With the holiday season just around the corner, what comes with this is those indulgent treats, but also, don’t forget these treats can be healthy too. Look no further if you’re searching for nutritious and healthy Christmas snacks for your kids and family members, to add to a school event, or even to balance it out a bit at home, we have the perfect treats that will be a perfect fit for these. With a combination of having fun when making these homemade snacks, but also being super delicious to eat, they will be sure to keep you and your family feeling great with the goodness packed in them.
In this post, we are sharing 11 ideas for delicious, easy, and healthy Christmas snacks and treats for everyone—from toddlers to adults—plus what each treat contains and its health benefits, to boost your health over the holiday season.
Why We Love These Homemade/DIY Christmas Snacks:
- Healthier options: These Christmas snacks are not only super cute and fun to make, but they’re nutritious as well since many of them are made up of fruits, veggies, protein, healthy fats, and whole grains!
- Great to make with the kids: These healthy holiday treats are straightforward to assemble so they’re perfect to make with toddlers, preschoolers or to serve up for a school snack or children’s holiday party! The kids can help choose which snacks to make, assemble them, and do some taste testing along the way.
- Encourages more adventurous eaters: As a bonus, if your kids are hesitant to try new things, this is a great activity since getting them involved in meal prep can help encourage them to try new foods.
- Fun and memorable: Making these fun-themed snacks is like doing an edible craft and it can create so many amazing memories! After you’re all done with your creations, take a fun picture with the kids to remember all of those fun foods that you made.
11 Delicious & Healthy Christmas Snacks to Make and Enjoy this Christmas
1. Christmas Tree Veggie Skewers
Nothing nicer than building your veggies in the shape of a Christmas tree! It’s simple, affordable appeals to all ages, and maybe even encourages those young mouths to eat more veg. By using the vibrant colours of the cucumber and tomato, you can create something quite spectacular, but also some simple. This is one of our favourite ideas for healthy Christmas snacks.
Why it’s good for you:
- Cucumber is packed with vitamin K, which is a great addition to help keep the immune system functioning well.
- Cherry tomatoes are packed with vitamin C, which is a great antioxidant, and helps to keep your heart healthy.
- Cheese is a good source of vitamin A, which helps with eye health and building immunity.
This snack is a fun way to include in healthy school lunches, as part of a family party buffet or served on movie nights.
2. Strawberry Santa’s
These are super cute to look at, but also so easy to make too. A great alternative to the ricotta cheese would be Greek yogurt and if you want an extra health kick, add some chia seeds to the top. A homemade snack that will not disappoint.
Why it’s good for you:
- Strawberries are rich in vitamin C, which supports your immune system and keeps your skin glowing.
- Bananas are a good source of vitamin B6, which helps to maintain a healthy nervous system and immune system too.
- Ricotta cheese contains a small amount of vitamin A which assists in maintaining normal vision.
These are great for healthy Christmas snacks for kids, and let’s be honest, adults love them too!
3. Grinch Kabobs
Bring some holiday mischief to your snack table with these Grinch Kabobs. Simply stack a green grape, a banana slice, and a strawberry, and top it off with a mini marshmallow on a skewer. They’re easy to assemble, making them a perfect activity for the kids to help with.
Why it’s good for you:
- Green grapes provide hydration and antioxidants, like resveratrol, which can support heart health.
- Bananas are full of potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure.
- Strawberries (again!) give you that vitamin C boost, helping fend off those winter colds.
These make for fun, healthy sweet snacks that are ideal for holiday parties or even healthy Christmas snacks for school.
4. Reindeer Pretzel Bites
Create your very own reindeer pretzel bites so easily. This is so simple, yet so effective. You’ll have the whole family go crazy for these delicious treats.
Why it’s good for you:
- Greek yogurt is packed with protein and probiotics, which support gut health, as mentioned in other articles in our blog.
- Blueberries are rich in antioxidants that help protect your body from oxidative stress. According to a recent article in Healthline, they are also called ‘Superfoods’
- Granola adds some healthy fibre to the mix, keeping you full and satisfied.
This snack is perfect for breakfast or as part of healthy school lunches during the holiday season.
5. Pita Christmas Trees
Not only will you be decorating the Christmas tree in the lounge, but why not get the whole family involved in decorating their very own mini edible Christmas trees, the perfect health snack for all? With the avocado acting as the sticky base, all of the other veggies can easily stick to it, plus all the different delicious flavours added too.
Why it’s good for you:
- Pita breads contain small amounts of B complex, which is good for energy production.
- Avocados are rich in vitamin K which is good for bone health.
- Pretzel sticks contain small amounts of B vitamins which play a vital role in energy production.
Bring these to any party, and they will be snapped up in no time, so be sure to grab one for yourself fast too.
6. Peppermint Chocolate Energy Balls
For something a little richer but still healthy, try making peppermint-flavoured energy balls. Combining dates, almond butter, a dash of cocoa powder, a few drops of peppermint extract, and just a few other ingredients, make them not only a healthy treat but packed with goodness too.
Why it’s good for you:
- Dates are a natural sweetener loaded with fibre, helping with digestion.
- Almonds provide healthy fats, vitamin E, and magnesium, which support heart health and brain function.
- Cocoa powder is rich in antioxidants and can boost your mood with a little serotonin boost.
These are a great low-calorie snack option for when you want something sweet but healthy.
7. Frozen Yoghurt Bark with Pomegranate and Pistachios
Not only is this the perfect ‘on-the-go’ snack, but it’s also a great crowd-pleaser for desserts. This is one of my favourite festive treats to make. It’s simple to make and only takes a few hours to set and you’re ready to go.
Why it’s good for you:
- Pomegranates are packed with antioxidants and vitamin C, one of the many ways of boosting your immune system.
- Pistachios provide protein and healthy fats, plus they bark a nice crunch.
- Greek yoghurt offers protein and probiotics, supporting a healthy gut.
It’s festive, easy to make, and a wonderful healthy Christmas snack that works for kids and adults alike.
8. Sweet crispy Roasted Pumpkin spice Chickpeas
If you’re craving something crunchy and slightly sweet, but with a bit of a kick, look no further! These sweet crispy chickpeas pack the best punch when it comes to combining all the sweet and savoury flavours, they are also packed with proteins and healthy fats to keep you fuller for longer over the festive period.
Why it’s good for you:
- Chickpeas are a great source of plant-based protein and fibre, which help keep you full and support digestion.
- Cinnamon has anti-inflammatory properties and can help regulate blood sugar levels.
These work well as healthy Christmas snacks for school or as a simple snack to keep on hand during busy holiday prep.
9. Reindeer Apple Slices
Slice apples and top them with peanut butter with pretzel antlers, with a few dark chocolate chips to make a cute reindeer face. It’s the perfect festive treat for all the family over Christmas.
Why it’s good for you:
- Apples are high in fibre, which supports digestion and keeps you feeling full longer.
- Peanut butter provides healthy fats and protein, offering sustained energy.
- Dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants and may help improve brain function.
This is an adorable and fun snack for kids, and it doubles as a satisfying option for adults looking for easy Christmas snacks.
10. Cranberry and Walnut Energy Bites
Mix dried cranberries, walnuts, a bit of honey, and a touch of vanilla to form delicious little snack balls. These are perfect for popping into lunchboxes or serving as a holiday treat.
Why it’s good for you:
- Cranberries are great for urinary tract health and are rich in vitamin C.
- Walnuts are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart and brain health.
These bites are the perfect combination of sweet and tangy, and a good healthy snack to carry around during the busy holiday season.
11. Stuffed Dates with Almonds
If you’re after something sweet but naturally so, try stuffing dates with almonds or a bit of almond butter. Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top for a perfect balance of flavours.
Why it’s good for you:
- Dates are naturally sweet and provide a great source of fibre, helping with digestion.
- Almonds add a dose of healthy fats, protein, and magnesium.
These make great low-calorie snacks that feel indulgent but are super healthy!
These healthy Christmas snacks are not only delicious but offer a wide range of health benefits. From boosting your immune system to providing heart-healthy fats and keeping you energized, these snacks ensure you enjoy the holiday season while nourishing your body. Plus, they’re all easy to make and fun to share with family and friends! So go ahead, and indulge in the joy of the season with these nutritious treats—your body will thank you!
References
- Leech, Joe. “10 Proven Health Benefits of Blueberries.” Healthline, 9 Oct. 2018, www.healthline.com/nutrition/10-proven-benefits-of-blueberries.
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