Joyce J
30 May 2023
Afternoon tea is a delightful way to spend your afternoon. Whether it’s with friends or family, taking the time to sit down and enjoy the afternoon over tea can be a special experience. Afternoon tea has a long history, beginning in the early 1800s in England as a break between lunch and dinner. The traditional afternoon tea consists of light sandwiches, scones with clotted cream, cakes, and pastries.
Idea 1: Yoghourt Parfaits
Yoghourt parfaits are a delightful and easy-to-prepare option for afternoon tea. They are both healthy and refreshing, making them ideal for those who want to indulge in a sweet treat without feeling guilty. To make yoghourt parfaits, you can layer any type of yoghourt with fresh or frozen fruit, granola, honey, nuts or seeds. The combinations are endless, so feel free to experiment with different flavours and textures.
One great thing about yoghourt parfaits is that they can be customised to suit individual tastes and dietary preferences. For example, if you’re vegan or lactose intolerant, you can use plant-based yoghourts such as soy or coconut milk yoghourt instead of dairy-based ones. You can also adjust the sweetness level by adding more or less honey depending on your preference.
If you’re hosting an afternoon tea party and want to impress your guests with a healthy dessert option that’s quick and easy to prepare, try serving up some delicious yoghourt parfaits! Not only will they taste great but they’ll also add some vibrant colour to your table setting.
Idea 2: Fruit Skewers
Fruit skewers are an excellent way to add a pop of colour and flavour to your afternoon tea. Not only are they visually appealing, but they’re also packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and fibre. To make fruit skewers, simply cut up a variety of fruits such as strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, kiwi, pineapple and melon into bite-sized pieces.
Once you’ve prepped the fruit, thread them onto wooden or metal skewers in any pattern you like. For added sweetness and flavor, consider drizzling honey or spreading nut butter onto the fruit before skewering them. Fruit skewers can be served on their own as a refreshing snack or paired with yoghourt dip for a protein boost.
Incorporating colourful fruit skewers into your afternoon tea spread is an easy way to provide guests with healthy snacking options that taste delicious without compromising on nutrition. Plus it’s a fun activity for kids who can help assemble their own skewers!
Idea 3: Veggie Platter
A veggie platter is an excellent healthy afternoon tea idea for anyone who wants to maintain a balanced diet. It’s an ideal way to incorporate a variety of vegetables into your daily meals, and it’s easy to prepare. With the right combination of veggies, you’ll have a delicious and nutritious option that can be enjoyed by everyone.
The key to creating the perfect veggie platter is selecting a variety of colourful vegetables that are in season. Choose veggies like carrots, cucumbers, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, broccoli florets, snap peas and celery sticks. You can also add some hummus or other dips on the side for added flavour.
Not only is this snack rich in vitamins and minerals but it’s also low in calories which makes it perfect for anyone looking to lose weight or maintain their current weight. In addition to that, it’s also a great way to get one’s daily dose of fibre which helps improve digestion and prevent constipation.
Idea 4: Cheese & Crackers
A classic cheese and crackers combo is a perfect addition to any afternoon tea spread. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also a great source of protein and calcium.
When selecting your cheeses, try to choose a variety of textures and flavours. Some good options include creamy brie, sharp cheddar, tangy goat cheese, and nutty Gouda. Pair them with some whole grain or seed crackers for added fibre.
To make this snack even healthier, add some sliced fresh fruit like grapes or apples on the side. This will give you an extra boost of vitamins and antioxidants while still satisfying your savoury cravings. Enjoy this simple yet tasty option at your next afternoon tea gathering!
Idea 5: Mini Sandwiches
Mini sandwiches are a perfect addition to any afternoon tea spread. They are easy to make, customizable and can be served on a variety of bread types. For a healthy twist, opt for whole wheat or multigrain bread and fill them with fresh vegetables, lean protein sources like chicken or turkey breast, and hummus or avocado spreads.
To add some variety to your mini sandwich selection, consider using different shapes of bread such as rolls or baguettes, cutting them into triangles or squares instead of traditional rectangles. You can also play around with the fillings by adding fruits like apple slices or berries for a sweet option, or smoked salmon for a savoury one.
Mini sandwiches are not only delicious but they are also practical as they allow guests to try multiple flavours without feeling too full. Plus, by opting for healthier ingredients you can feel good about serving them at any gathering.
Idea 6: Muffins & Scones
Muffins and scones are quintessential afternoon tea treats that are perfect for those who want to indulge their sweet tooth while still being healthy. When it comes to muffins, there are plenty of healthy options available such as banana oatmeal muffins, carrot muffins, or blueberry bran muffins. All these recipes use natural ingredients like whole wheat flour, oats, fruits and vegetables to give you a satisfying snack without the guilt.
Scones can also be made healthier by using alternatives like almond flour or coconut flour instead of regular flour. You can even replace sugar with honey or maple syrup for a more natural sweetness. Some popular healthy scone flavours include lemon poppy seed, cranberry orange and chocolate chip.
Pair your muffin or scone with some fresh fruit and a cup of tea for an indulgent yet wholesome afternoon tea experience. These treats are perfect for sharing with friends or family while catching up on each other’s lives over a warm cup of tea!
Idea 7: Popcorn Balls
Popcorn balls are a fun and healthy treat that can make any afternoon tea party more exciting. These crunchy, sweet treats are easy to make and can be customised with different flavours and add-ins. To make popcorn balls, you’ll need popped popcorn as the base, along with some honey or maple syrup to bind everything together. You can also add other ingredients like nuts, dried fruits, or chocolate chips for extra flavour.
One of the best things about popcorn balls is that they’re a healthier alternative to traditional baked goods or candies. Popcorn is high in fibre and low in calories, making it an ideal snack for weight-conscious individuals. Additionally, homemade popcorn balls are free from preservatives and artificial additives that are commonly found in packaged snacks.
To take your popcorn ball game up a notch, consider experimenting with different flavours like cinnamon sugar or peanut butter chocolate chip. You could also try adding superfoods like chia seeds or flaxseed meal for an extra dose of nutrition. Whether you’re serving them at a party or just enjoying them as an afternoon snack, popcorn balls are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth without derailing your healthy eating goals.
Idea 8: Yoghourt Bowls
Yoghourt bowls are a quick and easy way to beat the afternoon slump. They are packed with protein, probiotics, and fiber, which can help you feel fuller for longer. You can customise your yoghourt bowl to suit your taste preferences by adding various toppings such as fresh fruit, nuts, granola, honey or chia seeds.
To make a delicious yoghourt bowl at home, start with 1-2 cups of plain Greek yoghourt in a bowl. Next, add your choice of toppings – sliced bananas or berries for natural sweetness; chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds for crunch; granola for extra fiber; drizzle honey over it all if you want some added sweetness.
If you’re looking for a more indulgent option, try adding dark chocolate chips or nut butter. Yoghourt bowls are perfect because they take almost no time to prepare and offer endless combinations of flavours that will keep you feeling satisfied until dinner time!
Idea 9: Crudites & Hummus
For those looking for a healthy afternoon snack, crudites and hummus are a great option. Crudites refer to sliced vegetables such as carrots, celery, cucumbers and peppers which can be paired with hummus for added flavour. Hummus is a popular dip made from chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice and garlic.
Apart from being delicious and satisfying, this snack is also packed with nutrients. The vegetables provide fibre which aids digestion while the protein in the hummus helps keep you full until your next meal. Additionally, both the veggies and hummus contain vitamins and minerals that benefit overall health.
To create an even more filling snack or light lunch addition, consider adding grilled chicken or roasted chickpeas to your plate of crudites and hummus. This will add some extra protein while keeping the dish healthy and nutritious. Overall, crudites and hummus make for a tasty yet guilt-free option during afternoon tea time or any other time of day when hunger strikes.
Idea 10: Smoked Salmon Pinwheels
Smoked salmon pinwheels are a delicious and healthy option for an afternoon tea snack. Packed with protein and omega-3 fatty acids, smoked salmon is a nutritious choice that will keep you feeling full and satisfied. Plus, its rich flavour pairs perfectly with cream cheese, making it the ideal filling for pinwheels.
To make smoked salmon pinwheels, start by laying out a sheet of puff pastry on a flat surface. Spread a layer of cream cheese over the pastry, leaving about half an inch of space around the edges. Then arrange thin slices of smoked salmon on top of the cream cheese. Roll up the pastry tightly into a log shape and slice it into rounds about 1/2 inch thick. Place them onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake in the oven at 400°F for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and puffed up. Serve warm or at room temperature alongside some fresh herbs or lemon wedges to add extra flavour and brightness to this tasty treat!
Conclusion: Healthy Snacking
In conclusion, healthy snacking is not only beneficial for our overall health but also helps us to stay energised throughout the day. When it comes to afternoon tea, there are plenty of healthy snack options that can be incorporated into your daily routine. These snacks can include fruits and veggies like apples, carrot sticks and hummus, or even a handful of nuts like almonds or walnuts.
One way to ensure you have access to healthy snacks during your afternoon tea break is by preparing them in advance. This could involve packing some pre-cut fruits or veggies in a small container and storing it in the office fridge. Alternatively, if you’re working from home, you could prepare some homemade energy bites or protein bars that can be easily accessed when hunger strikes.
Overall, incorporating healthy snacking habits into your daily routine can lead to better nutrition and increased energy levels throughout the day. By making simple changes like swapping out processed snacks for whole foods and preparing snacks ahead of time, you’ll be well on your way towards achieving a healthier lifestyle.
