Sneaky Ways to Add Prebiotics to Your Kid’s Meals

Medically Reviewed by May Zhu, RDN | Published July 08, 2025

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You’ve probably heard of probiotics, but prebiotics are just as important especially for toddlers and kids. Prebiotics are special fibers that feed the good bacteria in the gut, helping with digestion, stool regularity, and even immune function. But let’s be real: getting kids to eat enough fiber can be a challenge.

Here are simple, sneaky ways to work prebiotics into your kiddo’s everyday meals without a single complaint.

First, What Are Prebiotics?

Prebiotics are a type of fiber found in foods like chicory root, bananas, asparagus, garlic, onions, and human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs). These fibers don’t get digested in the small intestine; instead, they travel to the colon where they help healthy bacteria thrive.

Prebiotic fiber has been shown to:

  • Soften stool and reduce constipation

  • Improve gut motility

  • Support a healthy microbiome

That’s why they’re a key part of any gut-healthy diet for kids.

1. Stir into Smoothies or Yogurt

Add a scoop of Growing Up Prebiotics to your kid’s morning smoothie or bowl of yogurt. It’s tasteless and texture-free, so even the pickiest eaters won’t notice.

Try:

  • Banana + spinach + Greek yogurt + Growing Up Prebiotics

  • Strawberry + oat milk + peanut butter + prebiotics

2. Mix into Muffins or Pancakes

Prebiotic powders like chicory root inulin and HMOs can handle moderate heat and blend right into baked goods. Add to banana muffins, waffles, or pancakes for a fiber boost.

Begin Health Expert Tip:

Aim to pair prebiotics with other fiber-rich ingredients like oats or chia seeds for extra benefits.

3. Sprinkle Into Mac & Cheese or Pasta Sauce

Once cooled slightly, sauces are the perfect carrier for prebiotics. Stir in a scoop of prebiotic powder after removing from heat. It disappears into cheesy or tomato-based sauces with no taste or texture.

4. Add to Nut or Seed Butters 

Mix prebiotics into almond butter before spreading on toast or stirring into oatmeal. You can even roll it into snack balls with oats, dates, and flaxseed for a fiber-packed treat.

5. Bake Into Snacks

Add to homemade granola bars, high-fiber muffins, or even crackers. Since Growing Up Prebiotics doesn’t alter taste or texture, it works in both sweet and savory recipes.

Summary

You don’t have to overhaul your kid’s diet to support their gut health. Just a scoop of prebiotic fiber mixed into familiar foods can make a big difference in digestion and regularity. With tasteless, toddler-friendly options like Growing Up Prebiotics, gut support is easier than ever to sneak in.