Healthy kids snacks? Look no further than a Chiquita banana!

Banana flowers and creepy crawlies

This is a super cute and fun way to get your kids to finish what’s on their plate! Cut a banana into slices. Place one slice in the middle of the plate and then place the other slices around like ‘petals’.  Then heap some chocolate chips onto the center slice to look like the middle of a flower. Form the stem of the flower with a pretzel stick and use a handful of almonds to make leaves – then watch the kids gobble it all up!

You can also make fun creatures with slices of banana for a body, brown M&Ms for eyes, cheese string for hair and cucumber strips or pretzel sticks for legs. In fact, you can make any animal you want –  let your imagination run wild! Walnuts make great noses for a dog, and the kids can have fun adding chocolate chips for spots too.

Choc-mint banana pops

Here’s a fun healthy snack that’s so easy the kids can even help. Chop up a banana and blend it with a cup of almond milk, two teaspoons of honey, a teaspoon of vanilla extract, a few drops of peppermint extract and a tablespoon of cocoa powder. VOILA! An instant healthy smoothie. You can even put the leftovers into an ice tray and freeze for a delicious frozen treat.

Chiquita banana muffins

Muffins, especially banana muffins, are an all time favorite healthy snack. For another simple recipe, simply combine two cups of whole grain flour, a cup of rolled oats, a teaspoon of cinnamon and ½  a teaspoon of baking soda in a bowl. Mix three tablespoons of honey, two eggs, a cup of yogurt, a ¼  cup of olive oil and a half teaspoon of vanilla essence separately – and then add to the dry ingredients. Next, add two mashed Chiquita bananas and mix well. Bake at 350˚F for about 20-30 minutes.  Test by poking a wooden skewer into the middle. If it comes out clean you’re done. Enjoy!

Peanut butter choc banana ice cream

Now we’re talking! This indulgent banana ice cream is guaranteed to make any kid smile. And it’s super healthy too. To make, simply blend a frozen banana, a tablespoon of peanut butter, a tablespoon of cocoa and a cup of milk or yogurt in a blender. The frozen banana will create a delicious creamy ice cream like texture. Guaranteed to be an all time favorite healthy snack for  kids (and grown ups) too!

Peanut butter banana sandwiches 

The key to healthy snacks for kids is to keep them interesting. For this satisfying and super easy sandwich, slice a banana thinly, spread two slices of bread with peanut butter (or jelly or chocolate spread), and layer the banana onto one side. Place the other slice of bread on top to complete the sandwich. Then for a fun twist – use a cookie cutter to cut them into fun shapes for the kids to enjoy.  Way to go, super Mom or Dad!

Chocolate chip banana brownies

There’s nothing more comforting than a gooey melt-in-the-mouth brownie treat. In a bowl, mix together one and a ¼  cups of whole wheat flour, a teaspoon of baking powder and a pinch of salt. In another bowl, mix 1 ½  tablespoons of coconut oil, two mashed bananas, and two teaspoons of vanilla extract. Then add half a cup of plain Greek yogurt, a teaspoon of honey and two tablespoons of milk. Next, mix the liquid and dry ingredients together and fold in three tablespoons of chocolate chips. Spread the mixture into a brownie pan and bake at 300˚ F for about 20 minutes. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra “brownie” points – get it?!

Vegan gluten free banana and honey oat morsels

These itty bitty bite-sized healthy gluten free snacks are so yummy and easy to make. Not only are they gluten free, they’re dairy and egg free too, so they’re great for kids with allergies. Mash a ripe banana, add a cup of rolled oats, a tablespoon of honey and a tablespoon of apple juice. Then roll up little mounds in your hands and place on a baking sheet. Cook at 340˚ F for about 10 minutes. Eat them warm or cold – we promise your little ones will love them!

Caramel banana pancakes

Pancakes, caramel and bananas: what’s not to love? For this pancake topping, simply add two ounces of butter, ½  cup of heavy cream and a ¼  cup of brown sugar to a pan and cook for a couple of minutes until caramel forms. Then add chunky banana slices to this gooey mix and coat well. Cook your pancakes (everyone has their own favorite recipe) and then slather this caramelly banana goodness over your pancakes. You’ll wish you made more!

Baked bananas with sugar-toasted pecans

When the kids are stuck inside on a cold winter’s day – there’s no better warming snack than a baked banana. To make these, split bananas in half, coat each half with peanut butter or chocolate spread. Sprinkle some sugar-toasted crushed pecans in the middle, and then wrap the filled bananas in foil and bake for 10-12 minutes at 350˚ F. Warming and delicious for hungry little tummies!

Pan-fried cinnamon banana bites

Sounds indulgent? It’s actually super easy!  Slice up some ripe bananas. Then in a bowl, combine two tablespoons of vanilla, a tablespoon of sugar and a teaspoon of cinnamon, and toss the banana slices in the sugar mix. Then, fry the banana slices over a medium heat in a little bit of butter for a couple of minutes… These yummy bites will have your kids jumping for more!

Feeling inspired? Remember to fill your shopping cart with Chiquita bananas next time you’re at the store. Chiquita bananas are so healthy and versatile – you’ll never have to worry about thinking of new and interesting healthy snacks for your little ones again!