can eat them as a snack or add them to yogurt or trail mix.

Smoothies

Making your smoothies with fresh fruits, vegetables, nut butter, or yogurt is easy to create delicious treats jam-packed with nutrition.

Homemade Popsicles

Making your own “nice cream” popsicles is a great way to get your kids to eat more fruits and vegetables while still enjoying something sweet. Blend frozen fruit or veggies with nut milk or yogurt, pour into molds, and freeze!

Fruit Leathers

These are great for on-the-go snacks since they are lightweight, portable, and provide essential vitamins and minerals in a convenient form. Look for varieties without added sugar or artificial flavors for the healthiest option.

Frozen Yogurt

This delicious treat can be a great way to provide kids with calcium and protein while still being sweet enough to satisfy their cravings. Look for low-fat options without added sugar.

Oatmeal Cookies

Homemade oatmeal cookies made with whole-grain oats, nuts, dried fruit, and other natural ingredients can be a great way to get your kids to eat a nutritious snack without added sugar.

Dark Chocolate

High-quality dark chocolate (70% cocoa content or higher) is a perfect sweet since it’s made with real cocoa butter and contains antioxidants. Just keep the portion size small and do not give it too often.