Check out these delicious snacks from around the world, from Claudi & Fin founder Lucy Woodhouse.

Snacking! The world seems to have gone snacking mad. My children seem to be snacking all the time and in the summer, when we’re out and about, I seem to turn into a mobile fridge! But is snacking a UK thing, and do kids around the world tuck into nibbles like ours do? Intrigued, I set about looking at what kids across the globe snack on between meals. The question is, would your kids eat these go-to treats? You never know, they may inspire some new foodie adventures!

1. Morocco – Hard-Boiled Eggs with Cumin

This is one I think my kids would actually find quite challenging, but it's super easy to make, so maybe give it a try. It’s perfect for days out too. Basically it’s a boiled egg, sprinkled with cumin for some extra yummy flavour. And yes, if your kids don’t like cumin, just opt for a boiled egg. Super healthy and an easy snack on the go!

2. Brazil - Pão de Queijo (or cheese bread)

Pronounced pow-ge-kay-ju these little golden balls are a great snack. Slightly tart they may not be to every kids taste but they’re naturally gluten-free, light and fluffy, perfect for picnics and beach days. Check out this great recipe from The Spruce Eats.

3. Thailand – dried banana

Unlike the dried banana chips we can buy over here, in Thailand the kids snack on dried whole bananas. Sweetened with sugar or honey they are available at markets around Thailand. An easy one to try at home.

4. Japan – Onigiri (or rice balls)

These are super cute and the perfect savoury snack for little tums. Basically they are rice balls stuffed with veggies and if your little one is feeling adventurous, you could add little bits of fish for extra protein. Onigiri are traditionally triangular and wrapped in sheets of seaweed (you can pick up nori in your local supermarket). But if you’re going to make them at home, don’t worry too much about sticking to the traditional recipe. I love this take on them.

5. Costa Rica – Batidos (or smoothies)

In Costa Rica, kids tuck into smoothies to enjoy the abundance of local tropical fruits – mango, with banana and papaya would be top of my list! My kids have been enjoying Batidos for years, we just call it by another name! My top tip, check out the frozen aisle for chunks of mango and blend with bananas and milk (or an alternative). I even throw in a Claudi & Fin lolly (minus the stick of course) for some extra calcium and Vitamin D.

6. Turkey – Pida (pizza-like flat bread)

A boat shaped pizza dough filled with your kids favourite toppings. What’s not to love? Pronounced ‘pea-day’ these are super simple to recreate a home. Add meat, herbs, cheese, whatever your little ones love – all held in place on a little boat-shaped pizza. Check out this cheese and spinach version – it looks super yummy!

7. France – not much!

French children rarely snack throughout the day with parents opting for the kids to stick to three strict meal times. If children do snack, it’s just once in the day, usually in the afternoon and it’s something simple such as bread with butter or a little extra jam. I have to be honest, I do like this approach and I know my kids can’t think of anything better than a lovely chunk of baguette with some Nutella or jam.

8. India – Carrot Halwa (or sweet, grated carrot)

Many kids actually prefer raw, grated carrot to the cooked variety (I think I have to agree with them). They’re sweeter so I can understand the appeal of gajar ka halwa – a carrot dessert. This sweet snack combines grated carrots with milk, nuts, dried fruit and spices. A nutritious snack to boost your child’s intake of fibre, Vitamin A and beta-carotene. There are so many recipes online that are worth checking out! Or for the easy option, simply grated carrot in a bowl and add your child’s favourite fruits and spices (ginger, cardamon, chopped apple and almond would work for older eaters).

9. Mexico - Fruit Paletas (or ice lollies)

One after my own heart, the paletas is a tropical fruit ice lolly – think lots of delicious mango, pineapple and watermelon – but also creamy flavours of milk, cinnamon and cocoa too. Needless to say I LOVE the sound of these fruity snacks. If you want to try my version of Mango ice cream, head over to the Claudi & Fin blog. Or even easier, grab a box of Claudi & Fin, 100% natural ice lollies the next time you’re in the supermarket!

About the Author

Lucy Woodhouse is co-founder of Claudi & Fin frozen yoghurt lollies. Lucy and her co-founder Meriel Kehoe launched the lollies in 2014. They started the company when their children, Claudia and Fin were young. Having tried in vain to find lollies in the supermarket that didn't contain truckloads of sugar or scary sounding ingredients, they set about making their own, using only natural ingredients. Initially they thought they'd sell the lollies at local farmer's markets but all that changed when they spotted a competition called 'Pitch Up with Sainsbury's' on a small business website. Sainsbury's were looking for small food brands to pitch their ideas and they decided to enter. Having never sold a lolly in their lives, they were very surprised to be shortlisted to pitch. Surprise turned to amazement when they won a contract to supply 250 of their stores! Alongside Sainsbury’s the lollies are now available in Waitrose, Ocado, Co-op and Booths.

9 snacks from around the world that we (and our little ones) love