A healthy kid's party doesn't mean handing out carrot and celery sticks.
Kids and kilojoules
If you're watching what you eat, you've surely noticed that most 'children's food' isn't as nutritious as they advertise. But kids love and deserve birthday celebrations. Parties are a great opportunity to celebrate with food - and not the time to start handing out carrot and celery sticks.
So which treats can you serve or take along to a party? To get you started, here are some ideas that will delight young party goers, appeal to accompanying adults and constitute healthy eating.
Sweet treats
Cakes and sweet treats are a favourite at children's parties and no birthday is complete without one. Instead of a store bought double choc mud cake, whip up one of our dessert recipes which taste just as good - but better for young and old party goers.
Flower fairy cakes
Bright coloured cupcakes are a hit at kid's parties. They're compact, easy to give out and no plates required. Best of all they are small in size, rather than a large slice of cake - and you know exactly what's gone in them.
Lamingtons
It's messy and fun making lamingtons and just as messy and fun eating them! If you're feeling adventurous, you can colour the coconut to pink or blue with a little food colouring for extra fun.
Pavlova with yoghurt and fruit
Pavlova scores full points for presentation! The meringue is sweet, soft and crunchy and the layered is fruit bright and colourful. Pavlova is lower in fat, though still high in sugar, but it's much lighter than dense cake so the kids can keep playing and burn off the extra energy.
Peach ice cream
With fresh peaches, pineapple juice and low-fat yoghurt, this fruity ice cream will taste a great! You can also scoop and serve in an ice cream cone or serve it with pavlova.
Upside down cake
The fruit adds moistness and natural sweetness without the cream or icing sugar. It's also a blessing for mom's who can't get fussy feeders to eat fruit.
Snack attack
When it comes to lunch, kids don't need to sit down to a big meal like adults do. They're too busy playing and running around. Offer a number of different healthy mini dishes so kids can graze and go.
Baked chips
These baked chips from flat bread are healthier than regular chips which are full of additives, colourings and flavours. You can serve them with hummus or cheesy dips. These will be popular with the adults, too.
Fish finger rolls
For the adults, serve with the capers and yoghurt, but for the kids - simply omit the fancy filling and serve plain or with tomato sauce.
Mini sausage rolls
Sausage rolls are usually a not-so-smart option for those making healthier choices, but baking instead of deep frying. Even better, these can be made the day before and stored in the fridge overnight, ready to be reheated before serving.
Paprika chicken strips
If you want to take the spiciness of this kid's favourite down a notch - simply add a few drops of sweet chilli sauce to the mixture instead of a full tablespoon of chilli sauce. The yummy strips will be gone in a flash!
Pizza with sausage
What's a kid's party without pizza? The good news is you can have this party staple without the excess fat. Instead of packing on cheese or having one delivered, you can make your own healthy, tasty version with a mixture of colourful toppings. Also a fun idea get the kids to create their own pizza, have all the topping choices and get them to choose what they want on the pizza.
Kids and kilojoules
If you're watching what you eat, you've surely noticed that most 'children's food' isn't as nutritious as they advertise. But kids love and deserve birthday celebrations. Parties are a great opportunity to celebrate with food - and not the time to start handing out carrot and celery sticks.
So which treats can you serve or take along to a party? To get you started, here are some ideas that will delight young party goers, appeal to accompanying adults and constitute healthy eating.
Sweet treats
Cakes and sweet treats are a favourite at children's parties and no birthday is complete without one. Instead of a store bought double choc mud cake, whip up one of our dessert recipes which taste just as good - but better for young and old party goers.
Flower fairy cakes
Bright coloured cupcakes are a hit at kid's parties. They're compact, easy to give out and no plates required. Best of all they are small in size, rather than a large slice of cake - and you know exactly what's gone in them.
Lamingtons
It's messy and fun making lamingtons and just as messy and fun eating them! If you're feeling adventurous, you can colour the coconut to pink or blue with a little food colouring for extra fun.
Pavlova with yoghurt and fruit
Pavlova scores full points for presentation! The meringue is sweet, soft and crunchy and the layered is fruit bright and colourful. Pavlova is lower in fat, though still high in sugar, but it's much lighter than dense cake so the kids can keep playing and burn off the extra energy.
Peach ice cream
With fresh peaches, pineapple juice and low-fat yoghurt, this fruity ice cream will taste a great! You can also scoop and serve in an ice cream cone or serve it with pavlova.
Upside down cake
The fruit adds moistness and natural sweetness without the cream or icing sugar. It's also a blessing for mom's who can't get fussy feeders to eat fruit.
Snack attack
When it comes to lunch, kids don't need to sit down to a big meal like adults do. They're too busy playing and running around. Offer a number of different healthy mini dishes so kids can graze and go.
Baked chips
These baked chips from flat bread are healthier than regular chips which are full of additives, colourings and flavours. You can serve them with hummus or cheesy dips. These will be popular with the adults, too.
Fish finger rolls
For the adults, serve with the capers and yoghurt, but for the kids - simply omit the fancy filling and serve plain or with tomato sauce.
Mini sausage rolls
Sausage rolls are usually a not-so-smart option for those making healthier choices, but baking instead of deep frying. Even better, these can be made the day before and stored in the fridge overnight, ready to be reheated before serving.
Paprika chicken strips
If you want to take the spiciness of this kid's favourite down a notch - simply add a few drops of sweet chilli sauce to the mixture instead of a full tablespoon of chilli sauce. The yummy strips will be gone in a flash!
Pizza with sausage
What's a kid's party without pizza? The good news is you can have this party staple without the excess fat. Instead of packing on cheese or having one delivered, you can make your own healthy, tasty version with a mixture of colourful toppings. Also a fun idea get the kids to create their own pizza, have all the topping choices and get them to choose what they want on the pizza.