Frozen Kefir or Yogurt Bark {easy probiotic snack for kids}

Frozen kefir or yogurt bark is an easy healthy snack for kids and adults alike. Creamy yogurt or kefir sweetened with honey, topped with fresh fruit and a sprinkle of nuts, then frozen and broken into pieces. Snack perfection!

The other day, I polled you guys on social media and asked what types of recipes you wanted more of this year. Along with more gluten free recipes, healthy snacks were a top request!

Then I realized, duh! I hardly have any snacks on the blog at all. So today, let’s remedy that.

One reader who wanted healthy snacks also mentioned she would love something to give her kids more probiotics. We all need that, right?!

This probiotic-rich frozen kefir (or yogurt) bark is the perfect solution!

Why we all need more probiotic snacks

If you haven’t already hopped on the probiotics train, it’s about time. According to this study from the National Institutes of Health, “There is increasing evidence in favour of the claims of beneficial effects attributed to probiotics, including improvement of intestinal health, enhancement of the immune response…”

But you might be wondering, “Are probiotics good for kids?” The answer is a resounding YES!

Probiotics may help relieve diarrhea and constipation in kids, plus help with acid reflux and possibly even eczema and allergies (1).

And I’m a big fan of using food in favor of supplements whenever possible. Giving kids food sources of probiotics more effective (and cheaper) than popping a pill.

You don’t have to worry about dosage or whether a supplement is safe for a child. Plus, probiotic pills can get expensive!

So, I highly recommend giving your kids probiotic food sources whenever possible. Things like fermented veggies (ginger carrots are super popular), yogurt, or my personal favorite — kefir (here’s how to make it!).

Kefir vs. Yogurt for Frozen Bark

If you’re new to kefir-making, I highly recommend ordering your grains from Donna Schwenk’s Cultured Food Life. She ships them LIVE and fresh.

I tried ordering the freeze-dried grains on Amazon, and they just didn’t work well. My grains never grew. I got my current grains from a man at the farmer’s market who had extra. He originally ordered his from Donna Schwenk. She also has tons of information on her site about kefir and the benefits of other fermented foods.

I’ve been making kefir consistently for around 6 months, and I’m happy to share my process with you guys. I am showing you the step-by-step instructions in my post, How to Make Milk Kefir.

Of course, if you want to keep things simple, you can make this recipe with plain unsweetened yogurt from the grocery store. It’s still got probiotics (though not quite as many) and works great for this recipe.

Or, learn how to make your own yogurt from scratch with this freebie – it’s super easy!

Basically, any type of plain yogurt or kefir will do for this frozen bark.

An easy snack to make with kids

One thing I love most about this recipe is that it is SO easy to make with your kids.

Honestly, they can pretty much make it themselves. The only thing they need help with is cutting up the fruit, if you choose to do so.

Not only is this snack EASY to make, it’s super yummy with the creamy sweet kefir/yogurt, fresh fruit, and sprinkling of nuts! Plus, it’s the perfect treat for a summer day or festive 4th of July snack.

Also, there’s no added sugar – just a touch of natural honey or maple syrup and fruit to sweeten. As my mom always says, “Nutritious is delicious!”

How to make Frozen Kefir/Yogurt Bark

First, line a large sheet pan or tray with parchment paper.

Next, add two cups of plain kefir or yogurt to a medium-sized bowl. Add several tablespoons of honey or maple syrup to taste, plus a splash of vanilla extract. Stir together thoroughly.

Pour the kefir or yogurt mixture into your prepared tray, spreading evenly.

Slice strawberries or other desired fruit.

Top kefir/yogurt mixture with fruit pieces and a sprinkle of nuts, if desired.

Freeze for at least 2 hours to allow to set. Break frozen yogurt bark into pieces and enjoy!

Frozen yogurt bark recipe variations

This is one of the easiest recipes to customize and get creative with! Try all different toppings like:

• Shredded coconut
• Granola
• Raisins or other dried fruit
• Chocolate chips

Or, add other flavors to the yogurt mix like cocoa or cinnamon! There are so many fun possibilities for this healthy snack.

What probiotic snacks do your kids like to eat? Will you try this frozen yogurt bark?

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