Kids are naturally curious. But there’s something about new foods -especially, gasp!, veggies – that can really make them squirm and stonewall. Even if your kid isn’t a picky eater, healthier foods can be a tough sell over their tried-and-true meals.
And let’s just be real about these fancy-pants recipes that call for 20+ steps – ain’t nobody got time for that.
If you’re trying to enrich your family’s diet and get them to fall in love with Paleo, check out these simple, delicious, and nutrient-dense kid-friendly Paleo recipes. Designed to make even the most skeptical kid (or partner) look forward to mealtime.
Paleo Breakfast Snacks
1. Paleo Plantain Crepes
This crepe recipe calls for just—count ’em—FOUR ingredients. All you need are mashed plantains, eggs, coconut milk (or water), and coconut oil (or ghee). Call it a Paleo-spin on an elegant lazy Sunday morning around the homestead. Serve with fresh berries, shaved dark chocolate, and other goodies to put on top!
2. Paleo Banana Granola
This granola is grain-free and nut-free for people with sensitivities (does contain coconut, though). It gives you a satisfying crunch plus plenty of healthy fats and an incredible smell that fills the whole house when you’re baking it!
For a total Paleo meal, top over homemade coconut milk pudding or mix with your favorite nut milk. You can also try it over Greek yoghurt if you’re not 100% dairy-free.
3. Coconut and Almond Flour Pancakes
A pancake breakfast is a great opportunity to savor the morning with your family. But if you’re tired of store bought mixes that leave you all feeling bloated, try these Paleo pancakes made with coconut flour and almond flour. Try topped with crushed pecans and fresh berries.
4. Paleo Banana Bread
Tell us a better smell to wake up to than freshly-baked pastries and breads—go ahead, we’ll wait. In all seriousness, this Paleo banana bread gives you and your family the best of both worlds—a decadent and delicious treat plus healthy ingredients that won’t set you off your diet. Try them lightly toasted in a toaster oven and topped with grass-fed butter.
5. Paleo Egg Muffins
Paleo egg muffins are great to make with your kids the night before. That way, you don’t have to worry about scrambling in the morning—not even your eggs! Just reheat in the oven and enjoy for a protein-rich and veggie-filled breakfast. (Also a bonus on-the-go option.) Let your kids get creative with their add-ins. Popular ones include onions, tomatoes, chopped spinach, and chopped asparagus.
Paleo Anytime Snacks
6. Paleo Ranch Dipping Sauce
Whether it’s game day or game night, there’s nothing quite like dipping your favorite veggies or wings in a delicious bowl of ranch. Problem is, conventional store bought ranch is loaded with artificial ingredients and is unlikely to be gluten-free. This easy ranch dipping sauce from Paleo Running Mama goes great with whatever your spread is. The recipe calls for mayo, which you can make on your own or find some Paleo-approved varieties online.
7. Paleo Ants on a Log
Can we say nostalgia? Ants on a log is a hometown hero, but the traditional recipe calls for peanut butter, which is often loaded with sugar and other junk. Plus, if we’re being honest, peanuts aren’t nuts—so they’re not Paleo either. This Paleo ants on a log recipe requires celery stalks, your favorite nut butter (like almond or cashew), and raisins. Worried about the raisins’ high sugar and low fiber content? Switch them out for fresh cherries or berries instead. This crunchy snack is also a great one for your kids to make themselves!
8. Paleo Gummy Snacks
With just three ingredients, these gummy snacks are a great and simple way to get healthy, collagen-rich gelatin into your kids’ diet. For an added interest, try using fun cookie cutter shapes. They’re a bit sticky, but finger-licking good—and way better for you than those gummy snacks named after a dog.
9. Microwave Paleo English Muffin
An English muffin is a tasty treat for any time of day, and this Paleo English muffin also happens to be loaded with fiber from coconut flour and flaxseed. The recipe makes a single serving only, but it’s relatively quick to make and requires only a microwave! Kids will like this with mashed avocados, sliced bananas and nut butters, and more.
10. Paleo Energy Balls
Protein balls are a handy Paleo snacks for kids, plus this recipe requires no baking at all. One serving provides a blend of carbs, protein, and fats for energy, plus fiber that will help your kids stay full between meals.
Bonus Suggestions:
- Guacamole
- Zucchini
- Hard-boiled eggs
- Chia seeds
- Chicken nuggets
- Certified Paleo granola
- Kale Chips
Paleo Lunch and Dinner Snacks
11. Paleo Tacos
If you secretly wish Taco Tuesday was every night, then you need a solid Paleo taco recipe on hand. These tacos are great in homemade Paleo tortillas, but you can make it even easier on yourself by opting for something like coconut wraps, gluten-free tortillas, or even Romaine lettuce leaves. Or just chuck it all in a bowl and enjoy a homemade taco salad that even your local Mexican restaurant can’t top.
12. Paleo Cauliflower Fried Rice
Getting takeout may be a special treat in your house, but there’s something awesome about being able to re-create your favorites at home and know exactly what you’re serving at the table! Bask in the glory of this Paleo cauliflower fried rice and all its texture, taste, low-carb yumminess that it has to offer! (Also Whole30 compliant, if you’re currently into that.)
13. Meatloaf Cupcakes
Meat and cupcakes don’t usually go together, but if your kids are a bit iffy about meatloaf then this recipe might be a great one for you to bust out in your test kitchen. The recipe also includes instructions on how to make a sweet potato “frosting” to go on top, but if you’re strapped for time these cupcakes are good enough on their own.
14. Roasted Sweet Potato Bites
A perfect side for any meal, these sweet potato bites are a simple and versatile dish that provides high quality carbs and plenty of vitamins and minerals. They’re also super yummy! Get creative by adding different spices and herbs—the recipe calls for garlic powder, basil, and chili powder, but feel free to add or remove whatever you like.
15. Paleo Cripsy Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard
Did you start drooling when you read this recipe title? Yeah—us, too. These chicken strips with honey mustard are a far healthier option for the fried food lovers among us. Complete with coconut flakes (unsweetened, please) and an on-point dipping sauce that you can use on chicken, veggies, fish, and much more.
Paleo On-the-Go Snacks
16. Paleo Freezer Pops
We’re not sure what it is about past trends becoming en vogue again, but freezer pops really seem to be enjoying a second wind these days. You can make your own following these recipes from Thriving on Paleo (featuring Mango Peach Mint, Banana Coconut Lime, Lavender Honey Lemon, and more).
17. Paleo Fruit Roll-Ups
Fruit roll-ups?! Are you kidding us? We love these sticky sweet snacks, no matter how much they get stuck in our teeth. To make your own without the crazy additives and artificial ingredients that you’ll see in store bought options, you’ll need a dehydrator or simply an oven set at a low temperature. While these are a bit more labor intensive than other items on our list, they’re definitely a special treat, not to mention Paleo and keto-friendly. (Try topped with some nut butter for an added dose of healthy fats.)
18. Paleo Flax Sticks
This recipe for flax sticks is another one that may be a bit time-consuming, especially because you may not have all the ingredients already in your pantry (it calls for things like arrowroot starch and psyllium husk). But they’re worth the effort for a tasty grain-free and vegan snack that you can add as a special treat in your kids’ lunch boxes. They go great with your favorite Paleo dips, too!
19. Raspberry Applesauce
Did you know that if you freeze this homemade raspberry applesauce in little containers, it can double as both a freezer pack and a tasty dessert for your kids’ school lunches? This sugar-free concoction yields 8 cups, and it lasts fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days.
20. Tahini and Mustard Crackers
Homemade crackers are a great way to wow guests with an added touch of attention to detail—but they’re actually not that labor-intensive. We like these tahini and mustard crackers from Irena Marci. Great dipped in sauces or topped with lox or nut butter!
Paleo Dessert Snacks
21. Paleo Cookies
There are about a gazillion Paleo cookie recipes out there, but this one from Bakerita really hits the spot. Pro tip: let the dough chill in the fridge for at least an hour before baking for optimal baked goodness. This recipe is also easy to make vegan by switching out the egg with 1 tablespoon flax meal plus 2.5 tablespoons water mixed and allowed to gel for 10 minutes prior to using.
22. Paleo Berry Cupcakes
If your kid has food allergies or sensitivities, birthday parties and other social events can be a challenge. These strawberry cupcakes are made with almond flour and are completely gluten-free—but they’re tasty enough for everyone to enjoy.
23. Chocolate Avocado Pudding Pops
Popsicles are sweet and messy—no wonder kids like them so much! Unfortunately, the nutrition labels on most store bought popsicles are anything but sweet. For a homemade sugar-free freezer pop your kids will love, try these decadent chocolate avocado popsicles. They’re loaded with good-for-you fats and so tasty you’ll probably need to make sure the kids save one for you.
24. Double Chocolate Paleo Brownies
These brownies from Civilized Caveman are going to be such a hit in your house you honestly may never go back to traditional brownies ever again. With almond butter as the main ingredient, they come out moist and gooey and rich every time.
25. Paleo Apple Pie in a Jar
If you have some extra time to spare one weekend and are looking for a unique dessert to make with or for your kids, try this apple pie in a jar from Paleo Grubs. It’s a portable spin on a classic dessert and great for bringing on family outings, too.
Conclusion
Kids are smart, they’re super observant, and they follow your lead. So kudos to you if you’re leading by example and adopting a healthier diet. Your actions could impact your family’s well-being long after mealtime is over.
As if that’s not enough good news, getting your sons and daughters to enjoy healthier foods doesn’t have to be a battle. The trick is finding nutritious Paleo snacks for kids that do their bodies good—and taste good to boot.
We want to hear from you! Comment below about your family’s go-to Paleo meals that pass the taste test, and be sure to share this article with other parents who could use a little help with upgrading their family’s diet. And don’t forget to check out our full selection of Paleo, gluten-free, non-GMO, vegan, and portable nut butters for more inspiration to help your kids’ brains and bodies thrive.