A Is for Ants-Go-Munching
Your kids are going to LOVE this fun (and kind of gross) snack idea!
Like most of our ABC Snacks, this one pairs healthy yet yummy eating with a hands-on recipe that preschoolers can help create. Include foods from every food group and Appetizing Ants-Go-Munching can become a tasty lunch instead of just a snack.
The built-in flexibility of this snack makes it a great one for children with allergies and food sensitivities. There’s plenty of room for creativity—and of course, there’s lots of room for fun.
Nobody likes to have uninvited guests at a picnic, but this is one lunch that won’t be ruined by the ants!
Appetizing Ants-Go-Munching
Here’s what you’ll need to make this snack for one child:
- Muffin tin with six compartments
- Six kid-friendly food options: lunch meat, mac-n-cheese, cheese slices or cubes, carrot sticks, celery sticks, ranch dip, peanut butter, apple slices, grapes, berries, cookies, apple sauce, pudding, pretzel sticks, etc.
- Ants: any small, dark food like raisins, craisins, sunflower seeds, mini chocolate chips, blueberries, etc.
Directions:
- Place a muffin liner in each compartment of the muffin tin.
- Fill each compartment with a single food option.
- Create a munching army of ants using the ant of your choice from the list above. Make sure your ants munch their way through all your food options.
Variations:
- Be creative! Any food can be substituted for the foods suggested above.
- This recipe can easily be altered to fit special food needs and personal preferences.
Teaching Tips
- As you and your child arrange your army of ants, practice saying /ă/–/ă/–appetizing ants together.
- Can your preschooler create the letter A out of your imaginary ants?
- Sing the traditional “Ants Go Marching” song together as you work. Here’s a book that might help.
- Download ABC Snacks: Tips for Working on Pre-Reading Skills for more teaching tips.
Want More Snacks for Letter A?
Find snacks for letter A and more with the ABC Snacks Cookbooks series that includes more than 40 snack recipes for your preschoolers!
Marta
says:What cute idea! I really appreciate the additional ideas you all share on the blog. We love this program!
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceI’m glad you enjoy the blog, Marta! Thank you.
Jeanne
says:This is such a cool idea! They learn letters, music, art and more!
Amber
says:So much better than ants on a log! my kids will love
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceThank you, Amber!
Meggie Weston
says:Love this idea! I will definitely use this with my kindergartner!
Amanda King
says:This looks like fun, we might try it out this year!
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceI hope you enjoy it, Amanda! ?
Rachel Bradley
says:LOVE this idea! I am always trying to find creative ways for my kids to eat healthier! Thanks for the tip!
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceYou’re welcome, Rachel! I like that this “recipe” can be easily adapted for different foods depending on what is in season or what your child likes.
Kristen
says:How fun! ?
Pauline
says:We make a similar snack at our house with an ice cube tray. Next time I’ll try putting the raisin around as ? ! Great idea!
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceGlad you like it, Pauline!
Bri
says:What a fun idea! Looking forward to trying this with my little ones.
Cassia
says:Such a fun idea, thank you
Judith Martinez
says:This is so much fun! I was amazed at how much my 8 year old loved “ants on a log.” I’ll bet she’d enjoy this as well.
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceYes, if a kid enjoys ants on a log, this will be a big treat! Enjoy!
LeeAnne Contreras
says:Love this idea! My first son loved the PreReading set and I know my second son will too! I am definitely trying this idea because we love this song!
Annalisa
says:I like the idea of adding a food component…which can lead to cooking and measurement!
Stephanie
says:My kids would love this activity!
Clarissa Hiciano
says:My children would love this!
Nadya
says:Love these tips! Thank you for sharing :)
Sarah
says:My preschooler would love this idea!
Nicole G
says:I love this idea, but I’d hate to wash 4-6 muffin pans.
Maureen
says:We’ve enjoyed the snack ideas and pairing them with the alphabet.
Angela Gay
says:So cute! Can’t wait to make this for my girls.
Stacey Barr
says:Love your boOKS :)
Julia Cosgrove
says:My sons absolutely love this and it was a good start for my son whose name begins with A.
Aimee
says:My children want to try all the foods in your alphabet series! These are great ideas for winter boredom, too!
Rachel
says:Thank you for this great resource!
Jessica
says:This looks like a fun and yummy dish to make with my child! Thanks for sharing!
megan dolson
says:This looks so yummy. The kids will love it, can’t wait to try!
Joanie
says:We will have to try this!!
Barbie Castor
says:Such a cute idea. My kids would love this.
Mumtaz
says:I love your idea.
Judith Martinez
says:These are so fun! I pinned the main page so I can go back and refer to it. Thank you for sharing!!
Lael Boyce
says:Very cute idea!