To All Those Struggling to Feed Your Toddler, Try Latin Food!

If you’ve been facing the daily battle of trying to get your toddler to eat something—anything—other than their favorite go-to snacks, you’re not alone. Toddlers are notorious for their picky eating habits, turning mealtimes into a frustrating ordeal for many parents. But what if we told you that introducing Latin cuisine could be the solution to breaking through your toddler’s food aversions? Latin food offers a variety of flavors, textures, and colors that not only make meals more enjoyable but can also help encourage a more adventurous palate in your little one.

The Little Lunches app is packed with delicious Latin-inspired food for toddlers, kids, and grown-ups. Not only can it provide recipes, but it also offers meal plans created by dietitians, shopping lists, and grocery delivery to make mealtime easier. Download today and discover the joy of mealtime again!

Here’s how you can incorporate Latin food into your toddler’s diet and get them excited about eating again. 

1. Latin Flavors Are Full of Variety

One of the key reasons toddlers can be picky eaters is their sensitivity to new flavors and textures. Latin cuisine offers an array of spices, herbs, and seasonings that are flavorful without being overwhelming for little taste buds. Ingredients like cilantro, lime, mild chili powders, and cumin add a burst of taste to food without being too spicy.

A great starting point is introducing dishes with mild flavors, such as:

• Arroz con Pollo (Chicken with Rice): This dish combines tender chicken, soft rice, and subtle seasonings. It’s a complete meal that is both tasty and easy for toddlers to chew and enjoy.
• Arepas (Cornmeal Patties): Arepas are versatile and can be filled with cheese, beans, or shredded meat, making them a customizable option for picky eaters.

Join the Little Lunches app today to access a wide variety of toddler-friendly Latin recipes like these, complete with dietitian-approved meal plans! 

2. Incorporate Familiar Ingredients in New Ways

One way to get toddlers to try new foods is by incorporating ingredients they already like in a new format. Latin dishes often feature staples like rice, beans, chicken, and avocado, which are familiar to most kids. By presenting these ingredients in a more exciting way, you can help ease the transition to trying new flavors.

For example:

• Tostones (Fried Plantains): If your toddler loves bananas, introduce them to tostones, which are crispy fried plantains. They’re mildly sweet and crunchy, making them a fun finger food for little hands.
• Empanadas: These pastry pockets can be filled with almost anything your toddler enjoys—cheese, chicken, or even vegetables—making them a great option for a meal that’s familiar yet different.

Looking for more inspiration? The Little Lunches app has plenty of Latin-inspired meal ideas that incorporate familiar ingredients in fun, creative ways. Plus, with our grocery delivery feature, you can easily get all the ingredients you need delivered to your door! 

3. Colorful Plates Can Make a Big Difference

Toddlers are often attracted to bright and colorful foods. Latin cuisine is naturally vibrant, featuring foods like tomatoes, avocados, corn, and peppers that make for a visually appealing plate. A colorful meal can pique your toddler’s interest, making them more likely to try something new.

Try serving:

• Guacamole with Veggie Sticks: The bright green of guacamole is fun and appealing. Pair it with red bell peppers, yellow corn chips, or even cucumber slices to create a colorful and nutritious snack.
• Tacos: Customize soft tacos with colorful fillings like diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and yellow cheese. Let your toddler help build their own taco—it can make them more excited to eat it!

For easy, nutritious, and colorful Latin-inspired meals, download Little Lunches and start making mealtime a visual feast for your toddler! 

4. Latin Food is Naturally Balanced

Latin dishes often incorporate a balance of proteins, grains, and vegetables, which is ideal for growing toddlers who need a wide range of nutrients. Instead of focusing on one component of the meal, Latin food offers a mix of everything in one dish, making it more likely that your toddler will eat at least one of the components.

For instance:

• Lentil Soup (Sopa de Lentejas): This hearty, protein-packed soup is gentle in flavor and easy for toddlers to eat. The soft lentils and vegetables are perfect for toddlers who are still mastering their chewing skills.
• Quesadillas with Hidden Veggies: You can easily sneak finely chopped spinach or zucchini into a cheesy quesadilla. The cheese often masks the taste of vegetables, making it a win-win for both parents and picky eaters.

Struggling with meal planning? Little Lunches offers dietitian-approved meal plans and recipes that incorporate balanced, nutrient-rich Latin dishes. Download the app to get started today! 

5. Make Mealtime Fun with Latin-Inspired Snacks

Sometimes, mealtime struggles can be eased with the introduction of fun snacks. Latin food has plenty of snack options that are healthy and engaging for toddlers.

• Churros (Baked, Not Fried): A healthier version of this popular treat can be made by baking instead of frying. The cinnamon-sugar coating makes it a fun and slightly sweet treat for your toddler, without being overly sugary.
• Elote (Corn on the Cob): For a fun twist on a classic snack, try elote, which is corn on the cob served with a light sprinkle of cheese and a squeeze of lime. It’s a simple, flavorful snack that toddlers can hold and eat on their own.

Little Lunches has plenty of snack ideas to keep your toddler interested in eating and trying new things. Join the app today and discover a world of fun, nutritious snacks! 

6. Get Your Toddler Involved in Cooking

Toddlers are more likely to try new foods if they’ve had a hand in making them. Latin cooking can be a fun, hands-on activity for your little one. Let them help roll out dough for empanadas, spread guacamole on a tortilla, or sprinkle cheese over a quesadilla. The more involved they are, the more interested they’ll be in tasting the finished product.

Need inspiration? The Little Lunches app offers simple, interactive recipes you can cook with your toddler. Get started today! 

Final Thoughts

If you're struggling to get your toddler to eat, trying out Latin cuisine could be a game-changer. With its vibrant flavors, familiar ingredients, and balanced meals, Latin food can help break through picky eating habits and make mealtime enjoyable again. So, why not spice things up in the kitchen? Your toddler might surprise you by asking for seconds!

Ready to transform mealtime? Download the Little Lunches app today and gain access to Latin-inspired meal plans, easy recipes, grocery shopping lists, and dietitian-approved tips. Start making mealtime a stress-free and delicious experience for your whole family!

By Jessica Facusse, Co-founder of Little Lunches