High-protein snacks for Toddlers play a key role in meeting their growing nutritional needs. During the toddler years, children experience rapid physical and brain development, making it essential to fuel their bodies with the right nutrients. Protein is especially important at this stage—it supports muscle growth, strengthens the immune system, and provides long-lasting energy to keep them active and alert throughout the day.
High-Protein Snacks for Toddlers
High-protein snacks for toddlers help support their growth, energy, and development. These nutritious bites keep little ones full and fueled between meals.
Greek Yogurt with Berries
Greek yogurt is a creamy, protein-rich snack that toddlers love, especially when paired with naturally sweet fruits. To make it, scoop plain Greek yogurt into a bowl and top with chopped strawberries, blueberries, or bananas. For extra texture, sprinkle in some chia seeds.
Ingredients: Plain Greek yogurt, fresh berries, optional chia seeds
Per Serving (½ cup yogurt + ¼ cup berries): ~120 calories, 10g carbs, 12g protein
Mini Cheese Cubes
Cheese is a toddler-friendly snack packed with protein and calcium. Cut mild cheddar or mozzarella into small, bite-sized cubes that are easy for toddlers to pick up and chew. Serve alone or with whole grain crackers for a more filling combo.
Ingredients: Mild cheddar or mozzarella cheese
Per Serving (1 oz): ~110 calories, 1g carbs, 7g protein
Boiled Egg Slices
Eggs are a complete protein source and perfect for tiny hands. Boil eggs for 10–12 minutes, cool, peel, and slice into quarters or use fun cutters for shapes. Sprinkle lightly with paprika or serve plain.
Ingredients: Hard-boiled eggs
Per Serving (1 egg): ~70 calories, 1g carbs, 6g protein
Peanut Butter on Banana Slices
Peanut butter offers healthy fats and protein, while bananas provide natural sweetness that toddlers enjoy. Slice a banana and spread a small amount of natural peanut butter on each round. For toddlers under 1, use alternatives like sunflower seed butter.
Ingredients: Banana, natural peanut butter
Per Serving (1 small banana + 1 tbsp peanut butter): ~190 calories, 23g carbs, 5g protein
Cottage Cheese with Pineapple
Cottage cheese is mild in flavor and high in protein, making it ideal for toddler snacks. Add small chunks of fresh pineapple or canned (in juice, not syrup) for a fruity twist. Mix gently and serve chilled.
Ingredients: Cottage cheese, pineapple chunks
Per Serving (½ cup cottage cheese + ¼ cup pineapple): ~140 calories, 8g carbs, 12g protein
Hummus with Soft Veggie Sticks
Hummus is made from chickpeas and tahini, providing plant-based protein and healthy fats. Serve it with soft-cooked veggie sticks like carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers for dipping.
Ingredients: Hummus, soft veggie sticks
Per Serving (2 tbsp hummus + ¼ cup veggies): ~100 calories, 7g carbs, 4g protein
Chicken or Turkey Meatballs
Mini meatballs are a savory, protein-packed finger food. Mix ground chicken or turkey with breadcrumbs, an egg, and mild seasonings. Roll into small balls and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes.
Ingredients: Ground chicken or turkey, egg, breadcrumbs, seasonings
Per Serving (3 mini meatballs): ~130 calories, 3g carbs, 10g protein
Chia Pudding
Chia seeds swell in liquid and create a fun, pudding-like texture that toddlers enjoy. Mix 2 tbsp chia seeds with ½ cup milk and let sit in the fridge for a few hours. Add mashed fruit or vanilla extract for flavor.
Ingredients: Chia seeds, milk, and optional mashed fruit
Per Serving (½ cup): ~150 calories, 12g carbs, 5g protein
Soft Tofu Cubes
Tofu is an easy-to-digest, high-protein snack. Cut firm tofu into small cubes, lightly sauté or serve plain. You can drizzle with a little soy sauce (low sodium) or blend into smoothies.
Ingredients: Firm tofu
Per Serving (½ cup): ~94 calories, 2g carbs, 10g protein
Smoothie with Greek Yogurt
Smoothies are a great way to sneak in protein and nutrients. Blend Greek yogurt with banana, berries, and a splash of milk. Add a spoonful of nut butter or oats for an extra boost.
Ingredients: Greek yogurt, banana, berries, milk, optional nut butter
Per Serving (1 cup): ~180 calories, 20g carbs, 8g protein
Conclusion
High Protein Snacks for Toddlers are a smart and simple way to support your toddler’s growth, energy, and overall health throughout the day. Whether you’re offering creamy yogurt, soft meatballs, or fun dips like hummus, these snacks provide lasting fullness and essential nutrients in toddler-friendly portions. With a variety of flavors and textures to choose from, it’s easy to keep snack time both nutritious and enjoyable—even for picky eaters.
I’m a Food Scientist with a passion for crafting delicious and innovative recipes. At Tasty Scroll, I blend science with creativity to develop dishes that are as enjoyable to make as they are to eat. Whether it’s perfecting textures, enhancing flavors, or experimenting with new ingredients, I love sharing my culinary discoveries with you. Join me on this flavorful journey let’s cook up something amazing together!