Which of the following snacks would provide the most nutritional variety?

The choice of milk, crackers, and apple slices provides the most nutritional variety because it combines different food groups, each contributing essential nutrients.

Milk is an excellent source of calcium and vitamin D, which are crucial for bone health and growth in children. It also provides protein for overall body development. Crackers, particularly those made from whole grains, can supply carbohydrates for energy, fiber for digestion, and, depending on the type, additional vitamins and minerals. Apple slices contribute vitamins, especially vitamin C, and dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and promotes satiety.

This combination offers a balance of dairy, grains, and fruit, ensuring a mix of macronutrients (proteins, fats, and carbohydrates) and micronutrients (vitamins and minerals), which are vital for the holistic development of young children.

In contrast, other options may fall short in delivering a diverse range of nutrients. For instance, the combination of milk, yogurt, and cheese slices, while high in dairy, lacks significant variety since all items are dairy-based. Similarly, lemonade and a hardboiled egg or juice and a cookie offer limited diversity, mainly consisting of either sugary beverages or snack items that do not provide a wide range of vitamins and minerals.