Make your own Snack pouches for kids!
This recipe will save you money while satisfying your toddler!
Snack pouches are my child’s kryptonite. I hold off as much as possible when going for the quick snack, but sometimes they are so necessary and convenient! I can take these DIY pouches on the go with me and know my little one is getting a nutrient dense snack that I customized for her.
Beneficial Ingredients
Sweet potato – Helps regulate blood sugar with high fiber and a low glycemic index
Carrots – Packed with vitamin C and vitamin A and high in antioxidants
Blueberries – In season (currently July) & a great source of antioxidants and prebiotic fibers
Coconut cream – Healthy fat to help absorb nutrients and further slow a blood sugar spike for your little one.
Recipe
- 2 medium carrots
- 1 small sweet potato
- 1 tablespoon Beet powder
- 1.5 cup blueberries
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 cup Cold pressed Juice or Apple Sauce
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Pinch salt
- 2 tablespoons coconut cream (optional)
- Maple Syrup (optional)
Method
This recipe base is not made of apple like many pouches on the market. Instead I opted for “sweeter” vegetables, However the goal is to get apple sauce consistency.
I started by peeling and dicing both the potato and carrots. I then slow roasted the vegetables at 350 degrees for 60 minutes. Be sure to check on them frequently and rotate to prevent any charring.
I let the vegetables cool and added the carrots, sweet potato, blueberries and 1 cup of water.
Blend on high for 30 seconds then add another 1/2 cup water and beet powder.
To opt for a sweeter taste add 1/2 cup cold pressed juice (I used apple raspberry) and 1 tablespoon of maple syrup.
I added 2 tablespoons of coconut cream and mixed on high again.
I used my Ninja Blender cup attachment. I would suggest not using a food processor for this recipe.
Tips
To remedy the burnt orange color I opted for red beet powder. This did not add any flavor changes and upped the appeal of the sauce.
Be mindful not to add too much water at a time. The goal is creating an apple sauce consistency. Blend, check, taste.
After testing the blend I thought the base of the root vegetable still lingered and I added maple syrup and apple juice to taste. This is optional based on your taste test.
If you do not want to add any sweetener my suggestion would be to add 1/2 cup apple sauce.
Product
The “pouch filler” I used is the Infantino Squeeze Station. I loved how easy this was to use and clean. The pouches snapped into the holder and the filling tubes screwed into the pouches for a “no mess” fill.
I would suggest making sure there is no air in the pouch before trying to fill with your liquid. This way you can aim for a 4 oz serving.
Most of the pouches weighed to be 4.1 – 4.3 ounces which is about an ounce more than what is on the market.
The home made “dupe” also offers a higher calorie amount but negatively higher in sugar. If you are concerned about this, try splitting the ingredients with plain yogurt.
Storage
Label and date to keep these pouches in the fridge for 5-7 days. I chose to keep half in the fridge and half in the freezer for the following week.