Parents who choose to go vegan may also want to stick to vegan snacks for their kids. However, processed foods are laden with additives, preservatives, saturated fat, and added sugar, so they should be left off the plate. Healthier snack choices without artificial flavors, like homemade tortilla chips and hummus or kale and potato chips with homemade salsa sauce, are great options for your vegan child.
At the same time, strict vegan diets are not recommended for children as followers of vegan diets are at a high risk of developing deficiencies of vitamin B12, zinc, and calcium. So, their meals must include fortified grains and plant-based proteins so that their nutritional needs are met.
Easy and healthy vegetarian and vegan snack ideas can help parents plan better for their vegan kids, so here are some quick snack ideas and their recipes for your child’s lunchbox:
- Vegan kid-friendly pancakes
In a bowl, add all-purpose flour, baking powder, sugar, vanilla essence, almond milk, and a pinch of salt, and mix to make a generous batter. Once it has rested for 7-10 minutes, pour the mix on a baking sheet covered with parchment paper and add toppings of your choice. You may add fresh fruits of your kid’s choice like blueberry, strawberry, banana, blackberry, or choco-chips. Then, bake for 15 minutes at 400°F in a preheated oven. Pack an energetic punch of health with maple syrup to brighten up your kid’s breakfast or snack time. - Vegetarian quinoa burgers
For this easy-to-make and healthy vegetarian and vegan snack idea, take a large bowl of quinoa and add to it tomato paste, beans, and seasonings like garlic powder, oregano, black pepper, and cheese of your kid’s choice. Mash the ingredients properly with a potato masher. Take a quarter portion of the mix and make doughy patties. Place these patties on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and top with mozzarella. Then, bake for 15 minutes at 400°F in a preheated oven. Place the patties in buns and garnish them with fresh basil leaves and shredded parmesan cheese. - Red pepper vegan mac and cheese
In a blender, add slightly sautéed chopped onion, 2 garlic cloves, tomato paste, dry yeast powder, corn starch, a pinch of salt, 3 cups of soaked cashews, 1 roasted red pepper, half a teaspoon of paprika powder, and a pinch each of mustard and turmeric powder. Add vegetable broth and blend it into a fine paste. Heat this paste in a pan with pasta, and bring it to a boil. Top it with paprika sprinkles and grated cheese for another healthy vegetarian and vegan snack. - Quick pita pockets
A quick and no-cook snack, this simple yet healthy snack is an ideal energy booster for kids. Halve wholemeal pita bread into 2 pockets and toast until opened. Slather homemade hummus on the insides of the bread, and stuff freshly chopped salad leaves with a drizzle of olive oil for a delectable vegan snack.
