30 KID FRIENDLY PLANT-BASED RECIPES – Healthy Grocery Girl (2024)

Hi Friends! Welcome back to Healthy Grocery Girl! On Instagram I recently asked for blog and video topics you’d like me to cover, and this was a requested topic! So thank you for your suggestions. I love creating content that you want to read and find helpful.

We have so many recipes between our blog and YouTube channel that are perfect for adults and kids. We try and make all of our recipes easy to adapt or add to so that everyone in the family can enjoy them.

Recipes that are kid approved can be tricky because the type of food each child prefers to eat can really vary!The good news is that taste buds can change and adapt. The more we are exposed to new, fresh flavors the better our tastebuds learn to appreciate them – even as a kid!

Also all of these recipes are dairy-free and mostly gluten-free however they may not be suitable for every child depending on personal allergen needs. A lot of our recipe include nut butter, because it’s a source of plant-based protein. If you or your child has a tree nut allergy, you can swap nut butters for seed butters such as sunflower seed butter in all of these recipes.Per usual with all of our recipes feel free to change, adapt or swap out ingredients to make them suitable for your dietary preferences.

I hope you find this post helpful!If you make any of these recipes and share on Instagram or social please tag us @HealthyGroceryGirl so we can connect with you and like your photo!

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1. SWEET POTATO TOTS

To note this recipe can be made gluten-free using a gluten-free baking mix in place of the whole-wheat flour

2 – 5: 4 PLANT-POWERED SNACK IDEAS

Keep snack time simple and real with: Nut & Seed Bars, Avocado Toast, Carrots & Hummus & Almond Butter Celery Snacks

6. BREAKFAST CEREAL BARS

These breakfast bars are nutritionally dense and a fun way to enjoy breakfast cereal!

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7. VEGGIE ROLLS

Surprisingly,I find that kids love seaweed snacks – or nori used to make veggie sushi rolls! Buy quality, Organic seaweed to avoid a fishy taste.

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8. BAKE APPLESAUCE BARS

This recipe is gluten-free, vegan & contains no added sugar!

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9. SWEET POTATO NOODLES WITH PEANUT BUTTER SAUCE

These noodles are made from sweet potatoes! It’s a fun, delicious dish the whole family can enjoy. You can also swap the peanut butter for sunflower seed butter if you’re avoiding nuts.

PB&J is a kid classic! These recipes are fun, tasty & made with simple, real ingredients.

10. SUMMER PASTA SALAD

This pasta salad is made with lentil pasta noodles so it’s high in protein. It can be enjoyed anytime of year, not just summer! You can easily adjust the ingredients to add your favorite veggies.

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11. SLOW COOKER BLACK BEAN SOUP

This is a great make ahead meal that the family can enjoy throughout the week. Black beans are a wonderful option for plant-based protein. Top this soup with avocado or cashew cream for added healthy fats and protein!

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12. CHILI CHEESE FRIES

This comfort food meal is so flavorful and is a favorite for kids and adults!

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13. EASY VEGAN PIZZA

Yes this recipe is really simple & uses store-bought pizza crust…. however it’s topped with veggies and in the shape of pizza so kids will love it! You can add any veggie topping you and your family prefer.

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14. CINNAMON APPLE WAFFLES

Waffles are a favorite for all ages! These waffles are gluten-free, vegan & super simple to make.

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15. BLACK BEAN ENCHILADAS

These enchiladas are comforting, filling and flavorful. I recommend dicing or mincing vegetables when adding to recipes such as this one, most kids will not notice they are there or be able to pick them out if the veggies are super small!

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16. PEANUT DATE BITES

A sweet and protein-filled snack made with simple real ingredients.

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17. PESTO ZUCCHINI NOODLES

Pesto and zucchini noodles may sound like a sophisticated dish… however you may be surprised to know that recipe this a kid favorite! The pesto sauce is also dairy-free.

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18. ROASTED SWEET POTATOES

Roasted sweet potatoes are delicious added to meals or enjoyed on their own as a tasty snack. Sweet potatoes contain more fiber than traditional white potatoes. Fiber is key for feeling full and balancing energy and blood sugar levels.

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19. CHICKPEA SALAD SANDWICH

This is a vegan twist on a the traditional tuna-fish salad sandwich! It’s also great as a dip enjoyed with crackers.

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20. PROTEIN PACKED BREAKFAST TOAST

These are fun tasty toast ideas with plant-powered sources of protein from nut and seed butters as well as nut and seed toppings.

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21. QUICK QUINOA SALAD

Protein and fat are two key macronutrients to feel full & satisfied.This salad contains protein from the quinoa and chickpeas and healthy fats from the avocado! Plus the veggies pack fiber, vitamins and minerals.

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These are a great make-ahead snack to have in the fridge or pack in lunches. Of course, you may want to use a different container than glass if you’re sending to school or are serving to younger children.

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23. QUINOA CUCUMBER BLACK BEAN SALAD: FIESTA LUNCHBOX

This is a simple tasty lunchbox combo. Quinoa is a naturally gluten-free grain (that’s actually a seed but it cooks like a grain) and contains more protein and fiber than brown rice!

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24. MINI BLUEBERRY MUFFINS: FINGER FOODS LUNCHBOX

These muffins can be made gluten-free using a gluten-free baking mix. The ground flaxseeds add fiber and healthy omega 3 fats which are known to support brain and heart health.

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Everyone loves PB&J! Overnight oats is a fun way to prep and enjoy oatmeal. This recipe also includes a homemade strawberry chia jam with no added sugar!

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26. PEANUT BUTTER CARROT BREAKFAST COOKIES

These breakfast cookies are one of our most popular recipes. They are easy to make, delicious and filling!

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These sneaky spinach smoothies I created for a television segment where I made healthy recipes served to a panel of judges to provide their feedback on-air. The judges were all… kids!! Luckily all of these smoothies were kid-approved!

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28. ALMOND ORANGE SMOOTHIE

It tastes like a creamsicle! Add a handful of spinach to boost your veggie intake!

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While the title of this blog post is “Detox Smoothies” don’t let thisturn you away from enjoying these smoothies with your kids! These smoothies are made with real, simple ingredients everyone can enjoy. The ingredients are nourishing and they also help support the liver, the body’s main detox organ, to function optimally. You can also easily swap the protein powder for a scoop of sunflower seed butter, almond butter or a tablespoon of chia seeds for protein.

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30. APPLE “COOKIES”

These are a great way to satisfy a sweet tooth and also pack in a dose of fiber, vitamins, minerals, protein and healthy fats from the nut butter!

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For more plant-powered recipes make sure you are subscribed to the Healthy Grocery Girl YouTube Channel, it’s free! Click here to subscribe.

30 KID FRIENDLY PLANT-BASED RECIPES – Healthy Grocery Girl (2024)

FAQs

Is a plant based diet good for kids? ›

A vegetarian and vegan diet can offer the necessary nutrients for kids with an extra focus on B12, calcium, zinc, Vitamin D and iron. Here are vegetarian and vegan foods that have the nutrients that kids need: Vitamin B12: Dairy products, eggs for vegetarian diets.

What plant based foods list healthy? ›

Focus on these foods:
  • Vegetables (such as spinach, carrots, broccoli, bell peppers, cauliflower, asparagus, kale)
  • Fruits (such as strawberries, blueberries, apples, pears, oranges, avocado, raspberries, kiwi fruit, peaches)
  • Whole grains (such as brown rice, quinoa, barley, oats, buckwheat, bulgur)
May 1, 2024

What is the downside of a plant-based diet? ›

Plant-based diets carry some risk of inadequate protein, vitamin, and mineral intake. But these risks are readily overcome by choosing the right vegetarian foods and, when necessary, supplements. For example, soy, quinoa, and nuts are good sources of protein, and tofu, lentils, and spinach are good sources of iron.

Do vegan children grow slower? ›

A study last year led by University College London, including 187 vegan, vegetarian and meat and dairy-eating children aged five to 10 years old, found children on vegan diets were on average three centimetres (1.2 inches) shorter, suggesting they were growing more slowly, or potentially could be smaller as adults.

What are the 30 plant-based foods? ›

Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, tomatoes, carrots, cucumbers, apricots, sweet potatoes, peaches, plums, melons, eggplant, lemons, lettuce, green beans, kale, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, spinach, corn, Swiss chard, celery, beets, onions, cauliflower, cherries, bananas, mushrooms, parsnips, turnips, ...

What 5 foods do you eat that are plant-based? ›

A vegan diet includes only plant foods—fruits, vegetables, beans, grains, nuts, and seeds. People who follow a vegan diet don't eat any animal foods, including dairy, eggs, and honey. About 3% of Americans follow a vegan diet. Their reasons for eating this way vary.

What are the most filling plant-based foods? ›

Plant-based foods you can add to your meals to help improve satiety
  • Lentils. Lentils are an economical and readily available ingredient that are used as staples in most plant-forward meals. ...
  • Chia seeds. ...
  • Oats. ...
  • Chickpeas. ...
  • Walnuts or Almonds. ...
  • Sweet Potatoes. ...
  • Brussels Sprouts. ...
  • Avocado.

How to start a plant-based diet for beginners? ›

Use salad as a base.

Add a variety of other vegetables and plant-based options like fresh herbs, peas, tofu, or beans. Eat whole grains for breakfast. Start your day with quinoa, oatmeal, buckwheat, or barley. Add some nuts, seeds, and fresh fruit to make a tasty meal.

What is the healthiest plant you can eat? ›

Here are 14 of the most nutrient-dense veggies available.
  1. Spinach. This leafy green tops the chart as one of the most nutrient-dense vegetables. ...
  2. Carrots. Carrots are packed with vitamin A, delivering 119% of the DV in just 1 cup (128 g) . ...
  3. Broccoli. ...
  4. Garlic. ...
  5. Brussels sprouts. ...
  6. Kale. ...
  7. Green peas. ...
  8. Swiss chard.

Is it safe to feed children a vegan diet? ›

Overall, can a vegan diet be a healthy choice for children? In summary, it is possible to provide a balanced vegan diet for the child in your care as long as you are well informed about the key nutrients required for growth and development.

Is it healthy for a 12 year old to be vegan? ›

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics in the US for example states that well-planned vegetarian and vegan diets are appropriate for all life stages, including pregnancy, infancy and childhood. But it also adds that vegans need to ensure they take vitamin B12, be it in the form of supplements or fortified foods.

Is plant-based protein okay for kids? ›

Almond and buckwheat proteins are good plant-based options, as they are naturally derived and can be easier to digest for kids. Always consult with a healthcare provider or a dietitian before adding protein powder to a child's diet to ensure it's suitable and safe for their specific needs.

Should an 8 year old be vegan? ›

Medical and pediatric experts have all agreed that, when done properly, starting a child on a vegan diet is not detrimental to their health and growth. As mentioned above, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics has noted that vegan diets are appropriate for all stages of life.

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