17 toddler food products that are nutritious and tasty

As your little one starts to eat more meals, it's an exciting time for them to taste new toddler foods and sample exciting flavours they've not tried before. Of course, their tummies aren't quite big enough for full meals yet, they need smaller portions, and that's why toddler food products were created.

As well as being smaller in size, they're packed with all the good stuff your tot needs for nourishing their bodies, ensuring they're full of energy. Toddler food has also been designed with brain development in mind. Many meals contain superfoods that are renowned for aiding cognitive function. Serving them a the best toddler plate with their very own meal on it is a great opportunity to start teaching your tot to feed themselves too.

Best at a glance:

There are many different meals out there, so if you're not sure what to choose from your little one, we're here to help. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are covered in our guide to the best toddler food.

FAQs

What is the best food for toddlers?

From casseroles and hot pots to pasta and curries, we've rounded up a whole host of different options that we're sure your toddler is going to love. We'll let your little one be the judge of which toddler food is best.

What food is good for toddler brain development?

The below foods contain vitamins and other nutrients that have been proven to support brain development as your little one grows.

Eggs

Eggs are nutritious and typically a crowd-pleaser for young children. They contain brain-boosting nutrients in eggs, such as choline, which is especially important for normal brain development and can improve cognitive functioning.

Seafood

Oily fish and other seafood provide protein, zinc, iron, choline, iodine and omega-3 fats. However, you should avoid feeding your toddler seafood high in mercury, such as tuna, as too much can have harmful effects on a developing nervous system.

Leafy green vegetables

Leafy greens, such as spinach and kale, are a great source of iron and folate. Folate aids with cognitive development where iron plays a role in developing the part of the brain responsible for learning and memory.

Lean beef (or meat alternative)

Lean beef qualifies as brain food for toddlers as it is an excellent source of zinc and iron. Black bean or soy burgers work as great ironing-containing beef substitutes.

Yoghurt

Unsweetened yoghurt supports brain growth by containing nutrients such as protein, zinc, choline and iodine. Toddlers need iodine to produce thyroid hormones, vital to brain development and neurological processes.

Nuts and seeds

Nuts, seeds and nut butters make protein and zinc-packed snacks. They both contribute to healthy brain growth and the development of long-term memory. Just make sure they're small enough to not be a choking hazard. This is why whole nuts, such as peanuts, shouldn't be given to children under five.

Beans

Beans offer several beneficial nutrients for a developing brain including zinc, protein, iron, folate and choline.

What food is good for toddler growth?

Young children need protein and iron to grow and develop. Beans, pulses, fish, eggs, foods made from pulses (such as tofu, hummus and soya mince) and meat are excellent sources of protein and iron. The NHS recommends trying to give your toddler one or two portions from that group each day.

What causes toddlers to lose their appetite?

Toddlers can go through periods when they just don't have an appetite. Like adults, children can sometimes feel put off their food when they're ill. If your little one is experiencing a cough, cold or sore throat, this may be why they're off their food. Teething can also cause your child lots of pain, so they may feel their mouth is too sore to eat.

You may find that growth affects your toddler's appetite too. As your toddler gets older and grows more, their appetite decreases in line with the slight decrease in nutrition requirements.

If your child's activity levels have changed, expect their appetite to change too. If they've had a couple of days using less energy, their body will feel like it needs less food.