Making homemade pouch recipes for your toddler can be a super easy way to pack in some serious nutrition and fiber. This can be especially beneficial for those who are picky eaters or going through a picky eating phase. They’re also an easy portable snack you can take on-the-go.

Today, I’m sharing a brain-boosting pouch recipe that’s packed with brain boosting foods to nourish your toddler as they grow and develop. From blueberries to hemp seeds, this homemade pouch recipe will nourish their bodies while treating them to a delicious snack (it’s super tasty!).

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Benefits of Homemade Pouch Recipes

Extra Fresh. Making homemade pouches for your toddler at home means fresher ingredients, which usually translates to more nutrition, more fiber, more healthy fats, and active enzymes for better digestion.
Protein Packed. Now that my daughter is a toddler, I like to add in extra bone broth protein powder to bump up her protein intake. This is especially beneficial when she’s going through a picky phase and isn’t eating much meat or high protein foods.
Fiber Packed. These homemade pouches are an easy way to get fiber into your toddler’s diet ensuring they stay regular and avoid constipation.
No Plastics or Aluminum. I like to use these silicon pouches. Most store bought pouches are made with plastics and have an aluminum lining.
No Heat. To remain shelf stable, store-bought baby food pouches are usually heated/pasteurized. This prolongs the shelf life but can also destroy some of the beneficial nutrients from the foods. Making fresh, homemade pouches for your toddler ensures they not only get the entire profile of nutrients, but they’re also getting the active enzymes found in raw fruits and veggies.
Cheaper. Homemade pouch recipes are almost always cheaper than store bought.

Health Benefits of These Brain Boosting Pouches

Making homemade pouch recipes for your baby or toddler has so many benefits. This particular recipe is focused on feeding your toddler’s brain and providing them with lots of healthy fats and antioxidant-rich foods.

Blueberries: Rich in antioxidants, called anthocyanins, that protect brain cells from oxidative stress and support memory and learning.
Hemp Seeds: Packed with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids (in the ideal ratio), is essential for brain structure and function. It also contains magnesium and zinc, which support memory, mood, and nervous system health
Banana: Provides a quick source of glucose, which is the brain’s primary fuel source. Also, banana’s contains vitamin B6, which supports neurotransmitter production (like serotonin & dopamine).
Spinach: High in folate, which is critical for brain development and cognitive function. Spinach is also a great plant-based source of iron, which support oxygen delivery to the brain.
Almond Butter: Rich in Vitamin E, which can help to protect brain cells. The healthy fats is most nut butters also support overall brain development and health.
Bone Broth Protein Powder: Rich in amino acids like glycine and proline, which supports neurotransmitter function. It also support gut health, which is linked to brain health.

How To Make Homemade Pouches for Toddlers

You can whip these pouches up in just a few minutes. It’s very similar to making a smoothie.

Step 1 – Gather Your Ingredients. Get all of the ingredients prepped and ready.
Step 2 – Blend. Add everything to a blender and blend until smooth.
Step 3 – Add to Pouches. Pour into individual silicon pouches. Store in the fridge until ready to serve.

Storage Tips

Refrigerator Storage: These will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezer Storage: You can freeze these for up to 2 months. Make sure you leave a little extra space in the pouches to allow room for it to expand.
Traveling: Add a few ice blocks to a to-go lunchbox and these pouches will stay fresh for 2-3 hours.

FAQs

Can I substitute the banana? Yes! This homemade pouch recipe is also great with frozen mango or pineapple.
Do I have to add the protein powder? No. It’s not necessary to add it. The only thing I suggest is if you’re going to add a different protein powder, opt for a whole food based one like the bone broth protein powder I’m using.
Does it matter what nut butter I use? Nope. This recipe is great with peanut butter, almond butter, etc.
What pouches do you use? I use these silicon pouches.

More Healthy Toddler Recipes

If you’re on the search for more healthy toddler friendly recipes, here are a few of my favorites. All of these recipes are gluten free.