Why do healthy menu options matter?
You’re worried about your kids’ health, and rightly so. We know the kids party you’re trying to avoid… the one where the littles are fueled by a mountain of icing and E-numbers, which creates a front-door meltdown when it’s time to go home. So, it makes sense you’re wanting to skip brown nuggets and sugar-highs for vibrant, delicious and healthy catering options. (Not only does it keep their energy levels more stable for party games, but it also means fewer sticky finger marks on your wallpaper. Win-win!)
Kids party healthy menu inspo
If you want to DIY, our all-star kids party caterers tell us that healthy doesn’t have to mean boring. Here’s what they recommend:
- Rainbow grazing boards - Swap the beige buffet for a riot of colour! Think bell pepper strips, cucumber moats, carrot strips, baby corn swords and a creamy hummus, healthy ranch or mild salsa for dipping.
- DIY food stations - Kids love to be in charge. Try a Pitta Pizza Bar where your little customers can add their own fun (and healthy) toppings or a Fruit Taco Station where pancake shells and Greek yoghurt form the base of a healthy sweet treat.
- Fairy smoothie bar - Ask them what fairy colours they want in their drink, like green (spinach, pineapple and banana) or blue (blueberries and yoghurt) for a fun layered dessert in disguise!
- Fruity drizzlers - If you’re worried that your kids will miss the treat element, why not make fruit skewers with a dark chocolate or light caramel drizzle? They still feel like a total indulgence, but they are packed with goodness.
- Sandwich shapes - Use cookie cutters to make wholegrain bread sandwiches crustless and irresistible. Fillings like cucumber & cream cheese, turkey & cheese, peanut butter & banana, cheese & tomato or egg & avocado go down pretty well.
Children’s party catering services with healthy menu options
Let’s say you don’t want to handle everything yourself… that’s okay, that’s why we’re here! But choosing the right partner for your party feast is key. If you're browsing the Kids Party Finder directory for a hand in the kitchen, keep these four things in mind:
- A great caterer should ask about dietary requirements before you even mention them. Look for someone who is confident with dairy-free, nut-free and gluten-free alternatives.
- We eat with our eyes first! Check their Instagram or KPF listing for photos. Do they use fun shapes? Colourful packaging? If the food looks like a party on a plate, the kids will dive right in.
- There’s also a fine art to catering for 5-year-olds versus 11-year-olds. Look for suppliers who offer lunch box styles for younger kids (this is less messy) and more sophisticated grazing tables for the older ones.
- And lastly, more and more of our suppliers are ditching single-use plastics. So, you might want to ask if they provide biodegradable plates and cutlery or reusable crates to display their goodies.
Have something specific in mind or a few picky eaters to account for? You can put in a request for the exact food you need on our special little form here.
