Little Bellies Carrot-Mango Magic Smoothie
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By: Leah Hackney, RD, LD, CSP @kids.nutritionist
When it comes to crafting a nutritious and delicious smoothie for your little one, it’s essential to choose ingredients that not only taste great but also provide a wealth of health benefits. This Little Bellies Superfood Smoothie, featuring the Organic Apple, Mango, and Peach Oat Smoothie Pouch, is designed with the unique nutritional needs of toddlers in mind. Packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats, this smoothie offers a delightful way to support your child’s growth and development. Let’s dive into how you can create this vibrant, nutrient-dense treat for your toddler.
Recipe
Little Bellies Organic Apple, Mango and Peach Oat Smoothie pouch (90g)
Plain Whole-Milk Yoghurt (60 g / 1/4 cup)
Frozen Peaches or Mangoes (60g / 1/4 cup)
Baby Carrots (3-4, chopped)
(Optional) Ground Flaxseed (7g / 1 tbsp)
Water or Milk (60ml / 1/4 cup)
Prepare Your Ingredients: Measure all ingredients and have them ready for blending.
Blend: Add the yoghurt, frozen peaches or mangoes, chopped baby carrots, ground flaxseed, and the entire Little Bellies pouch to a blender.
Add Liquid: Pour in the water or milk to achieve the desired consistency.
Blend Until Smooth: Blend until smooth, ensuring all the ingredients are fully combined.
Serve: Pour the smoothie into a cup or bowl and serve immediately. Can be frozen in silicone moulds or reusable pouches.
Final Serving Size: This recipe yields approximately 240 ml / 1 cup of smoothie, which is a suitable serving size for a child aged 1-3.
Why Each Ingredient Was Chosen
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This pouch is a fantastic way to introduce a mix of fruits and oats into your toddler’s diet. It combines apples, mangoes, and peaches for natural sweetness and vital nutrients, including vitamin C and fibre. The oats provide slow-release carbohydrates, helping to sustain energy levels throughout the day.
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Rich in calcium and healthy fats, yoghurt supports bone development and brain health. The probiotics found in yoghurt aid digestion and bolster the immune system. Its creamy texture adds smoothness to the smoothie, making it a favourite among toddlers.
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Adding frozen peaches or mangoes gives the smoothie a deliciously smooth texture and a burst of natural sweetness. These fruits are high in vitamins A and C, contributing to immune health and skin vitality, while also providing dietary fibre for digestive health.
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Baby carrots are a great way to sneak in vegetables without affecting the smoothie’s taste. They are rich in beta-carotene, which is converted into vitamin A in the body, supporting eye health and immune function. Carrots also add a slight natural sweetness and additional fibre to the smoothie.
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Ground flaxseed is a nutritious addition, offering omega-3 fatty acids that are essential for brain development. It also provides fibre and a small amount of protein. Ground flaxseed blends easily into smoothies, adding a nutritional boost without altering the flavour very much.
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Adding a liquid, such as water or milk, helps to achieve the desired smoothie consistency. Water keeps the smoothie light, while milk adds additional calcium, vitamin D, protein, fat and creaminess. For toddlers who need extra calories or calcium, milk is an excellent choice.
Pediatric Dietitian Picky Eating Tip:
To get your child to be more interested in the various foods in the smoothie, have them wash the baby carrots and explain the colour and taste while using neutral words! This helps them create positive associations with the food and they’re more likely to be motivated to try it!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| NutrienT | AMount per Serving | % Daily Value (1-3 years) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 160 kcal | – |
| Protein | 5g | 20% |
| Carbohydrates | 24g | 20% |
| Dietary Fiber | 6g | 24% |
| Sugars | 14g | – |
| Total Fat | 5g | 15% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 20% |
| Potassium | 350mg | 25% |
| Calcium | 120mg | 15% |
| Vitamin C | 15mg | 60% |
| Vitamin A | 600 IU | 30% |
| Iron | 1mg | 7% |
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids | 500mg | – |
| Choline | 30mg | 5% |
| Vitamin E | 2mg | 13% |
Notes
- % DV is calculated based on daily requirements for toddlers aged 1-3 years.
- Magnesium is primarily sourced from flaxseed, yoghurt and baby carrots.
- Potassium is abundant in peaches, mangoes and baby carrots, making it a key mineral in this smoothie.
- Choline comes from yoghurt and aids in supporting brain development.
- Vitamin A is provided by the baby carrots, mangoes and peaches for eye health.
- Fat: no restriction recommended for kids under 2 years, essential to healthy nerve and brain growth.
- Dietary Fiber: High percentage, supporting digestive health from carrots, oats and fruit.
- Sugars: This is from the naturally occurring carbohydrates in the fruit and yoghurt. There are no added refined sugars in this recipe as they are not recommended for children under the age of 2 years.
- Iron: Essential to help prevent anaemia.
This Little Bellies Superfood Smoothie is more than just a treat; it’s a nutritional powerhouse designed to meet the needs of your growing toddler. By combining the wholesome ingredients of the Little Bellies pouch with nutrient-dense fruits, yoghurt, and easy-to-incorporate veggies and seeds, you create a smoothie that’s not only delicious but also packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats. Whether served as a snack or part of a balanced meal, this smoothie offers a delightful way to support your child’s health and development. Enjoy watching your little one savour this nutritious blend while knowing you’re contributing to their overall well-being.
Enjoy!
