(Babies, Toddlers and the Whole Family)
If you’re looking for low sugar recipes for kids that the whole family can enjoy, you’re in the right place. Lots of shop-bought snacks can be quite high in sugar, even those that are marketed at babies and toddlers.
In this blog we’ve pulled together 10 easy low sugar recipes you can make at home. Some are no added sugar, and others are simply lower in sugar than typical shop-bought or traditional versions.If you’re looking for more on managing sugar and sweet foods in your little one’s diet, you might also like our blogs on chocolate for babies and toddlers, sugar recommendations for young children, and why we often serve fruit alongside meals.
Let’s get to the recipes…
10 sweet low sugar recipes for babies and toddlers
1. Baby Scone Recipe
This baby scone recipe has been super popular for a while. It contains no added salt or sugar, apart from what’s naturally present in the fruit and milk ingredients, so it’s a lovely option for babies. The grated apple adds flavour as well as some extra nutrients. Serve with strawberries and yoghurt for a yummy snack.
2. Figgy Porridge Fingers
Got some leftover porridge from breakfast? These figgy porridge fingers are perfect for using up morning leftovers. This recipe is really simple and super versatile, so you can swap in different fruits to mix it up. They make a great on-the-go snack for toddlers and are also a fab option for baby-led weaning. They’re fairly soft, so can work well for babies with few teeth.
3. Biscuits for Babies and Toddlers
We did lots of experimenting to get these yummy low sugar biscuits just right. They contain no refined sugar and are sweetened with a little apple juice, making them suitable for all ages. We originally created this recipe for Easter, but they can be enjoyed at any time of year. The recipe can be adapted to be dairy-free and egg-free too.
4. No Sugar Apple Crumble
Who doesn’t love an apple crumble? It’s a firm favourite for many families, and this version has no added sugar. Instead, the chopped dates add a lovely sweet flavour, alongside cinnamon and orange zest. It’s a great recipe to make for the whole family, and one that both adults and young kids often enjoy. Get the recipe for my no added sugar apple crumble, here.
5. Easy Baby and Toddler Pancake Sheet Recipe
If you follow @sr_nutrition on Instagram, you’ll know pancakes are a big hit. They’re one of our favourite breakfasts, and the kids enjoy them as a snack too. This pancake sheet recipe is super easy to make, and the raspberry ripple makes it a naturally sweeter option. It’s baby-friendly and works well for baby-led weaning. You can also check out our other baby pancake recipe if you’d like some variety.
6. Healthy Fruity Ice Lollies
Ice lollies don’t have to be loaded with added sugars. These healthy ice lollies for kids are full of fruit, adding nutrients as well as helping to keep little ones hydrated. They’re best for older babies and/or toddlers who are confident with firmer textures. They can also be made vegan and dairy-free, just use fortified plant-based alternatives to the yoghurt.
7. Baby Friendly Oatie Blueberry Muffin Recipe
This recipe is sweet, delicious and super easy to make – one you can even try baking with the kids. We originally created these baby-friendly oatie blueberry muffins for Allergy Awareness Week, so they’re egg- and dairy-free. The blueberries, banana and lemon zest combine to give a lovely fruity flavour. They’re soft and baby-friendly too.
8. Cranberry & Pistachio Spiced Biscuit Recipe
Here’s another tasty low sugar biscuit recipe. These cranberry and pistachio spiced biscuits are perfect to make around Christmas time. They pair with a delicious forest fruit dip and include a variety of warming spices. These biscuits are suitable for babies who have already had most of the ingredients (such as pistachios) before, and who are a little more advanced with their biting and chewing skills.
9. Lower Sugar Banana Bread Recipe
We love a banana bread recipe, and we really wanted to make one with much lower sugar than many versions out there, so here’s our lower sugar banana bread. Using ripe bananas makes it surprisingly easy to bake a delicious, sweet-tasting loaf that the whole family can enjoy.
10. Healthy Birthday Cakes for Babies and Toddlers
For Raffy’s first birthday, we made a fruit tower cake which he absolutely loved. Since then, we’ve shared lots of different birthday cake ideas using foods kids love (without too much sugar). Head to our Healthy Birthday Cakes for Babies and Toddlers post, inside you’ll find our Healthy Birthday Cake Pancake Stack Recipe, one both Raffy and Ada love.
So there you have it, ten of our favourite low or no sugar recipes for kids.For plenty more simple, lower sugar, yet still tasty, (but still tasty!) recipes for young babies in Charlotte’s book How to Wean Your Baby
Charlotte’s Book!