10 Family-Friendly Foods to Add to Your Healthy Grocery List
Updated: Dec. 15, 2023
It can be hard to create a healthy grocery list, especially when children are involved. Read on for tasty ways to incorporate nutritious (yet delicious) foods into your child's diet.
Eggs
Did you know eggs are one of the most nutritious foods on earth? They’re packed with protein and deliver vitamin D, vitamin B12 and iron. Eggs also offer a quick (and affordable!) solution for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Sick of plain ‘ol scrambled? Here are some egg-cellent ideas to get you started.
Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes pack a powerful nutritional punch, so add them to your healthy grocery list. They’re filled with fiber, vitamin C and beta-carotene—which, when combined, offers an immunity boost! Bonus: They’re inexpensive and super simple to prepare. They can be baked, roasted, mashed, even grilled. For fresh inspiration, check out this roundup of tasty sweet potato recipes.
Yogurt
Calcium and protein are essential to a growing child’s diet, which is why yogurt is the perfect breakfast, snack or dessert. Just be sure to watch out for any added sugars or preservatives. Wondering which yogurt brand is the best choice? Our Test Kitchen did the research for you. Find out which yogurt brands we love.
Avocado
Avocados are sugar-, sodium- and cholesterol-free. They’re also a great source of fiber, magnesium, and vitamins C and K. What’s more? Children are actually willing to eat avocados thanks to their fun bright color and versatility. Think: avocado toast, avocado smoothies or even avocado pesto. And don’t forget the guac!
Milk
Sure, oat milk, soy milk and almond milk are tasty, but whole milk helps to build strong bones thanks to its calcium and vitamin D. (A glass of milk contains 8 grams of protein.) If your child is lactose intolerant, here’s a list of our favorite nondairy milks.
Blueberries
Blueberries are labeled as a superfood for a reason—they’re loaded with antioxidants, vitamin C and potassium. They’re also 80% water and packed with fiber, which makes potty training a breeze. What kid could resist this mouthwatering watermelon-blueberry salad?
Beans
Beans are simple, delicious and naturally nutritious. They’re also a fantastic source for protein, iron, magnesium and potassium. For more ideas on how to incorporate this hearty superfood into your child’s diet, check out this roundup of ways to use canned beans.
Whole Grains
Whole grains provide sustenance and important nutrients, including vitamin B, fiber and a variety of minerals. The best part? Whole grains don’t equal cardboard (like most would think). Don’t believe us? Here are some tasty ways to enjoy whole grains.
Colorful Veggies
The more color a vegetable has, the more nutrients. Orange and red vegetables, for example, are high in vitamin A, whereas green veggies, like broccoli, contain cancer-fighting compounds and “good” bacteria.
Leafy Greens
Kale may be a hard sell, especially when it comes to picky eaters. But it’s loaded with antioxidants and other nutrients, including vitamins A and C, fiber and calcium (which is particularly important for strong bones). Add leafy greens to your child’s diet by tucking spinach into an omelet or lasagna, making kale chips or whipping up a spinach or kale smoothie for snack time. If you’re still on the fence, here’s a quick how-to on cooking kale and making it taste delicious.
Originally Published: August 13, 2019
