Here are easy, creative ways to add extra fruits and vegetables into your little ones snacks - plus three simple, nutritious recipes to try at home.

Getting little ones to eat their fruits and vegetables can be a challenge - but with a few clever tricks, you can boost their nutrition without them even noticing. Blending, mashing, and mixing ingredients into everyday favourites is a simple way to pack in vitamins.

Carrot & Orange Vitamin Boost Smoothie

Ingredients:

• 1 cup canned carrots (drained)
• 1 cup orange juice (or 2 peeled oranges)
• ½ frozen banana (optional)
• ½ cup ice (if needed)

Method:

• Drain the carrots thoroughly
• Add all ingredients to a blender
• Blend until completely smooth
• Add extra liquid if your little ones prefer a smoother consistency

Two-Ingredient Spinach Wrap

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh spinach (avoid using frozen because this can be too watery)
• 1 egg

Method:

• Blend spinach and egg until smooth
• Pour into a lightly oiled pan, spreading thinly
• Cook for 2–3 minutes until set
• Flip and cook for another minute
• Cool slightly, then fill and roll
• Optional fillings: cream cheese, ham, grated cheese, shredded chicken

Veggie-Packed Pizza Pinwheels

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp tomato purée
• 1½ tbsp tomato ketchup
• 375g puff pastry
• 175g grated cheese
• 100g grated carrot or courgette
• 1 egg, beaten
• Optional: 1 tsp dried basil and ½ tsp garlic granules or 1 tb of pesto

Method:

• Preheat oven to 200°C (180°C fan)
• Mix tomato purée, ketchup, optional herbs or pesto, and veg
• Spread over pastry and sprinkle cheese
• Roll into a log and chill for 20 minutes
• Slice into pinwheels, brush with egg
• Bake for 15 minutes until golden

Small changes like these help children explore new flavours while getting the nutrients they need to grow and thrive. Healthy eating doesn’t have to be a battle - just a little creativity goes a long way!

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