Hidden veggie smoothies for toddlers are great for getting picky kids to eat their vegetables! Add these yummy vegetable smoothies in with your smoothie fruit recipes and little ones will never know the difference! We’ll also answer questions like are smoothies healthy for toddlers and what NOT to put in a smoothie for kids and other ingredients for healthy shakes.
Easy Recipes For Hidden Veggie Smoothies For Toddlers
If you have a picky toddler who doesn’t like vegetables, these are great smoothies for fussy toddlers! Whether you’re looking for fruit smoothies for toddlers, kale smoothies for toddlers, or avocado smoothies for toddlers, you’ll find something in this fun smoothie for toddlers vegetables list! (IMPORTANT: Be sure to read the tips after the smoothies recipes on peanut butter smoothies for toddlers and using honey for smoothies with toddlers!)
What to do if toddler won’t eat vegetables?
Sometimes its hard to get toddlers and younger kids to eat vegetables so you have to get creative. One way is to hide vegetables in drinks or dishes to help kids get their vitamins and nutrients. Smoothies are a great idea if you’re looking for how to trick toddler into eating vegetables without a fight. Also, smoothies for sick toddlers are a good way to get toddlers to get nutrition when they don’t feel like eating.
Some people think that hiding veggies in smoothies is cheating! It’s actually a great idea for kids nutrition while you slowly introduce and get your toddlers used to eating their vegetables, especially if you have super picky toddlers! These are great for breakfast smoothies for kids to smoothies for bed time.
DEFINITELY add smoothie recipes to your hidden veggie foods for toddlers or even hidden veggie snacks for toddlers if you’re struggling! (You can use frozen veg for smoothies or fresh vegetables for smoothies, but fresh often have more nutrients and vitamins.)
Before we get to our hiding vegetables in smoothies recipes, let’s cover some common questions people have about toddlers eating eating vegetables…
Why won’t toddlers eat vegetables?
Toddlers may be reluctant to eat vegetables for a variety of reasons, including:
- Taste: Vegetables can have bitter or strong flavors that some toddlers may find unappetizing.
- Texture: Vegetables can have a variety of textures that some toddlers may find unpleasant, such as slimy or crunchy.
- Developmental stage: Toddlers are at a stage where they are asserting their independence and may be resistant to trying new foods.
- Prior experiences: Toddlers may have had negative experiences with vegetables, such as being forced to eat them or being served unappetizing or poorly prepared vegetables.
- Lack of exposure: Toddlers may not have been exposed to a variety of vegetables and therefore may not be familiar with them.
To encourage your toddler to eat vegetables, try the following tips:
- Offer a variety of vegetables: Offer a variety of vegetables in different forms, such as raw, steamed, roasted, or pureed and let them pick!
- Serve vegetables with familiar foods: Serve vegetables with foods that your child likes to increase the chances of them trying the vegetables.
- Be a good role model: Model healthy eating habits by eating vegetables yourself.
- Make vegetables fun: Cut vegetables into fun shapes, make them into a dip, or add them to smoothies to make them more appealing.
- Keep offering: It can take several tries before a toddler will accept a new food, so keep offering vegetables even if your child initially refuses them.
Remember to be patient and persistent, and don’t force your child to eat vegetables. It’s important to create a positive and relaxed environment around mealtimes to encourage healthy eating habits.
KEEP SCROLLING FOR THE FUN TODDLER SMOOTHIE IDEAS!
MORE FOOD TODDLER TIPS: Ideas for Healthy Food Activities For Toddlers
When can kids have smoothies?
Kids can have smoothies at any age, but the recommended age for introducing smoothies depends on the ingredients used in the recipe.
Here are some general guidelines for feeding smoothie drinks to toddlers:
- Fruit smoothies: Fruit smoothies are generally safe for toddlers over 12 months of age who have started eating solid foods. It’s important to introduce new fruits one at a time and watch for any signs of allergy.
- Veggie smoothies: Veggie smoothies are a great way to introduce toddlers to a variety of vegetables. However, it’s recommended to wait until your child is at least 18 months old* before introducing veggie smoothies. Start with small amounts and gradually increase the amount of veggies in the smoothie. (*Check with your pediatrician!)
- Dairy-based smoothies: Smoothies made with dairy products like milk, yogurt, and cheese are safe for toddlers over 12 months of age who tolerate dairy products well. If your child has a milk allergy or lactose intolerance, you can use non-dairy alternatives like almond milk, soy milk, or coconut milk or even water.
- Nut-based smoothies: Smoothies made with nuts like almonds, cashews, and peanuts are not recommended for children under 2 years of age due to the risk of choking. If your child is over 2 years of age and can tolerate nuts, you can use nut-based milk or nut butter in their smoothies.
Always consult with your child’s pediatrician before introducing new foods, including smoothies, to your child’s diet.
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Are smoothies bad for toddlers?
Smoothies can be a healthy and nutritious addition to a toddler’s diet, but it’s important to be mindful of the ingredients and portion sizes.
Some things to consider when making smoothies for toddlers include:
- Sugar content: Many store-bought smoothies contain high amounts of added sugar, which can be harmful to a toddler’s health. It’s important to avoid adding too much sugar or using sweetened ingredients, such as flavored yogurts or juice.
- Nutrient content: Smoothies can be a good way to sneak in extra nutrients, such as fruits and vegetables, into a toddler’s diet. However, it’s important to make sure the smoothie provides a balanced mix of nutrients and doesn’t rely too heavily on any one ingredient.
- Portion size: Toddlers have smaller stomachs than adults and may not be able to handle large portions of smoothies. It’s important to offer small portions and watch for signs of fullness.
- Choking hazards: It’s important to avoid using ingredients that can be a choking hazard, such as whole nuts or seeds.
Overall, smoothies can be a healthy and convenient way to offer a variety of nutrients to a toddler’s diet. However, it’s important to be mindful of the ingredients and portion sizes and to introduce smoothies gradually to ensure that they are well-tolerated by your child. It’s always a good idea to consult with your child’s pediatrician if you have any questions or concerns about your child’s diet.
Here’s how to hide veggies in smoothies that your kids will never know about!
10 Best Hidden Veggie Smoothies For Toddlers And Picky Eaters (Simple Smoothies For Kids!)
SMOOTHIE MAKING TIP: We use this system for making smoothies (and so many other things). I love that it comes with those easy single serve mini blenders so that you can whip up a quick and easy smoothie for toddlers in no time at all!
Smoothie Recipes For Kids Who Hate Vegetables
Let’s get to how to make smoothies for toddlers with vegetables!
You may be used to making easy fruit smoothies recipes for kids. Smoothies for toddlers with veggies may seem gross, but your kids won’t even be able to taste them with these quick and easy smoothie fruit recipes with hidden vegetables!
These drink recipes are made as Greek yogurt smoothies for toddlers, but you can use your favorite yogurt for these.
These smoothies are a good source of healthy fats, fiber, and vitamins, and the yogurt gives it a creamy texture that toddlers are sure to enjoy.
If your child has a nut allergy, you can substitute the almond milk for a different milk alternative.
You can also experiment with different fruits and vegetables to customize the smoothie to your child’s taste preferences.
Also, you’ll probably get several servings out of each of these recipes. (Remember: toddlers won’t drink a tall glass of smoothie like adults or older kids will! Just use enough for a smoothie for toddler cup and place the rest in the refrigerator.)
These are good smoothies recipes for breakfast, snack, or any time of day! (Even as a toddler to-go drink in a sippy cup! Just be sure to blend your smoothies for toddlers recipes thinner if you’re putting them in a sip cup.)
IMPORTANT: Please keep scrolling to after the recipes to see important information on the safety of smoothies for toddler kids.
Here are fun smoothies to make for toddlers — how to make a smoothies with vegetables and smoothies toddlers love!
Carrot Cake Smoothie For Toddlers
If you’re looking for carrot smoothies for toddlers, try this one that’s like carrot cake!
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or choice of milk)
- 1 banana
- 1/2 cup shredded carrot
- 1/4 cup old-fashioned oats*
- 1/4 cup vanilla or plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 cup ice cubes
Instructions: Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth.
*You do not have to cook oats for smoothies, but you can soak them or cook them for a creamy smoothie texture.
Chocolate Zucchini Smoothie For Toddlers
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or choice of milk)
- 1 banana
- 1/2 cup cooked zucchini
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup honey*
- 1 cup ice cubes
Instructions: Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth.
RECIPE TIP: Remember, cocoa powder does contain natural caffeine, so any recipes with that or chocolate may not make the best bedtime smoothie for toddlers.
*Please read important information about toddlers eating honey below before using it in healthy veggie smoothies for toddlers.
Green Monster Smoothie (Favorite Toddler Smoothie with Veggies!)
I think this is a super fun for smoothies for toddlers with spinach (especially if you follow the toddler tip after the recipe!).
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or choice of milk)
- 1 banana
- 1/2 cup fresh baby spinach
- 1/2 cup frozen mango
- 1/2 cup frozen pineapple
- 1 cup ice cubes
Instructions: Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth.
PRO RECIPE TIP: If the green color of a green smoothie is off-putting for kids (sometimes kids are weird about food colors), pour it into a cup and stick googly eyes like this on the cup to make it a fun Monster Smoothie! These are my favorite fun vegetable smoothies for toddlers!
Blueberry Beet Smoothie
You may think that using a beet is weird for smoothies for picky toddlers. However, the blueberries and bananas will hide the texture and taste of the beet in smoothie! You may want to blend the ingredients until smooth and then add the ice to blend after.
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or choice of milk)
- 1 banana
- 1/2 cup cooked beets
- 1/2 cup blueberries
- 1/4 cup vanilla Greek yogurt
- 1 cup ice cubes
Instructions: Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth.
Sweet Potato Pie Smoothie
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or choice of milk)
- 1 banana
- 1/2 cup cooked sweet potato
- 1/4 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1/4 cup vanilla Greek yogurt
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 cup ice cubes
Instructions: Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth.
Berry Beet Smoothie
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or choice of milk)
- 1 banana
- 1/2 cup cooked beets
- 1/2 cup mixed berries
- 1/4 cup plain or vanilla Greek yogurt
- 1 cup ice cubes
Instructions: Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth.
Green Apple Zucchini Smoothie
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or choice of milk)
- 1 banana
- 1/2 cup cooked zucchini
- 1 green apple, chopped
- 1/4 cup plain or vanilla Greek yogurt
- 1 cup ice cubes
Instructions: Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth.
Banana Carrot Veg Smoothie
Make these easy banana smoothies for toddlers that sneak in some vegetables, too!
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or choice of milk)
- 1 banana
- 1/2 cup shredded carrot
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1 cup ice cubes
Instructions: Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth.
Strawberry Beet Smoothie
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or choice of milk)
- 1 banana
- 1/2 cup cooked beets
- 1/2 cup strawberries
- 1/4 cup plain or strawberry Greek yogurt
- 1 cup ice cubes
Instructions: Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth.
Smoothie With Avocado For Toddlers (And Great Hidden Spinach Smoothie for Toddlers!)
- 1/2 ripe avocado
- 1/2 banana
- 1/2 cup of spinach
- 1/2 cup of milk (you can use cow’s milk, almond milk, or any other milk alternative)
- 1/2 cup of plain yogurt
- 1 teaspoon of honey (optional)*
Instructions: Add the ingredients and blend the ingredients until smooth and creamy.
You can get creative with your veggies to hide in smoothies. A good tip when hiding vegetables for kids is to use like colored ingredients. (That’s why the beet and strawberry smoothie is something kids actually drink!) So have fun playing around with smoothies with hidden veggies! These are great hidden veggie meals toddler alternatives (and way easier than hidden veggie dinners for toddlers!).
Important Information About Toddler Smoothie Ingredients
There are many smoothie recipes and other healthy blender recipe ideas that have honey and/or peanut butter listed as the ingredients. Please use these ingredients sparingly (if at all) when making a smoothie for toddlers.
Can toddlers have honey?
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that children under the age of 1 should not consume honey or foods that contain honey due to the risk of infant botulism. Botulism is a type of food poisoning caused by a bacteria called Clostridium botulinum. Honey can contain spores of this bacteria that can cause botulism in infants, whose digestive system is not yet fully developed.
For toddlers over the age of 1, honey is generally safe to consume, but should still be consumed in moderation.
It’s important to note that some children may be allergic to honey, so it’s recommended to introduce it in small amounts and watch for any signs of an allergic reaction.
If you are using honey in recipes for toddlers, make sure to check the ingredient labels to ensure that the honey is pasteurized and safe for consumption and check with your pediatrician.
Can toddlers eat peanut butter?
Toddlers can eat peanut butter, but it’s important to consult with your pediatrician first. Many people introduce peanut butter gradually and watch for any signs of an allergic reaction. To introduce peanut butter to your toddler, start with a small amount and watch for any signs of a reaction. You can also mix a small amount of peanut butter with other foods, such as yogurt or oatmeal, to help your child get used to the taste and texture.
Peanut butter is a good source of protein and healthy fats, and can be a nutritious addition to a toddler’s diet.
However, peanuts and peanut butter are common allergens, and some children may develop an allergic reaction to them. Signs of an allergic reaction to peanut butter can include hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue, difficulty breathing, and digestive problems such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
It’s important to note that the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends avoiding peanuts and peanut butter during pregnancy and breastfeeding if you or your partner has a family history of peanut or other food allergies.
Consult with your child’s pediatrician if you have any concerns or questions about introducing peanut butter to your toddler.
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Let us know your favorite healthy smoothies for 3 year olds and healthy smoothies for 2 year old!