Don’t be fooled by their diapers and incomprehensible babble.

Toddlers may be small, but when it comes to food, they’re ruthless critics. Sure, they’re still a bit new to the world, but they certainly know what they like — and what they’d rather leave spewed on the ground. Searching for the right snacks to appease them can feel like playing a rigged game, and if your kiddo simply isn’t eating, nobody wins.

When I started looking into the best pouches for toddlers, I was overwhelmed by the different certifications, ingredients, and the dizzying number of brands to keep track of. Notes of broccoli and apple, stage four eating, packed with probiotics, shelf-stable, certified organic, paleo-friendly…There were so many choices that I had no clue where to start.

My daughter, an unyielding picky-eater, is hard to please in terms of both taste and presentation. Some snacks are too sour, others too sweet, and the packaging? Sometimes it’s too squishy, too slippery, or just plain tricky for little hands to manage. I’ll go out of my way to slice her grilled cheese into perfect stars and dice her cucumbers just right, only to watch the entire meal fly across the room like a frisbee.

That’s half the reason pouches feel like the ultimate parenting hack. Unlike prepared snacks, they’re incredibly convenient, and most toddlers simply can’t get enough of them. I mean, what parent doesn’t want a snack they can throw in their bag and pop open when the hunger pangs hit or their child starts melting down in public?

There are plenty of pouches to choose from, the real trick is finding ones that are still packed with wholesome ingredients that babies need — like fiberous fruits and veggies, protein, iron, and more nutrients that little ones need to grow and thrive.

Behold, the best pouches for toddlers: a carefully curated roundup of all the brands we’ve researched, vetted, and offered up to the toughest critics (our toddlers, of course).

Getting fruits and veggies has never been so easy. Little Spoon smoothies feature a decadent blend of wholesome ingredients that you can pronounce — kiwi, kale, chia seeds, carrot, flaxseed, pitaya, and more real fruits and veggies. They’re simple, yet delectable, and that’s why both kids and parents love them. For a heartier snack, Little Spoon also offers Overnight Oat Smoothies, which have six grams of whole grains per recipe.

New York Post Review:  “I never thought the day would come where my toddler would actually ask me for a snack packed with veggies, but here we are. The perfectly balanced, sugar-free Little Spoon smoothies changed her, and by some miracle, the tropical greens flavor is the biggest hit. I was so curious that I tried it myself, and can confirm that these blends are tasty, smooth, balanced, and just a touch sweet. The durable packaging is an added perk, too. The dispenser is an appropriate size for little mouths, which means far less of a mess. Zero complaints here.”

Calories: 70 | Sugar: 11 | Protein: 1

Not all toddlers are as willing to chow down on protein, but Serenity Kids Meat + Veggies pouches might change their minds. These organic, paleo pouches are made for kiddos six months and up, and the combination of flavors might blow kids’ minds as much as parents’. Featuring blends with chicken, turkey, bison, salmon, squash, and roots, these meat-centric snacks are perfect for any little ones who need to up their protein counts.

Calories: 80-100 | Sugar: 2-4 | Protein: 1-5

Little bellies deserve the good stuff — like selenium and zinc for brain development, Vitamin B12 and B6, and flavor-packed fruits and veggies like white beans, pumpkin, chickpeas, sweet potato, and other superfoods for the early stage feeding. For all that and more, we suggest Cerebelly. These squeezable pouches are backed by a practicing neurosurgeon, who spent years trying out different recipes before perfecting these science-backed snacks.

New York Post Review: “My daughter slurps these up like she’s never seen food before. No joke — sometimes I turn around and the whole pouch is gone. I have no problem with it, given the wholesome ingredient list. The combo of fiber-filled legumes and fruits, plus brain-boosting vitamins, assures me that she’s getting the good stuff. My only suggestion — bring some wet wipes. Things can get messy.”

Calories: 80-110 | Sugar: 0-5 | Protein: 4

If you’re a parent, you know that toddlers are always on the move. They need all the energy and nutrients they can get. Happy Tot Organics has crafted a GMO-free recipe that supports their growing needs with thoughtful ingredients like pea protein, pumpkin purée, chia seeds, and more. These snacks are ideal for ages two and up, and customers mention that they’re picky-eater approved and convenient for families who are always on the go. While a pouch a day may not satisfy all their nutritional needs, these snacks do get them a bit closer to their recommended dose of fruits, veggies, and protein.

Calories: 80 | Sugar: 10-11 | Protein: 3

Packed with gut-friendly probiotics and a solid dose of protein, YoGos are developed for toddlers with high standards for both taste and nutrition. The whole milk Greek yogurt base kicks up the protein count while adding a creamy, smooth texture that little ones can never get enough of. The cold-pressing process ensures the best nutrients are locked in and sealed for freshness. Little Spoon emphasizes transparency and has set the standards in terms of organic, expert-backed snacks. If you’re a new parent unsure where to turn, this brand has you covered.

New York Post Review: “The Little Spoon YOGOs are the perfect on-the-go snack for my toddler. Sometimes, sitting and eating isn’t an option with a little boy who would rather be digging in the dirt. These yogurts include real ingredients and have a ton of different flavors that he loves. These can help me rest assured he’s getting something nutrient-dense, and can still be on the move!” — Ryan Murphy, Commerce Partnerships Manager

Calories: 100 | Sugar: 12 | Protein: 4

Designed for toddlers, but suitable for ages one year and up, these cold-pressed, dairy-free smoothies are the proud recipients of The Clean Label Project verification and Purity Award Certification. Each is crafted to get kids exactly what they need without all the extra junk. Through the intricate cold-pressing process, all the best nutrients stay active, so kids can reap the benefits. While they do require refrigeration, they’re a healthier and refreshing choice with delicious homemade flavors.

Calories: 80-90 | Sugar: 9-11 | Protein: 1

They say to eat the rainbow, and now you finally can! Little Spoon’s latest release of smoothies are bursting with colors and character. There’s Barnie, Billy, and even Baby Bop — and kids will love nothing more than picking out their new favorite squeezable snacks. Packaging aside, these Little Spoon smoothies are still stacked with the same high-quality organic ingredients, including sparkling spirulina, purple sweet potato, and butternut squash.

Calories: 70 | Sugar: 12 | Protein: 1

For lip-smacking fruit without the fuss, stock up on GoGo Squeez. These squeezable pouches pack in a variety of tropical fruit flavors, from apple and guava to mango, passionfruit, pineapple, and more. No high-fructose corn syrup or artificial flavors added. Customers say they’re perfectly sized for little hands, easy to open, and the ideal addition to lunchboxes. Each variety pack is filled with 20 pouches, so you’re kiddo will be set up for some time.

Calories: 70 | Sugar: 11 | Protein: 0

To evaluate the best snack pouches for babies and toddlers, we considered the following criteria: The quality and durability of the package, flavor and variety, and overall nutrition.

This article was written by Miska Salemann, New York Post Commerce Journalist. As a Gen Z first-time mother of one, Miska tests baby, maternity and postpartum products ranging from stylish new kids clothes to long-trusted diaper brands with her daughter. She evaluates baby- and mom-approved products for practicality and quality, and consults medical and parenting experts to weigh in on safe ingredients, usage and more. Before arriving at the Post, she covered the lifestyle and consumer verticals for the U.S. Sun.