We’re well and truly into the holidays! So if you’ve run out of healthy holiday snacks, it’s time to up your game. Here are some tasty options kids of all ages will love.

Stocking up your fridge and pantry with plenty of great snack options means you’ll be prepared when you hear the cry “mum, I’m hungry!” five times a day over the school break. Try pre-packaging a selection of healthy snacks and placing them in a box with each child’s name written on it, that way when hunger strikes they can help themselves.

Buying healthy snacks

When choosing store-bought snacks, try to choose foods that have a short ingredients list that is easy to read. If there are more than a handful of items listed, many of which are preservatives or additives, it’s probably not a good choice! Also, watch out for hidden sugars, high sodium levels (anything above 150mg per serving), and GMOs.

Making healthy snacks

If you have a little time, these homemade snack ideas take just a few minutes to prepare. Chop up a load of fresh fruit and veggies for a colourful rainbow plate you can pop on the table while kids are drawing or doing craft. Freshly popped corn cooked in coconut oil is fun to make and takes just five minutes. Bliss Balls are tasty and easy to eat and pack a good protein punch. Experiment with a Cauliflower Pizza Base or a Supercharged Falafel Ball or make your own Trail Mix with goji berries, nuts, cacao nibs and toasted coconut flakes. A great way to occupy your kids over the school holidays is to get them busy in the kitchen. Below is one of our favourite chocolate brownie recipes with a healthy twist – it’s seriously delicious!

CHOCOLATE BLACK BEAN BROWNIES

This is my go-to chocolate treat when my kids have playdates and the mums often indulge too. It’s hard to believe that the base of this chocolaty goodness is black beans making them high in folate and a good source of iron and fibre.

Prep Time: 10 min

Cooking Time: 25-30 min

Servings: 16 mini brownies (approx)

Ingredients

• 400g Black Beans, rinsed and drained
• 3 eggs
• 3 tbsp coconut oil, plus a little more for coating the baking dish
• 1/3 cup raw cacao powder
• 2 tbsp carob powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 3 tsp vanilla powder or extract
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2-3/4 cup coconut sugar

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 160°C.
2. Grease a small square baking dish with coconut oil.
3. Place all the ingredients in a blender and process at a high speed until smooth.
4. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
5. Place in oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Check after 25 minutes by sliding a knife into the brownie. If it comes away clean, the brownies are ready.

Serving and storage: Allow to cool before cutting into little squares. Serve with coconut cream and fresh strawberries for a dessert treat.

Tip: These brownies may be a treat, but they’re also a protein-packed addition to lunch boxes.

For more festive favourite recipes, check out our Festive Faves recipe bundle.