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Best High-Fiber Foods for Kids

Best High-Fiber Foods for Kids

By Dr. Jorge, Ph.D.

Wildgrain, opens in a new tab is the first bake-from-frozen subscription box for sourdough breads, fresh pastas, and artisanal pastries. 

Fiber is an important part of everyone's diet, including children's. While many parents know fiber is important, increasing a child's fiber intake can be a challenge, especially for picky eaters. In this article, we'll share practical tips for getting kids to eat more fiber and easy ways to sneak fiber-rich foods into your child's favorite meals.

Should kids eat fiber? How much fiber should kids eat daily?

Yes, kids absolutely should eat fiber. Fiber is a vital nutrient for everyone, regardless of age, and supports a healthy gut microbiome. The recommended daily amount depends on a child's age and sex. For example, children aged 1 to 3 are recommended to consume approximately 19 grams of fiber per day, while girls aged 9 to 13 should aim for 26 grams of fiber daily and boys the same age should aim for 31 grams of fiber per day. That said, it is always best to consult your child's doctor to determine the appropriate amount of fiber for their specific needs.

How can you increase a child’s fiber? How can I add fiber to my child’s diet? What’s high in fiber for kids?

Foods naturally rich in fiber include berries, apples and pears with the skin on, vegetables, legumes like beans and lentils, and whole grains such as oatmeal, brown rice, and whole wheat pasta. One of the easiest ways to incorporate more fiber into your child’s diet is to gradually replace refined grain foods like white pasta, white bread, and white rice with whole grain varieties such as whole wheat pasta, whole wheat bread, and brown rice. Leaving skins on fruits and vegetables and adding more beans, nuts, and lentils to meals can also help boost fiber in your child's diet. For easy, kid-friendly options for adding fiber, try adding dried fruits to baked goods like cookies, muffins, and breads (such as Wildgrain’s Slow-Fermented Cranberry-Pecan Loaf), or offering raw veggies with dip, whole grain crackers, and high-fiber cereals. You can even sneak in extra veggies by topping a kid-favorite food like pizza with extra vegetables, such as Wildgrain's Slow-Fermented Veggie Pizza.

Can kids eat whole wheat bread? Can kids eat whole wheat pasta?

Kids can and should eat whole wheat bread, like Wildgrain’s Whole Wheat Sourdough Loaf, and whole wheat pasta. Both are great, fiber-rich options for children and easy swaps if your current go-to is white bread and white pasta. To make the transition more appetizing, try pairing whole wheat pasta with your child's favorite sauce or whole wheat bread with fun toppings like peanut butter and fruit. Keep in mind that whole wheat bread and pasta can vary in taste, so it may be worth letting your child try a few different options to find their favorite.

Is hummus a good snack for kids?

Hummus, such as Wildgrain’s Traditional Hummus, is a great and nutritious snack for kids! Made from mashed chickpeas, hummus is rich in fiber, protein, healthy fats, and other key nutrients. It is also a versatile food that can be easily added to sandwiches or served as a dip alongside your child's favorite vegetables and crackers.

Does fiber help kids feel full? What happens if children don’t get enough fiber?

Yes, fiber helps kids feel full by slowing down digestion and helping to prevent overeating. If children don't get enough fiber in their diet, it can impact their health in various ways. A lack of fiber can lead to constipation, irregular bowel movements, and low energy levels, as fiber helps stabilize blood sugar levels. Fortunately, there are simple ways to incorporate more fiber into your child's diet to help them meet their daily fiber goals, like serving Wildgrain’s Traditional Hummus as a snack.

How do picky eaters get fiber? How to sneak fiber into kids’ meals?

Picky eaters can get more fiber in their diet by trying different fiber-rich foods and making a conscious effort to include their favorites regularly. This can be as simple as apples, bananas, berries, whole grain bread, or even popcorn! You can sneak fiber into kids' meals by pairing fiber-rich foods with something you know your child already loves. For example, add your child's favorite fruit to a bowl of oatmeal and top it with maple syrup, cinnamon or Wildgrain Coconut Granola, or use whole grain bread to make their favorite sandwich, whether that be a peanut butter and jelly or a BLT. There are so many delicious fiber-rich combinations to try that even a picky eater can boost their fiber intake.

What are the best high-fiber foods for kids? What are the best high-fiber foods for children?

The best high-fiber foods for kids are any foods your child enjoys that are naturally rich in fiber. Some popular options include fruits like berries, pears, and bananas, and vegetables like green peas, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts. Whole grains like whole wheat bread, whole wheat pasta, and popcorn, as well as legumes and nuts like lentils, black beans, and almonds, are also great high-fiber choices for kids. Any combination of these high-fiber foods, as well as many others, can help your child meet their daily fiber needs. Just be sure to check nutrition labels and consult your child's doctor to ensure they are getting the right amount of fiber for their age and needs.

Where can I buy the best fresh high-fiber foods online?

At Wildgrain, we specialize in making high-quality, fresh breads and pastas that are delivered directly to your door. Wildgrain is the first bake-from-frozen delivery subscription service for breads, pastries, fresh pastas, and more. Some of our popular items include Wildgrain's Traditional Hummus, Wildgrain Slow-Fermented Veggie Pizza, and Wildgrain Whole Wheat Sourdough Loaf. Learn more about Wildgrain and our artisanal baking and cooking methods.

About the Author

Dr. Jorge has been a public health researcher for many years, holding both a Bachelor's degree and a Ph.D. in Chemistry. They presently work as a medical writer and love being able to assist others in understanding various health and scientific topics.

This content is for informational use only and does not replace professional nutrition and/or medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It is not a substitute for and should not be relied upon for specific nutrition and/or medical recommendations. Please talk with your doctor about any questions or concerns.

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