5 Best Toddler Snack Cups, Catchers, and Containers of 2023
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- Many toddler cups come with soft flaps inside the cup that prevent snacks from spilling out.
- A toddler snack container with a lid will keep their snack fresh until they’re ready to come back to it.
- The most common materials used for toddler snack cups are stainless steel, silicone, and plastic.
If you know toddlers, you know the mess they can create. From markers on the wall to Cheerios between the couch cushions, toddlers have a way of making their mark wherever they go. Thankfully, there are solutions for those Cheerios you find in the couch.
Toddler snack catchers, cups, and containers are specifically designed for tiny fingers and help develop fine motor skills. They are also a popular choice for packing airplane snacks for toddlers or other snacks on the go. Parents often rave about how much they love their snack containers.
If you search online for toddler snack containers, you will find various options. Some containers focus on spill-proof features while others have separate containers to make packing easy.
Knowing what to look for in a snack cup will help you get the right one for your toddler. If you’re searching for a snack cup that will make your life easier, we are here to help. Our list of the best toddler snack cups, containers, and catchers of 2023 has all the information you need.
Top Pick: Skip Hop Baby Snack Container
- Perfect for toting munchies, this cute cup encourages independent snacking without the mess. The easy-grip handle is sized just right for little hands, and the snap top lid ensures food stays fresh
- The flexible inside opening keeps snacks from spilling out – even if it’s tipped over. With two lids there’s less mess and mom’s bag stays crumb-free!
- Featuring: Snap-top lid to keep snacks fresh, Screw off top for easy cleaning, Easy-grip/no-slip handle, & Clear body to see when refill is needed
- Hole in handle for tethering to stroller or bag
After reviewing the best snack cups, our top pick is the Skip Hop Baby Snack Container. This cup topped our list for the following reasons:
Portability. Having a container you can grab and toss in a bag just makes sense. The snap-shut lid makes this easy to take anywhere.
Fun. We couldn’t get over the cute designs these cups offered. It’s sure to be a crowd pleaser at any house.
Ease of Use. The lid is easy to remove to fill the container. And since the lid and spill-proof flaps stay attached, you won’t have to worry about losing any pieces.
Spill Proof. We put this cup to the test and found that it held up to its claims. It limited the mess around the house and kept my toddler happy.
Most Popular: Munchkin Snack Catcher
- Spill proof toddler snack container with soft flaps for easy food access
- Fits most standard cup holders in cars, car seats, strollers, etc.
- Great for home, daycare or on the go use
- Holds up to 9 ounces of snacks
If there’s one snack container that has made its entrance into thousands of homes across the country, it’s the Munchkin Snack Catcher. This popular choice has well over 50,000 reviews on Amazon and remains a household favorite. We’re one of those households and can attest to how well these cups hold up.
These spill-proof containers are perfect for basic use around the house. The plastic container includes a silicone top with flexible flaps that limit the amount of food that leaves the container. There are also two handles so toddlers can get a secure grip.
These cups come in a two-pack and are a great price. However, they are lacking in one major feature. There is no lid to cover the flaps.
If you’ll be throwing these cups in your diaper bag, you might want to look for another option. If you’re just looking for a basic cup that does the job around the house or in the car, this is worth looking at.
Capacity: 9 ounces | Material: Plastic
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Most Fun: Skip Hop Baby Snack Container
- Perfect for toting munchies, this cute cup encourages independent snacking without the mess. The easy-grip handle is sized just right for little hands, and the snap top lid ensures food stays fresh
- The flexible inside opening keeps snacks from spilling out – even if it’s tipped over. With two lids there’s less mess and mom’s bag stays crumb-free!
- Featuring: Snap-top lid to keep snacks fresh, Screw off top for easy cleaning, Easy-grip/no-slip handle, & Clear body to see when refill is needed
- Hole in handle for tethering to stroller or bag
My toddler almost squealed when I showed her our next snack cup. This toddler snack cup will delight kids of all ages. The Skip Hop Baby Snack Container wins our vote for the most fun snack container.
We chose the narwhal design in this container, but there were several more to choose from. The options include dinosaurs, dogs, llamas, butterflies, and more. The lid of the container features the face of the animal you choose.
The lid is my favorite thing about this cup. Not only is it cute, but it keeps snacks fresh and stays attached to the spill-proof flaps. This means I won’t have to hunt for the lid around the house.
My daughter carries it all through the house, and it holds up to its claim to prevent spills. It’s also easy for her to open and close the lid by herself. This toddler snack cup also includes one plastic handle that’s the perfect size for little fingers.
This is easily one of our favorite snack cups that we’ve ever used. My daughter loves that it’s so cute. I love that it’s easy to take apart and throw in the dishwasher.
Dimensions: 13.4″ x 15.1″ x 8.4″ | Material: Plastic | Weight Limit: 250 pounds
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Best Silicone: BraveJusticeKidsCo Snack Attack Snack Cup
- Made for Families: BPA Free, Phthalate Free, Latex Free. Soft silicone material. Flaps will not bite little hands reaching in and easy for baby to pull out snacks.
- Spill Proof: Shake, rattle and throw and the snacks still stay inside! Large holding handle with no slip grip technology.
- Durability:100% Silicone will not break, unlike plastic parts on the majority of snack cups.
- Peace of Mind: Dust Proof Lid to keep unwanted “things” out. Tight and snug fit lid prevents any dust, dirt, sand, or grass from getting into baby’s snack.
Silicone baby products are all the rage. And it just makes sense that parents would be looking for a silicone alternative to snack-sized plastic bags. The BraveJusticeKidsCo Snack Attack Snack Cup is one of the best snack containers for parents wanting minimal plastic.
I love how compact the snack attack cup becomes. When not in use, you can pop the cup down so it takes up less room. The silicone design is soft and flexible, and won’t break if your toddler throws it from the stroller.
I also appreciate that this snack cup comes with a lid to keep the food fresh. The spill guard flaps keep all my toddler’s food inside even when the cup is held upside down. The horizontal handle isn’t as natural for a toddler’s grip, but most toddlers will manage to carry it just fine.
This dishwasher-safe cup is an easy, chemical-free option for snacks on the go or around the house.
Capacity: 8 ounces | Material: Silicone
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Best Budget: Dr. Brown’s Toddler Snack Cups with Lids and Handles
- Flexible, resilient flaps are soft on toddler hands but keep food in the cup, for the perfect snack catcher. Removable handles help baby get a better grip.
- Twist-on top stays secure even when dropped. Less-mess cap helps minimize spills and keeps food fresher for longer.
- Finger-sized indentation on removable cap for easy open.
- Quickly assembles and disassembles. Dishwasher safe (top rack), BPA free, 9m+.
If you don’t want to spend a lot on a snack cup but still want great features, our next pick is for you. The Dr. Brown’s Toddler Snack Cups with Lids and Handles is a budget-friendly option that won’t disappoint you.
This cup includes all the basic features you would want in a toddler snack cup. The lid closes securely to keep snacks fresh after you pack them. The inside of the container features flaps to keep snacks from spilling out.
There are also removable handles to make the cup easy for tiny fingers to grab. I have been impressed with the quality of the cup at the price point it goes for. The spill-proof lid has performed just as well as the others.
I also love that the lid is easy enough for my toddler to open herself. When she’s finished using it, I can quickly take apart the pieces and wash them on the top rack of the dishwasher.
I would personally prefer fewer pieces to remove and wash. However, many parents will appreciate the option to remove the handles.
Capacity: 4 ounces | Material: Plastic
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Best Bento Box: LunchBots Small Protein Packer Toddler Bento Box
- MEALTIME VARIETY: The key to enjoying a healthy lunch? An array of tasty choices! That’s why we offer multiple size and section bento boxes, so you can take along all of the protein, fruit, veggies, salads and snacks that keep lunch fun and exciting.
- SECTIONAL: Who wants their chicken mixed in with their berries? Our Bento Boxes keep food neat and separate without the use of smaller containers. It offers quick convenience and a photo-worthy presentation!
- SAFE AND DURABLE: Made from the highest quality 18/8 stainless steel, this is the best bento box for packing healthy meals. Even with our colorful dot covers, 18/8 stainless steel is all that touches your food. And because they’re virtually indestructible, they’re great for any on-the-go lifestyle.
- ALL-IN-ONE DESIGN: Our divided stainless steel lunch box saves you the hassle of opening countless containers for quick convenience and a beautiful presentation!The lids and dividers aren’t watertight be sure to pack only dry foods.
If you’re looking for a compact container for more than one snack, a mini bento box might come in handy. The LunchBots Small Protein Packer Toddler Bento Box is a small box that keeps snacks separate.
While many bento boxes are designed for lunches, this one was created for smaller portions. With this container, you could pack veggies and fruit on one side and pretzels or cheese on the other. There are 4 compartments that will hold around 1 to 2 oz in each.
The box is made entirely from stainless steel and is top-rack dishwasher safe. Despite the material used, it’s surprisingly lightweight. It won’t be hard for little hands to carry it to the table.
This is a better option for sit-down meals, as it doesn’t prevent spills like snack catcher cups. However, it’s an easy option for packing snacks in a toddler backpack. The stainless steel base will keep your child’s snacks from getting crushed.
Capacity: 16 ounces | Material: Stainless Steel
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Features To Look For in a Snack Cup
While searching, you’ll find snack cups with two handles, snack cups with zip tops, and even snack cups that feature fun designs. Though some features aren’t crucial to the efficiency of the cup, others are worth looking for.
Here are the things we look for when purchasing a snack container for our little ones:
Handles:
When toddlers eat, they usually travel. Toddlers are known for being busy and snack time usually happens on the go in our house. For this reason, I appreciate snack containers with handles.
Some cups feature two handles, while others only have one. I’ve found that either works well for little hands. The handle gives them a firmer grip on the cup as they cruise around the park, house, or backyard.
Having no handles doesn’t make a snack cup useless. In fact, we own a set that doesn’t have any handles. It’s just a feature many parents prefer when purchasing a new snack container.
Lids:
Kids will often ask for snacks and then leave them unfinished. This is when having a snack cup with a lid is the perfect option. A toddler snack container with a lid will keep their snack fresh until they’re ready to come back to it.
A lid is also necessary for packing snacks to take in a stroller or diaper bag. No one wants to clean up cheerios out of the bottom of their diaper bag. If you often pack snacks for outings, you’ll want to make sure the toddler snack cup you choose includes a lid.
Spill-proof features:
This might be my favorite feature of many snack containers. Since my littlest children often snack in the car or around the house, I like to know there won’t be a massive mess in their car seats or rooms. Many toddler cups come with soft flaps inside the cup that prevent snacks from spilling out.
These flaps also knock extra food out of the child’s hand as they pull food out. You’ll want to consider if you’ll need this feature. If your child is only eating at the table, it might not be as crucial.
Easy to clean:
As a busy mom of 4, I look for items that are super easy to clean and dishwasher safe. Snack cups with multiple compartments can be difficult to hand wash. If you’re able to throw them in the dishwasher, it will make life easier.
Best Materials for Snack Cups
Toddler snack cups come in a variety of materials. The most common materials used for toddler snack cups are stainless steel, silicone, and plastic. Though each does an adequate job, some parents prefer certain materials over others.
Stainless Steel Pros and Cons:
Stainless steel is a common alternative to plastic. These metal containers are often preferred by parents who choose to avoid plastics.
Pros:
- Won’t break or shatter
- Lower risk of leaching than plastic
- Doesn’t contain chemicals
Cons:
- Dents easily
- Isn’t see through
- Heavier material than plastic
- Often more expensive than other options
- Can leach Chromium and Nickel when new (This can be limited by boiling your stainless snack container in vinegar several times before the first use.)
Silicone Pros and Cons:
Silicone is popular in baking and food storage. It’s widely known as a safe alternative to plastic.
Pros:
- Non-porous
- Soft and durable
- Resistant to bacteria
- Won’t break or shatter
- A lightweight alternative to stainless steel
Cons:
- More expensive than plastic
- Can include harmful fillers if not 100% food grade silicone
Plastic Pros and Cons:
In recent years, we’ve learned more about the dangers of the chemicals in plastic. Though many items are BPA-free, there are still other chemicals in plastic that can cause harm to the body if they leach.
The risk of plastic leaching into food increases if the plastic is heated or scratched. For this reason, parents might not be overly concerned about plastic snack cups, as they don’t usually carry hot food. Yet, it is still worth considering.
Pros:
- See-through
- Lightweight material
- Inexpensive compared to alternatives
Cons:
- Risk of chemicals leaching into food
- Not as durable as silicone or stainless steel
Recommended Accessories
Snack containers are helpful accessories when it’s time to eat in a house with little ones. We’ve found that having a selection of kid-friendly mealtime accessories makes all the difference. This is a great time to put these tools to use and develop oral motor skills.
Here are a few of our favorite accessories for tiny hands:
FAQs
What types of food can I put in a snack cup?
Snack cups are best used for dry, or mostly dry, foods. Serving snacks like veggies and fruits in the snack cup are fine. However, you’ll want to make sure you wash the cup after use to remove moisture and prevent mold growth.
Can snack cups grow bacteria?
Snack cups can grow bacteria if not properly cleaned. Food can become moldy if left in the container for too long. Be sure to wash your child’s snack cup in between uses to prevent bacteria growth.
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