Diwali is a festival filled with lights, joy, and an abundance of food, especially sweets and snacks. While it's tempting to let kids indulge in traditional festive treats, keeping them fueled with nutritious snacks is equally important to sustain their energy levels during the festivities. Luckily, there are many festive snack recipes for kids that are quick, easy, and healthy. Here's a guide with ideas that balance nutrition with indulgence, ensuring your children stay energised throughout Diwali.

1. Frozen Fruit Pops

A great alternative to sugary ice creams, frozen fruit pops are simple to make and loaded with vitamins. You can blend fruits like mango, strawberries, or bananas with a bit of yoghurt, pour the mixture into moulds, and freeze them. These colourful pops are a hit with kids and are packed with natural sweetness and nutrition, making them a great energy booster during festive days​.

Pro Tip: You can even drizzle them with a bit of dark chocolate for an extra treat!

2. Sweet Potato Chaat

Sweet potato is rich in complex carbs and vitamins, keeping kids full and energised for longer. To prepare this easy-to-make snack, roast or boil sweet potatoes, and toss them with a pinch of chaat masala, lemon juice, chopped onions, and coriander. This savoury, tangy dish is perfect for a quick festive snack that's both delicious and nutritious​.

3. Ragi Cookies

If you're looking for a healthy yet festive treat, Ragi (finger millet) cookies are a fantastic option. These cookies can be made with ragi flour and jaggery, offering a much-needed break from the usual refined flour and sugar-heavy cookies. Ragi is high in calcium and fibre, making it a great ingredient for growing kids. Bake a batch of these for your little ones, and watch them enjoy this guilt-free treat​.

4. Fruit and Nut Energy Balls

These no-bake energy balls are a fantastic combination of healthy fats, protein, and fibre. To make them, simply blend dates, almonds, cashews, and coconut flakes together and roll them into small balls. These can be stored in the fridge for days, making them a quick grab-and-go snack for kids between festivities​.

Bonus: Add some cocoa powder or dark chocolate chips to make them more appealing to children.

5. Mini Idlis with Coconut Chutney

For a savoury snack that is both fun to eat and light on the stomach, serve mini idlis paired with coconut chutney. These bite-sized steamed rice cakes are not only easy to prepare but also easy to digest. Coconut chutney, rich in healthy fats, adds a burst of flavour without overwhelming the dish. This is a perfect snack that can keep kids fueled without the sugar rush​.

6. Baked Sweet Corn Fritters

These fritters are quick, healthy, and delicious! Simply mix sweet corn kernels with whole wheat flour, onions, green chilies, and coriander. Shape them into small patties and bake them instead of frying. These can be served with a dip of your choice, offering kids a crispy snack that isn't heavy or oily, ideal for Diwali munching​.

7. Oats Chivda

Chivda is a Diwali snack favourite, but you can make a healthier version using oats instead of the traditional fried ingredients. Roast oats with peanuts, curry leaves, and a mix of spices for a crunchy and filling snack that’s perfect for the festive season. It's a wholesome alternative that keeps kids satisfied and energised​.

8. Frozen Banana Bites

Frozen banana bites coated in dark chocolate are an easy-to-make snack that’s perfect for a sweet treat without the added refined sugars. Bananas provide a good dose of potassium and natural sweetness, while the dark chocolate gives a satisfying richness. Pop them in the freezer for a couple of hours, and they’re ready to serve as a refreshing snack during Diwali​.

9. Paneer Tikka Skewers

For a protein-packed snack, try making paneer tikka skewers. Marinate cubes of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) in yoghurt and spices, and then grill them. Paneer is a rich source of protein and calcium, keeping your kids full and strong throughout the festivities. The skewers can be assembled with bell peppers, onions, or tomatoes for added nutrition and colour​.

10. Roasted Makhana (Fox Nuts)

Makhana is a superfood loaded with antioxidants and is light on the stomach, making it a perfect snack for kids. Roast makhana with a little ghee, sprinkle some rock salt, chaat masala, and a dash of turmeric, and serve it as a crunchy snack. Makhana helps keep kids energised while being a much healthier alternative to deep-fried snacks​.

11. Sabudana Khichdi

Sabudana (tapioca pearls) is commonly consumed during festivals, especially fasting days. It's rich in carbohydrates and provides a good energy boost. A light sabudana khichdi with peanuts, potatoes, and mild spices can be a great snack to keep kids full between meals​.

12. Homemade Granola Bars

Granola bars are another excellent snack for keeping kids’ energy levels stable. You can make them at home with oats, honey, dried fruits, and seeds like flax seeds or chia seeds. These bars are perfect for when kids are running around during the festive celebrations. They are rich in fibre and healthy fats, ensuring kids stay nourished​.

Gentle Reminder!

While Diwali is a time to celebrate and indulge, it's essential to ensure your kids get the right balance of nutrition to keep their energy levels up without consuming too many sugary or fried snacks. Incorporating a mix of these festive, yet nutritious snacks will allow your children to enjoy the best of both worlds—delicious treats and sustained energy.

By focusing on healthy ingredients and preparing snacks at home, you can ensure that your little ones remain fueled and happy throughout the Diwali celebrations!