New year, new goals, right? For many of us, that includes finding ways to eat healthier—especially as we navigate flu season and chilly winter days. While "gut health" might sound like the latest buzzword, it’s actually an important part of staying healthy all year long.

Here’s the thing: eating clean isn’t always easy, especially with kids in the mix. Take fibre, for example. Most Canadians, including children, only get about half the recommended amount. But fibre is key—it helps digestion, balances blood sugar, supports heart health, and boosts the immune system.

Now, we know what you’re thinking: getting kids to eat fibre-rich foods like veggies, fruits, and whole grains can feel like an uphill battle. That’s where we come in! We’ve whipped up some creative dessert ideas that sneak in fibre and other gut-friendly ingredients without sacrificing flavour. These treats are so good that your family will ask for seconds—and you’ll love knowing they’re packed with healthy goodness. Let’s dig in!

Black Bean and Beet Brownies

Who says brownies can’t be good for you? These rich, chocolaty treats are loaded with hidden nutrients thanks to black beans and beets. Black beans bring protein, fiber, and essential micronutrients, while beets add a boost of nitrates and even more fiber. The best part? Your family will never guess these indulgent brownies are secretly packed with goodness! View the original recipe here. 

Prep Time: 15 minutes Total Time: 90 minutes Makes: 9 Brownies

Ingredients

• 2 Beets
• 1 cup canned Co-op Gold Black Beans
• ¼ cup Co-op Gold Cocoa Powder
• 1 cup Brown Sugar
• 3 Eggs
• 1 tbsp Vanilla Extract
• ¼ cup Co-op Gold All Purpose Flour
• 3 tbsp Vegetable Oil
• 1 tsp Baking Powder
• 1 tsp Salt
• ¼ cup Co-op Gold Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Boil beets until beets are fork-tender, about 45 minutes. Drain, let cool, and rub off skins under cold water. Place beets in food processor and puree until smooth.

Blend black beans in a food processor until a light chunky consistency is reached. Add ⅓ cup of beet puree and all other ingredients, excluding chocolate chips, to black beans and mix until blended.

Lightly spray a 10x10 inch cake pan. Pour brownie mixture into cake pan and level out. Sprinkle chocolate chips on top. Bake for 15-20 mins until baked through. Let cool and enjoy.

Prebiotic Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins

Muffins that fight off bad bacteria? Yes, please! These banana chocolate chip muffins are not only delicious but also loaded with prebiotics—a type of fiber that feeds the good bacteria in your gut. Add in the natural sweetness of bananas and a sprinkle of chocolate chips, and you’ve got a healthy treat your whole family will love. View the original recipe here. 

Prep time: 10 minutes Total time: 30 minutes Makes: 12 muffins

Ingredients

• ½ cup Canola Oil
• ¾ cup Granulated Sugar
• 2 Eggs
• 1 cup Banana, mashed
• 1 tsp Vanilla
• 1 tsp Baking Soda
• 2 tsp Warm Water
• ¾ cup Unbleached Flour
• ¾ cup Co-op Gold Pure Faba Bean Flour
• ⅓ cup Wheat Bran
• 1 tsp Cinnamon
• ½ cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F.

In a medium-sized bowl, cream together canola oil, sugar, eggs, bananas and vanilla. Dissolve the baking soda in warm water. Mix well and blend into the wet mixture.

In a large bowl, stir together the flours, wheat bran and cinnamon. Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Stir in the chocolate chips.

Spray muffin tin (or silicon muffin cups) with cooking spray. Fill each muffin cup half to two-thirds full. Bake for 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the centre of a muffin comes out clean.

Lemon Yogurt Loaf

This light and zesty lemon yogurt loaf is a refreshing way to boost your gut health. Made with probiotic-rich yogurt, it helps add good bacteria to your system while delivering a delightful burst of lemon flavor. Whether you serve it with breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or as dessert, this loaf is as good for your taste buds as it is for your tummy! Find the original recipe here.

Prep time: 10 minutes Total time: 60 minutes Makes: 1 loaf

Ingredients

Dry

• 1½ cups All Purpose Flour
• 2 tsp Baking Powder
• 1 tsp Salt

Wet

• 2 Eggs
• 1 cup Lemon Probiotic Yogurt
• ¾ cup Co-op Gold Pure Honey
• ⅓ cup Oil
• 2 tsp Vanilla Extract
• 1½ tsp Lemon Zest
• 1 tbsp Lemon Juice

Icing (optional)

• 1 cup Powdered Sugar
• 1 tbsp Lemon Juice
• 1 tbsp Milk

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Mix dry and wet ingredients in separate bowls. Add the dry to the wet using a spatula and stir until mixed well.

Grease and line loaf pan with parchment paper. Pour batter into the loaf pan and bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the cake tester comes out clean. Remove from pan and let cool completely before icing or slicing the loaf.

If desired, whisk icing ingredients together in a bowl. Using a spoon, drizzle the icing over the top of the loaf. Let icing fully set before slicing loaf.

The foods you eat play a huge role in keeping your gut healthy and balanced, but we know feeding picky eaters can be a challenge. That’s why finding creative ways to pack in those prebiotics, probiotics, and fibre—like these delicious desserts—can make all the difference. From brownies to muffins to a refreshing lemon loaf, these recipes are proof that healthy can taste amazing!

Looking for even more ways to add fiber into other meals in your family’s diet? Registered Dietitian Brooke Bulloch shares five easy ways here. 

Ready to whip up these treats? Stop by your local Co-op Food Store to pick up all the ingredients you need. Your family (and your gut) will thank you!