Kids love to snack and sometimes it feels like we’re here to feed them all day long, whether you’re a work-from-home parent or not. And since carb-snacks are often their go-to, making sure their snacks are nutritious is a challenge. While convenience foods definitely have a place in today’s kitchens, a little prep and imagination (including little hands) can go a long way.

Not sure where to start? Try these easy protein-packed, kid-friendly recipes that your kids can help you with too!

Little hands will love personalizing their own popsicles! Set up an assembly line of fruit, let your kids pick their favorite flavors, freeze and watch the magic. These Dreamy Coconut Fruit Pops are a great way to get lots of nutrients in little bellies!

Dreamy Coconut Fruit Pops

Makes 4 servings

Ingredients:

¼-1/2 cup lite coconut milk

1.5 scoops vanilla bean Complete Protein powder

¼ cup unsweetened shredded coconut

fresh or frozen fruit of choice, diced

Ice

Instructions:

1. In a blender, pulse the coconut milk, protein powder and ice until you get a thick consistency.
2. Add the shredded coconut, stirring to combine.
3. Add your favorite fruit pieces to your popsicle molds. Then pour the smoothie mixture into your molds; freeze for at least 2 hours before serving. Enjoy!

Toss your pantry staples in one bowl and mix ‘em up into these irresistible little energy bites! These no-bake energy balls are a delicious bite kids can enjoy any time of day!

Energy Snack Bites

Makes about 30 bites

Ingredients:

1 cup vanilla bean, chocolate or cookies and cream Complete Protein powder

1 cup dry oatmeal

¼ cup almond flour

2/3 cup unsweetened shredded coconut

½ cup raisins or dried cranberries

½ cup + 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (no honey for children under 12 months of age)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl. Cover and allow to chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.

1. Roll the batter into small balls, around 1-inch in diameter. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.

Kids eat with their eyes first and this gorgeous pink Berry Dragonfruit smoothie does not disappoint! Plus, it’s packed with protein and important vitamins and minerals that keep our bodies healthy and strong.

Berry Dragonfruit Smoothie or Smoothie Bowl

Makes 1 serving

Ingredients:

½ cup frozen dragonfruit chunks

¼ cup frozen strawberries

¼ cup frozen raspberries

½ cup lite canned coconut milk or milk of choice

1 scoop vanilla bean or unflavored Complete Protein powder

Instructions:

1. Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Use less liquid to make a smoothie bowl instead of a smoothie.

Your kids will love pulling up a chair to a stack of these gorgeous RED waffles! Bonus: they’re packed with protein and full of flavor!

Red Velvet Beet Waffles

Makes 2 waffles

Ingredients:

1 scoop Red Velvet Complete Protein powder

¼ cup high protein, whole grain dry pancake mix of choice

1 large egg or 1 flax egg

1 small beet, roasted and pureed (about ¼ cup); adding more beet puree will make the color more vibrant

6-8 tablespoons nonfat milk or unsweetened almond milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Frosting (optional):

2 tablespoons whipped cream cheese

2 tablespoons milk of choice

½ scoop vanilla or unflavored Complete protein powder

Instructions:

1. Mix the dry ingredients together in a small bowl.
2. Whisk the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, adding milk by the tablespoon until you reach a thick consistency that you can still pour.
3. Heat and spray waffle iron with nonstick cooking spray. Pour half the batter onto the iron. Close, seal, and turn after 1-2 minutes. Do the same with the 2^nd half of the batter.
4. Combine the ingredients for the frosting in a small bowl using a whisk until smooth. Drizzle the frosting on the waffles. Enjoy!