Iron Rich Mud Muffins

Iron Rich Mud Muffins

Did you know iron isn't only essential for energy and brain development—it also affects your child’s sense of taste? Low iron can actually impact taste buds, which may make picky eating even worse (a frustrating cycle for parents!). Interestingly, this is also the case for low zinc. For toddlers aged 2–4, who are growing rapidly, iron is one of the most crucial nutrients—but many aren't getting enough, especially if they avoid meat.

My own son developed a texture aversion to meat around age 2, so I had to get creative. That’s when I discovered the power of beef spleen—a whole food source with five times more haem iron than liver (the reason we created our Whole Iron + C. Just one serve can offer around 10mg of highly absorbable iron—that’s the same as two steaks!) I now sneak it into pasta sauces, smoothies, and anything he’ll eat.... even these muffins (yes, I was surprised too.. you definitely cannot taste it). Find the recipe below...these muffins are super moist and delicious (our family ate a whole batch in 2 days so hopefully yours loves them too!)

Ingredients 

  • 1 cup peanut butter or nut butter of choice
  • 1 medium very ripe banana
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 zucchini, ends removed
  • 1 carrot, ends removed
  • 1/2 cup pure maple syrup (can opt for less or use an alternative liquid sweetener)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup cocoa (OR 1/4 cup cocoa, 2 tbsp Kid's Immune Protein Cacao)
  • 3 capsules of Unrefined Nutrients Whole Iron + C (Grass-Fed & Finished Tasmanian Beef Spleen + Organic Camu Camu (Use code "IRON15 for 15% off)
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp baking powder 
  • 2 tbsp ground flaxmeal 
  • Chocolate chips (optional)

Method

Preheat oven to 170 degrees. 

Add zucchini, carrot and banana to a food processor. Blend until vegetables are well-combined (and look almost like a paste).

Add eggs, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cocoa, liver or spleen powder (optional), baking soda, baking powder and flaxmeal. Blend for 30 seconds until well-combined. 

Add nut butter, blend for a further 20 seconds. 

Stir through choc chips with a spatula (don't blend as they'll be chopped into tiny pieces). 

Line a cupcake tray with baking paper or muffin cases, spoon mixture into tin evenly. 

Bake for 25-35 minutes until a knife comes out clean and the tops of the muffins are slightly hard/crispy. Keep an eye on them as every oven is different. 

Allow to cool completely before eating. Store in a air-tight container for 2 days then refrigerate. 

Our Ingredients

  • Pasture-raised Collagen

    Collagen is a natural structural protein that makes up approximately 30% of the total protein in the human body. Collagen can support your child’s joint health, help maintain muscle mass and aid in bone health. Sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised cattle, with the highest standards of care, our collagen has been produced using a hydrolyzed process that breaks it down into smaller, more easily digestible peptides ensuring superior bioavailability and easy absorption. Our Immune Protein contains a complete essential amino acid profile, due to the addition of L-Tryptophan, the only essential amino acid missing in natural bovine collagen.

  • B Vitamins derived from Organic Quinoa Sprouts

    The B Vitamins in Immune Protein are a proprietary blend of ACTIVE B vitamins obtained from Organic Quinoa Sprouts. Unlike synthetic B vitamins which can be poorly absorbed (and sometimes upset little tummies), PANMOL® B-Complex is derived from a whole food source and contains Vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9 and B12 in their biologically active (natural) form for maximum absorption. Nutrients derived from a whole food source are said to be more readily recognised by the body than synthetic nutrients, making them more bioavailable for better absorption. We chose this form to also ensure the B vitamins are gentle on little tummies!

  • Vitamin D derived from Organic Shiitake Mushrooms

    Vitamin D is essential for several important functions in children, including bone growth and development (it helps the body to absorb calcium) and immune system support. The Vitamin D in our Kid’s Immune Protein is a plant-based source of Vitamin D extracted from Organic Shiitake Mushrooms. After harvesting, shiitake mushrooms are exposed to UV-B light (similar to sunlight) for a certain period of time. This exposure triggers a natural process in the mushrooms where ergosterol, a compound found in the cell membranes of fungi, is converted into vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol). This is the same process that occurs in human skin when exposed to sunlight, converting cholesterol into vitamin D3.

  • Camu Camu

    Camu camu is a small, tart fruit native to the Amazon rainforest, renowned for its exceptional potency as a source of vitamin C. In fact, camu camu contains up to 60 times more vitamin C than an orange, making it one of the most concentrated natural sources of this vital nutrient. Vitamin C plays a key role in supporting a healthy immune system, helping the body fight off infections, reduce inflammation, and promote overall wellness. For growing children, this powerful antioxidant is especially important in boosting immune defense and promoting healthy skin, tissues, and gums. Camu camu provides a natural, highly bioavailable form of vitamin C, helping ensure your child receives optimal support for their immune system in a gentle and effective way.

  • Zinc Gluconate

    Zinc is an essential mineral and particularly important for children as adequate zinc intake is crucial for proper growth, immune function, and development, especially in cases where picky eating may limit the variety of foods consumed. Since zinc is not stored in the body, it must be replenished regularly through diet or supplements. Some studies have also shown a correlation between zinc deficiency and reduced appetite, often contributing to picky eating behaviours. For example, a 2021 study found that 37.4% of picky eaters had lower zinc levels than non-picky eaters! Many multivitamins combine zinc and iron, but because these two minerals compete for absorption, we’ve chosen to exclude iron from our blends to ensure your child gets the full benefit of the zinc included!

  • Pre & Probiotics

    Prebiotics and probiotics play a key role in supporting a child's gut health, which is closely linked to digestion, immunity, and overall development. Our Immune Protein contains Queensland grown green banana resistant starch, which is a natural prebiotic that feeds good gut bacteria and promotes regular bowel movements. We've also included the specific probiotic, Bacillus coagulans as it can survive stomach acid, is heat resistant and can help to balance gut flora while reducing digestive discomfort. When used together, these two ingredients create a synbiotic effect, enhancing each other's benefits and supporting long-term gut flora balance, a resilient immune system and better nutrient absorption for thriving children.