How to handle the endless summer snack requests

It’s the summer holidays, and if your kids are anything like mine, the change in routine leads to more frequent calls for snacks. Today, for me, that came approximately 45 minutes after a hearty breakfast!

I find being prepared with snack ideas is a huge help, especially with the long holidays, and sometimes you just need a little inspiration. I like to get in some great nutritious options, but we also like to include some fun foods or something we have created together in the kitchen.

My biggest tip when it comes to snacking is to try to keep to a regular time each day and avoid snacks too close to mealtimes. This is not always possible, but there is nothing worse than lovingly preparing meals that don’t get eaten due to full tummies.

One fun way to give kids some independence but also guide their choices is to create a special snack box. Prepare a few different snack options to put into the box that can be used that day or over a couple of days. Then, when it's snack time, they get the choice of one snack from the box, but when it’s gone, it's gone, and there are no alternatives. It’s great to get kids involved in putting together the boxes and getting a bit creative.

Here are some of my favourite snack options.

Energy Balls – These are so easy to make and are fab for on the go. They are also a great way to pack in some nutritious foods into a tasty bite. Try these naturally sweet apricot and coconut energy balls.

Veggie sticks and hummus – You really can’t go wrong with this classic, and it’s a great way of ensuring you are getting some veggies in, think carrot sticks, cucumber, peppers and celery.

Oatcakes with toppings - Oatcakes are a great, minimally processed store-bought option that is a source of fibre from the wholegrains, but can be brought to life with adventurous toppings. Try combinations like cream cheese and grapes, peanut butter and banana slices or even some Yeo Valley Greek Recipe yogurt and a drizzle of honey.

Little Yeos pouches – My go-to for days out, and I know these will be loved by everyone.

Mini cheese and grape kebabs – Cut up some Yeo Valley Organic Cheddar cheese into small chunks and thread with grapes onto cocktail sticks.

Blackberry muffins with yogurt icing – If you’re looking for something a little more adventurous to bake with your kids then why not try these yummy blackberry muffins. Plus, with blackberries starting to appear blackberry picking makes a great activity to do with kids, fingers crossed there are some left when you get home for your muffins.