Homemade protein bars for kids are really easy to make with just a few simple ingredients. This is a feel good recipe that you can make for your kids that are packed full of nutrients their little bodies need!
Chocolate Chip Homemade Protein Bars for Kids:
I have been making these bars for my kids almost every week since they were toddlers. They're an easy way to increase protein intake in your kids, something that is needed if you have picky eaters. These come together with pantry staple ingredients like chocolate chips, oats, puff rice cereal, and of course, protein powder.
The Best Protein Powder for Kids:
You need to be careful when it comes to your children and protein intake. Kids need significantly less protein than you think. Our culture right now is obsessed with protein, and adult often boast eating 100+ grams per day.
The reality is that children 9 10 13 years old (the age range where my children fall), only need 34g of protein per day. Excess protein beyond that can be converted in stored in the body as fat, or can put stress on your child's developing kidneys and lead to other problems such as kidney stones.
This is why it is so important to purchase a protein powder that is marketed for children. They have the right balance of nutrients in them for their growing bodies.
We love the Naked Nutrition Kids Nutrition Shake powder. It has 8g of protein per serving, made with great ingredients, and is less than $15, or even cheaper if you sign up for auto-ship! We use the vanilla flavor in this protein bar recipe, but you can't go wrong with the chocolate version either.
Chocolate Chip Homemade Protein Bars for Kids Ingredients:
2 cups rolled oats1 cup crispy rice cereal1/2 cup mini chocolate chips1/2 cup peanut butter (or any nut/seed butter)1/2 cup honey or maple syrup1/4 cup protein powder (vanilla or chocolate flavor)1 teaspoon vanilla extract1/4 teaspoon saltOptional: 1/4 cup dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, etc.)How to Make Homemade Protein Bars for Kids:
Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, crispy rice cereal, mini chocolate chips,
protein powder, and salt. Mix well to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the peanut butter and honey (or maple syrup). Stir constantly until the mixture is smooth and well-blended. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the peanut butter and honey mixture over the dry ingredients. Mix thoroughly until all the dry ingredients are coated with the wet mixture. If adding dried fruit, fold it in at this point.
Form the Bars: Line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal. Transfer the mixture into the dish and press it down firmly to ensure it's compact and even.
Chill: Place the dish in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to allow the bars to set.
Cut and Serve: Once set, use the parchment paper to lift the bars out of the dish. Cut into squares or bars of your preferred size. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Macros for Chocolate Chip Homemade Protein Bars for Kids:
These protein bars for kids have very good and balanced macros making them a healthy snack for children. This recipe makes about 8 bars and are jammed packed with great energy boosting macros. These protein bars have 44g of carbs, 12g of fat, and 8g of protein per bar.
While some may think that these macros are high for a snack, there are things to consider. You can cut the 8 bars in half to make the servings smaller which would reduce the macros. You also need to note that 20g of the carbs are coming from whole grains which are packed with fiber that are great for your child's body. The fat is primarily coming from the peanut butter which are necessary and healthy fats for the the body.
The protein is also a great boost to your child's diet to help them meet their daily requirements, especially if they're picky eaters and aren't getting their protein at meal time. Remember children's protein and nutritional needs are different than adults and that needs to be taken into consideration when making meals and snacks for your children.
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