It's common knowledge that sugar can have a negative impact on your oral health and should be consumed in moderation by both adults and children. However, if you are hosting a party for your child and a few friends, it can be difficult to find snacks and treats that are more oral health friendly than gummy worms! Here, the dental team at Smile Town Burnaby offers some suggestions.
The sweet treats and snacks below are all great for kids, quick and easy to prepare and while they are sweet, they are all low in sugar. These snacks are also more nutritious than many of the sweet treats that are commonly available at the grocery store that you may be tempted to purchase for your child's party.
Chocolate Dipped Strawberries
All this snack requires is a pint of strawberries and some semi-sweet chocolate.
Melt the chocolate slowly in the microwave, stirring periodically. Dip the strawberries in the melted chocolate, and chill in the fridge until the chocolate has hardened. These are delicious, sweet and refreshing in equal measure.
Frozen Chocolate Bananas
Same idea as above. Slice up a banana, melt some semi-sweet chocolate, dip, and freeze.
Yogurt Parfait
This one can be fun for younger kids, especially if you allow them to choose and add their own toppings.
Choose a plain or low-sugar vanilla yogurt, and add a range of toppings. Some suggestions: sugar-free granola, nuts, fruit, and semi-sweet chocolate shavings.
Smoothies
Smoothies make for a refreshing, sweet and filling drink. In the pitcher of your blender, add
- ½ a cup of yogurt
- ½ a cup of milk or juice
- 1 banana
- ½ cup of frozen fruit (what kind? The sky’s the limit!)
And blend until smooth. Yum!
Cinnamon Toast
Toast a slice of whole grain bread, and top it with some butter, a hearty sprinkle of cinnamon, and a significantly less hearty sprinkle of sugar (a little is okay once in a while!). Serve with a glass of milk for the added calcium.