String Cheese Caterpillars

String Cheese Caterpillars
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Need a easy snack with just a few ingredients? Try a string cheese caterpillar! Kids will have fun creating their own caterpillar or other string cheese creature!

string cheese caterpillars
Photo provided by Cami Wells
Ingredients:
  • 1 piece of string cheese*
  • 5 pretzel sticks
  • 1 teaspoon dried cranberries or raisins

Directions:

  1. Wash hands with soap and water.
  2. Break pretzel sticks in half and stick in cheese to make legs and antennae.
  3. Add dried cranberries or raisins to "legs" to make feet. Enjoy!
Notes:

*Use caution when serving string cheese to children, especially those under 4 years of age because they are at the greatest risk of choking. Prevent choking by cutting food in small pieces--no larger than one-half inch (½"). Additional tips to prevent choking:

  • Have your child eat at the table. Do not let your child run, walk, play, or lie down with food in their mouth.
  • Keep a watchful eye on your child while he or she eats.
  • Encourage children to eat slowly and to chew completely before swallowing.

Snack Crediting for Ages 6-12 in CACFP - Meat/Meat Alternate

Nutrition Information:

  • Calories: 110
  • Total Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg
  • Sodium: 230mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 4g
  • Protein: 7g
  • Calcium: 10%
Nutrition Software Used: ESHA Food Processor

Sources:

  1. Reducing the Risk of Choking in Young Children at Mealtimes

  2. United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)