When you’re feeding a toddler, some days you feel like a Michelin star chef, and other days you’re just happy they didn’t fling peas into the dog’s water bowl. (Yes, Roslyn, I’m looking at you.) This week we tried the HelloFresh Smoky Plant-Based Protein Shreds Hash and—spoiler alert—it was one of those “chef’s kiss” kind of meals.
Our little food critic is now almost 14 months old, teething like it’s her part-time job, and still somehow manages to have opinions sharper than the chef’s knives my husband swears he needs to own in multiples. Teething has made me loosen my grip on meal perfection. A mom once told me to look at toddler nutrition over the whole week, not just at one meal. Genius advice. One day it’s a feast, the next day it’s a Cheerio and a tantrum. That perspective shift has been such a stress reliever—I know she had a big yogurt snack and a hearty lunch earlier, so if she nibbles at dinner, it’s no crisis.
Family Meals, Toddler Style
One thing we’re consistent about? Family meals at the table. Whether Roslyn is ravenous or just poking at her plate, she’s part of the routine. Snacks? Those get a little wild—sometimes at the table, sometimes free-range like a mini buffet wanderer. But meal times? Everyone sits down.
And honestly, it’s paying off. Even on nights when she’s “meh” about food, she watches us, mimics, and learns. Plus, her new little pickle fork has been a game-changer. It’s metal like ours but perfectly toddler-sized. She’s obsessed, and I love that it keeps her engaged at the table. Watching her stab cherry tomatoes like a triumphant gladiator is pure entertainment.
Making the HelloFresh Meal Baby-Friendly
Now onto the HelloFresh baby meal modifications. This one was ridiculously easy. The hash is already soft and mixable, which makes it toddler-friendly straight out of the pan. The only prep I did for her was cutting up the cherry tomatoes so she didn’t try to swallow one whole like a daredevil. Other than that? Straight from the pan to her plate.
We did add eggs to our version of the meal (because eggs make everything better), but Roslyn didn’t bat an eye. She happily ate alongside us, no drama. The smoky plant-based protein shreds? She didn’t turn her nose up once. It’s refreshing to take a little break from meat and see her enjoy something different. Honestly, she’s handling this vegetarian stretch like a champ.
Flavor and Spice Check
Toddlers and spice can be a tricky dance, but this one hit the sweet spot. Flavorful but not overwhelming. No need to rinse anything off or serve her a “plain” version. She ate it as-is, which made me feel like we won dinner.
Toddler Meal Wins
Here’s what stood out with this recipe:
- Teething-Friendly: Soft textures, easy to gum even when she wasn’t in the mood for heavy chewing.
- Family Routine: Sitting at the table matters just as much as how much she eats.
- Engagement: The pickle fork continues to be her MVP utensil.
- Ease of Prep: Aside from halving cherry tomatoes, everything was toddler-ready.
- Plant-Based Success: Meat break? No problem. She still enjoyed every bite.
Final Thoughts
The HelloFresh Smoky Plant-Based Protein Shreds Hash gets a gold star from both parents and baby. It was quick to adapt for our 14-month-old, and the spice and texture were toddler-approved. Plus, it felt good introducing more plant-based meals into her diet without a fuss.
If you’re in the stage of toddlerhood where teething rules the land, don’t sweat every bite. Look at the whole week, stick to your family routines, and keep a small, toddler-friendly fork nearby. Some days they’ll clear their plate, other days they’ll offer it to the dog. Either way, these HelloFresh baby meals keep everyone at the table happy.
