73 Healthy Snack Ideas

When it comes to healthy eating, I have to admit that what I struggle with the most is…

Snack food!

Vertical image of a collage of various healthy snack food recipes, with a label in the center.

Instead of picking out a sugary meal replacement bar or reaching for a bag of potato chips encrusted in a questionably bright orange cheddar powder, let’s head into our kitchen!

A successful technique to guarantee you have healthy, filling, and delicious food to eat between meals is to make the snacks yourself.

By preparing a few made-from-scratch recipes on the weekend, or during your typical meal prep day, you’ll be equipped throughout the whole week when any hunger pang strikes.

Below, you can search through each category of an incredibly tasty compilation of Foodal’s favorite healthy snacks.

Are you seeking something salty and crunchy? Maybe you’re dreaming of a soft and sweet treat? Or would you rather enjoy a bright and fruity delight?

We have a recipe for every between-the-meal craving. Not only will each option please your taste buds, but every choice will also help keep you on track when it comes to nutritious eating.

We’ll also note which recipes are dairy free, gluten free, and vegan with the following symbols for quick identification:

  • df: dairy-free
  • gf: gluten-free
  • v: vegan

Fight – and win! – against your next snack attack, without being tempted by the rows of processed foods at the vending machine or the caramel candies stashed in your pantry.

Read through our roundup, and be sure to take notes on which recipes you can’t wait to make first!

Breads and Cakes

Breads and cakes? Wait… aren’t those bad for you?!

Sometimes it can get a little confusing when choosing delectable baked goodies to nibble on before lunch or dinner.

But by limiting the amounts of refined sugars, white flour, and butter and by introducing healthier alternatives like whole grain or nut flours, fibrous vegetables, and antioxidant-rich cocoa powder, you can transform typically indulgent treats into good-for-you snack options.

Take a look at these recipes now, and bake something surprisingly wholesome.

1. Almond Butter Honey Cake

A soft and sweet cake you can eat as a snack? Yes, it exists!

Horizontal image of dessert squares with a brown swirl on top on parchment paper next to strawberries and nuts.
Photo credit: Nikki Cervone

With pretty swirls of cinnamon on top and a moist, tender crumb, our honey almond butter cake is a healthier, gluten-free option to satisfy even the strongest sweet snack cravings.

Cut it into small squares to share with your family and friends.

Get the recipe now.

2. Fudgiest Chocolate Zucchini Bread

The fudgiest chocolate zucchini bread is our little secret.

Vertical closeup image of a partially sliced loaf of chocolate quick bread on a marble surface, with a zucchini and a serrated knife.
Photo credit: Kelli McGrane

The kids don’t have to know about the shredded zucchini and unsweetened applesauce boosting the nutritional power and high fiber in each slice they’re scarfing down when they come home from school.

And you might even fool an adult or two!

All they can taste are the gooey, melty chocolate chips and the fudgy texture of this easy homemade treat.

Foodal shares the recipe here.

3. Banana Bread

Everyone has a favorite recipe for homemade banana bread – and so do we!

Horizontal image of thick slices of a dark yellow loaf on a slate platter next to fruit and chunks of candy.
Photo credit: Meghan Yager

Our gluten-free version has plenty of healthier ingredients, without losing the iconic flavor and moist crumb of a traditional recipe.

We use a combination of gluten-free flours – almond and quinoa – for the base. Mixed together with other ingredients like coconut sugar, plain yogurt, and overripe bananas, the batter bakes into the sweetest and fluffiest quick bread you will ever eat!

Learn how to make it now.

4. Socca

This flaky wheat-free flatbread is so easy to make from scratch, with only five ingredients needed to make the recipe.

Horizontal image of a round orange baked good cut into triangles on a white plate next to rosemary, a paring knife, and a blue towel.
Photo credit: Fanny Slater

Whisk together chickpea flour, salt, warm water, olive oil, and rosemary to form a thin, savory batter.

After swirling in a hot skillet, the batter is then baked in the oven. With a quick flash of the broiler at the very end of the baking process, the edges of the socca become browned, crisp, and irresistible!

There are so many ways to serve this farinata – rely on your hungry imagination!

Use it for dipping in hummus, smearing it with pesto, making mini pizzas with your favorite toppings, or treating it like avocado toast by spreading it with mashed avocado and grape tomatoes.

Get the recipe here.

5. Healthy and Delicious Zucchini Bread

Want to increase your intake of fiber? Don’t like eating veggies on their own? Maybe you have a picky child you’re thinking of at home?

Horizontal image of slices of zucchini bread on parchment paper on a cooling rack.
Photo credit: Felicia Lim

Packed with grated zucchini, this healthy and delicious zucchini bread is your one-stop shop for a nutritious snack option.

But don’t worry – you’ll still find all the same flavors as you would in a more traditional zucchini bread.

And this fluffy loaf is a beauty to behold!

Mixed with walnuts for texture and crunch, warming spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and vanilla extract for a comforting aroma, our baked bread will be requested from you on a regular basis.

Ready for a sweet treat? Get the recipe now.

6. Three-Seed Multigrain Carrot Bread

Vibrant and fresh carrots… they’re not just for dipping in ranch dressing!

Horizontal image of a stack of carrot and multigrain bread slices.
Photo credit: Nina-Kristin Isensee

Our three-seed multigrain carrot bread is a creative deviation from your simple raw carrot usage.

A trio of sunflower, pumpkin, and flax seeds keeps the texture of the baked loaf fun, while shredded carrots and carrot juice team up for double the veggie nutrition.

Some sourdough starter combined with fresh yeast helps the dough to rise, and a little bit of dark rye flour brings some nutty and malty flavors to the mix.

This bread is a perfect choice for everyday eating, and is also incredibly versatile! Use it for spreading with almond butter and topping with fresh fruit, or promote it to your go-to sandwich bread.

Foodal shares the recipe for this bread now.

7. Chocolate Cake

You don’t have to feel guilty when you eat this fast and easy vegan chocolate cake recipe, cleverly created with a concoction of more wholesome ingredients.

Horizontal image of a square pan with a baked chocolate cake lightly dusted in powdered sugar on a yellow towel next to a metal spatula.
Photo credit: Kelli McGrane

It’s made with a handful of pantry staples, and everything can be mixed together in one bowl.

You’ll be blown away by the tender texture, and you’ll be even more surprised that ingredients like whole wheat pastry flour, almond meal, canola oil, and apple cider vinegar – can make such a perfect chocolate cake.

And without any eggs or dairy products!

Serve a slice with coffee if you need a quick pick-me-up midday, or pack it for your kids’ school lunches.

Check out the recipe right here.

Cookies

Step away from the prepackaged cookies in the grocery store – now!

Learn how to bake your own homemade cookies that are full of nutritious ingredients in every bite.

These won’t be your typical crisp shortbread cookies, or your favorite ooey-gooey chocolate chip cookies. These options bring something entirely different to the table – and they are scrumptious!

8. Chewy Flourless Monster Cookies

How can you beat a childhood classic?

Vertical oblique overhead image of cookies arranged in rows cooling on a metal rack, with a glass bottle of milk and scattered candy-coated chocolates in various colors on a wood surface.
Photo credit: Kelli McGrane

Each one of our chewy flourless monster cookies is filled with hearty oats, peanut butter, coconut flakes, and chocolate chips.

And we would never forget the colorful candy-coated chocolate pieces!

Come on, you’re allowed a little bit of candy, especially when these goodies are filled with so much fiber and protein!

But if you would rather replace the candy with your choice of chopped nuts instead, we won’t complain!

Here’s the recipe for these massive cookies.

9. Harvest Spice Breakfast Cookies

Easy to make ahead of time and freeze, you won’t have any excuses for missing a nutritious start to your morning, a snack halfway through the day, or a tiny dessert at the end of the night with our harvest spice cookies.

Horizontal overhead image of a white ceramic plate of homemade breakfast cookies, on a white painted wood surface with a glass of milk at the top left of the frame and scattered uncooked oats.
Photo credit: Kelli McGrane

With warm fall flavors and juicy bites of diced pear, we do love these autumnal-themed cookies on a fall day.

Speaking of which, they are especially helpful when your children are back at school and you need a kid-friendly, on-the-go nibble option for the whole family.

You won’t find any dairy in this recipe! We use applesauce and coconut oil to help bind the dough together.

Get the recipe right here.

10. Healthier Banana Coconut Dark Chocolate Chunk Buckwheat Cookies

“Healthier banana coconut dark chocolate chunk buckwheat cookies” is a mouthful to say, but these wholesome mounds are easy to make with simple ingredients!

Horizontal image of a white plate filled with light brown cookies next to a napkin with the same treats and a banana.
Photo credit: Katherine and Eddie D’Costa

They are sweetened with only bananas and maple syrup, with no other refined sugar other than what might be in the chopped dark chocolate chunks.

Because we use only buckwheat flour, you’ll be happy to know that they are naturally gluten free.

And as long as you monitor the nutritional label on the chocolate, as well as choose to use parchment paper or a silicone mat instead of greasing your sheet pan with butter, the cookies can also be potentially dairy free and vegan.

Find the recipe here.

11. Paleo Chocolate Chip Cookies

Are you dutifully following a paleo diet? Get excited for your new go-to chocolate chip cookie!

Horizontal image of chocolate chip cookies on a slate board.
Photo credit: Nikki Cervone

Made with no gluten, dairy, or eggs, you can still enjoy one of your favorite handheld treats while still maintaining a clean and healthy diet plan.

These seven-ingredient cookies couldn’t be easier to make and bake.

After combining almond flour, baking soda, salt, coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla extract in your stand mixer, mix in your favorite brand of paleo-approved chocolate chips.

They form into dough mounds just like a traditional cookie dough, and bake just as easily.

You can wait to eat them when they have cooled fully, but there’s always something special about a warm cookie fresh from the oven, with an ooey-gooey center!

Take a look at the recipe now.

Crackers and Pretzels

Did you know that you can make your own crispy crackers completely from scratch in your own kitchen?

With our help, you’ll be an expert cracker baker after trying all of our homemade recipes!

The process is fun and simple, and you can create an entertaining assortment of flavors, from sweet to savory.

You’ll be excited to find our healthier versions of classic options typically found at the store, like cheese crackers and graham crackers.

12. Buckwheat Rosemary Cheese Crackers

When you crave something crunchy, but need to adhere to a wheat-free diet, this recipe for gluten-free buckwheat rosemary cheese crackers is all yours to make and enjoy!

Horizontal image of small, triangular pieces of flatbread on a blue plate next to rosemary and a checkered towel.
Photo credit: Fanny Slater

With an earthy, herbal note from freshly chopped rosemary, a tangy sharpness from grated aged cheddar, and a comforting nuttiness from buckwheat flour, you’ll find any excuse to bake a batch.

And we have quite a few ideas that will keep your oven very busy…

Use them as a crispy edible scooper for any number of dips and spreads, scatter them on your next cheese and charcuterie board, or simply eat them on their own by the handful.

Get the recipe now.

13. Cheese Crackers

We can definitely obsess over those store-bought boxed orange crackers – you know the ones.

Vertical image of a stack of six homemade cheese crackers on a countertop with a magenta cloth with fringe and a white bowl of more of the snacks in soft focus in the background.
Photo credit: Fanny Slater

Trust us when we say that you can make a healthier, yet still addictively delicious, version right at a home!

Our crispy homemade baked cheese crackers bring a gigantic mouthful of extra-sharp cheddar in every buttery bite.

A little paprika and cayenne pepper both add some lively spice to the mix.

And with a tender, crumbly center and puffy exterior, everyone will be fighting over these little bites.

The recipe is all yours – right here!

14. Einkorn Spelt Graham Crackers

This recipe for homemade graham crackers pays homage to two ancient grains: einkorn and spelt.

Horizontal image of a hand dipping a cookie in a mug of coffee.
Photo credit: Shanna Mallon

All-purpose einkorn flour and whole-grain spelt flour form the base of these cinnamon-infused crisp crackers.

Molasses and honey gently sweeten the dough, and will not be overpoweringly sugary.

Choose to roll the dough thinner for a crispier cracker, or keep it a little thicker for a chewier, cookie-like texture.

Learn how to make it now.

15. Graham Crackers

If you can’t find or buy einkorn and spelt flours at your store, we have a classic graham cracker recipe that uses more available flours.

Horizontal image of a stack of homemade graham crackers next to a glass of milk.
Photo credit: Meghan Yager

Made with whole wheat flour and all-purpose flour, a simple graham cracker is so easy to make from scratch with a list of ingredients you probably already have in your fridge and pantry.

After rolling out the dough, you can cut it into rectangle shapes to mimic the traditional store-bought style.

But feel free to use your favorite shapes! The dough is similar in consistency to sugar cookie cut-outs, so you can make squares, circles, hearts, and more.

Just be sure to prick the cut-out shapes with a fork before baking. This will help the dough bake uniformly with a smooth surface, and no bubbling.

Read the recipe now for more step-by-step tricks.

16. Parmesan and Rosemary Crackers

Do you love the savory, salty bite of aged parmesan cheese?

Horizontal top-down image of freshly baked small crackers topped with herbs.
Photo credit: Felicia Lim

Pair this Italian favorite with fresh herbs in our homemade parmesan and rosemary crackers.

With a little mixing and rolling, the ingredients easily come together to form a dough you can thinly roll and cut into rectangles.

Bake these little beauties until they are golden brown in color – the aromas of warm butter, cheese, and rosemary will make your mouth water.

They’ll keep well in an airtight container for up to one week – exactly what you need when you’re meal prepping snacks to last for a few days!

Get all the details here.

Dips and Spreads

You don’t have to eat your crisp apples, crunchy crackers, and crudite on their own – plunge them in a big bowl of a delicious dip!

In this section, you will find the best recipes for hummus, guacamole, nut butter, and more.

A fine choice for personal snacking, you can also make these as healthier alternatives to game day bites and party apps.

17. Baba Ghanoush Hummus

Paired with the rich, concentrated flavors of roasted eggplant and garlic, our baba ghanoush hummus is a smooth and creamy fusion of two popular dips.

Horizontal image of a bowl filled with a hummus dip garnished with herbs and a lemon slice on a plate next to nachos.
Photo credit: Felicia Lim

It’s the best of both worlds in one healthy snack!

A sprinkle of smoked paprika and a squeeze of lemon juice round out the flavors, so you can dip your baby carrots, celery sticks, and pita chips to your stomach’s content.

For the finishing touches, garnish your bowl with some fresh parsley, freshly cracked salt and pepper, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.

Read more now.

18. Cilantro Jalapeno Hummus

Can you handle the heat?

Vertical image of a thick spread in a bowl garnished with herbs and jalapeno slices on a plate next to celery, carrots, and pita chips.
Photo credit: Meghan Yager

If spice is life at your house, this spicy cilantro jalapeno hummus is a fiery dip you’re bound to love!

Play around with how you serve it – while it’s a natural with assorted crudite and crackers, the addition of fresh cilantro leaves, cumin, and finely diced jalapeno make it a fun pairing with Mexican and Tex-Mex dishes.

As a healthier replacement for refried beans, spread it inside your tacos or burritos, or use it as a topping on loaded nachos.

Ready for the recipe? Find it here.

19. Kale Basil Hummus

Go green with this kale basil hummus – this vibrant dip is refreshing, herbaceous, and packed with nutrition!

Horizontal image of a green dip in a white ramekin on a board next to carrots, celery, and pita chips.
Photo credit: Meghan Yager

With bright hits from leafy kale and fresh basil, this is a whole new way to incorporate more leafy greens into your daily diet.

To further enhance the flavor, we whizz in a couple tablespoons of nutritional yeast. It’s the best ingredient to mimic umami-rich parmesan cheese without adding any dairy products.

You’ll love this recipe – get it now right here!

20. “Nutella” Chocolate Hazelnut Spread

A delicate balance of chocolate, vanilla, and hazelnut achieves a homemade “Nutella” nirvana!

Vertical image of a knife lifting chocolate hazelnut spread from a white ceramic bowl, on a gray background.
Photo credit: Fanny Slater

Our vegan version uses just five ingredients, all of which are healthy inclusions to any balanced diet plan – with no animal products whatsoever!

Roasted hazelnuts, cocoa powder, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and coarse salt are all that you need to make your own chocolate hazelnut spread.

The spread will be slightly crumbly, and not as smooth as a traditional store-bought version.

Divinely sweet, slightly bitter, and perfectly rustic!

Smear it on toast with sliced bananas, use it as a dip with apple wedges, or smear it on your now-favorite recipe for homemade graham crackers.

Find the recipe here.

21. Rainbow Guacamole with Beets and Apples

You’ve never had guacamole like this before – and we think you’ll love it!

But only if you like beets, that is…

Horizontal overhead image of two blue and terra cotta serving dishes with handles, with the one that is the main focus of the shot filled with apple and beet guacamole, and another at the top right corner of the frame filled with tortilla chips, with three small lime wedges on a white painted surface.
Photo credit: Kelli McGrane

Yup, you heard that correctly!

We mix creamy, mashed avocados with a medley of roasted red and golden beets and crisp apples to make this beautifully hued dip that has a touch of natural sweetness.

It’s an entertaining contrast to crunchy, salty tortilla chips.

Go on, try it once. We dare you. Get the recipe now.

22. Roasted Garlic Hummus

Have you ever roasted a head of garlic? Don’t you absolutely adore how its rich, powerful aroma fills your entire home?

Horizontal image of a hummus dip in a navy bowl next to crudite and pita chips.
Photo credit: Meghan Yager

Transfer that sensory experience to your next hummus recipe!

Roasted garlic enhances a simple hummus base in the best ways possible. The dip will complete any Italian-themed spread with warm herbed olives, oven-dried tomatoes, a few slices of toasted sourdough bread, and some cheese.

Get the recipe now.

23. Salsa Verde

Don’t buy another jar of salsa ever again at the store!

A clear glass dish of green salsa verde with a spoon, with tortillas, lime wedges, a dish of onions, and a dish of pico de gallo in soft focus in the background.
Photo credit: Meghan Yager

Make our simple salsa verde, a Mexican tomatillo dip – it’s shockingly quick, easy, and customizable.

You’ll need a short ingredient list: tomatillos, a serrano or jalapeno pepper, a lemon or lime, a garlic clove, some cilantro, a white onion, and some salt.

After broiling the tomatillos for about 10 minutes until they are blistered and blackened, all you have to do is blend everything together in a food processor or blender.

Find it now on Foodal.

24. Simple Guacamole

If simplicity is the name of the game with your guac, we have your recipe right here.

Horizontal image of a dark bowl filled with classic guacamole on a plate surrounded by nachos and limes.
Photo credit: Meghan Yager

Our made-from-scratch guacamole is the best you’ll ever taste, mixed with fresh ingredients like ripe avocado, lime, tomato, jalapeno, red onion, and cilantro.

Keep in mind that the freshest possible avocado dip is always best when served and eaten right away before it has time to oxidize too much.

No complaints here – let’s dip! Read more now.

25. Sun-Dried Tomato Hummus

Slightly acidic, a little sweet, and tantalizingly tangy, sun-dried tomato hummus is a frontrunner in unique dip creations.

Horizontal image of a light red spread in a white bowl on a plate with celery, carrots, and pita wedges.
Photo credit: Meghan Yager

This protein-packed spread maintains most of the typical ingredients you’ll find in a hummus, like chickpeas, garlic, tahini, and freshly squeezed lemon juice.

It’s easy to make a batch in the food processor, and even easier for you to enjoy with crackers and a medley of raw veggie sticks.

Here’s the recipe.

26. Smooth and Creamy Soaked Vanilla Maple Almond Butter

Stop thinking that nut butters are too difficult or time-consuming to make at home – you can definitely do it!

Horizontal image of a nut butter in a food processor on a wooden table.
Photo credit: Shanna Mallon

With the right prep techniques, and a little patience, you can easily make a big batch with a smooth texture and the most amazing flavors.

Learn how to make our creamy soaked vanilla maple almond butter, a simple and spreadable concoction of almonds, coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla beans.

Read more now.

Energy Balls and Tasty Bites

What you’ll really love about small energy balls and other tasty bites is how fast they are to make, and how portable they are when you’re on the go.

Some of the recipes require no equipment to mix the ingredients together, but others need a food processor for smoothly pureeing dates and nuts.

Make sure you have your appliance accessible – you’ll want to make multiple batches of these!

27. Cacao Bliss Balls

We blend together chewy dates, heart-healthy almonds, and buttery cashews with vanilla and cacao powder to make these nutritious no-bake cacao bliss balls.

Horizontal image of two rows of small chocolate mounds on parchment on a wooden cutting board in front of bowls of ingredients on a blue towel.
Photo credit: Fanny Slater

Unsweetened shredded coconut is the finishing touch, covering the outside of each tasty treat.

Make sure you let them set in the refrigerator for about 1 hour – this will help them firm up slightly to achieve the best soft and chewy texture.

How blissful is that? Get the recipe now!

28. Chocolate Crunchies with Cranberries and Pecans

The crisp! The crackle! The crunch!

Vertical image of rows of crispy candies in mini white cupcake liners on a slate board next to pieces of cereal.
Photo credit: Nikki Cervone

You’ll love munching and nibbling on our chocolate crunchies with cranberries and pecans!

We combine tart dried cranberries, toasted chopped pecans, and crisp rice cereal with melted dark chocolate to make these bite-sized gluten-free goodies.

They’re perfect as a personal snack whenever a chocolate craving strikes, or as fun finger food to bring with you to a hangout with friends who have an insatiable sweet tooth.

Checkout the recipe here.

29. Chocolate Date Truffles

If you desire the decadence of chocolate truffles all the time, you’ll be relieved to discover this snackable dairy-free alternative.

Horizontal image of candies, some in cupcake liners, with different exterior coatings on a marble board.
Photo credit: Nikki Cervone

Soaked dates create a naturally sweet base, quickly whizzed together in a food processor with cocoa powder, coconut oil, vanilla, and coarse salt.

A last-minute addition of finely chopped dark chocolate adds extra texture and flavor in each ball.

Still decadent? Yes!

And actually good for you? Yes!

Read more now.

30. No-Bake Chocolate Energy Balls

If you need all the pep you can get as you’re running around finishing errands and getting work done, rely on this recipe for our chocolate energy balls.

Horizontal image of a blue ceramic bowl with two handles and an orange rim, filled with homemade energy balls, on a white background with scattered oats, dates, and nuts in soft focus.
Photo credit: Kelli McGrane

These tiny, no-bake spheres are a nutritious alternative to store-bought energy snacks.

This is another recipe from our list with a small ingredient list, complete with almonds, oats, ground flax seed, cocoa powder, dates, and coconut oil.

They are naturally sweetened and packed full of fiber, healthy fats, and protein – so they’ll keep your stomach full and will revive your vigor on a busy day.

Foodal shares the recipe.

31. No-Bake Peanut Butter and Jelly Balls

We love the nostalgia of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich on fluffy pre-sliced white bread…

But we’re not fans of how little nutrition you get from this childhood favorite!

Horizontal image of oat snacks in a white ramekin on a colorful napkin.
Photo credit: Meghan Yager

Homemade no-bake peanut butter and jelly balls condense the nostalgic energy of the classic sandwich into small mounds – and it’s all done with healthier food items.

It’s a simple yet hearty mix of old-fashioned rolled oats, hemp seeds, creamy butter, and jam.

If you are putting your health – and your whole family’s health – forward, choose a natural peanut butter with no sugar or oils added, and a low-sugar jam option.

Read more now.

32. Peanut Butter Honey Brown Rice Cereal Treats

Do you buy the biggest jar of peanut butter at the store, because you constantly use it to make all kinds of recipes?

Horizontal image of scattered snacks in blue paper liners on top of wooden plates next to bowls of cranberries and cereal.
Photo credit: Fanny Slater

We’ll give you yet another reason to use your favorite nutty spread in an easy homemade treat.

These no-bake morsels contain crispy brown rice cereal and chewy dried cranberries coated in a smooth blend of creamy peanut butter and honey.

Definitely add this to your collection of salty, sweet, and crunchy snacks!

Find out how to make these treats here.

Oat and Granola Bars

If you usually buy oat and granola bars at your grocery store, take a little peek at the nutritional label the next time you’re about to toss a bunch in your cart.

You’ll find that most bars contain a lot of sweeteners, and may also include a long list of other processed ingredients, stabilizers, and binding agents.

I highly recommend making your own! They’re easy to make by hand, and you now have the power to choose recipes with a lower sugar content and better-for-you ingredients.

All of the recipes below are healthy and taste just as delightful, and arguably even better, than the ones at your store.

33. Blueberry Pecan Oat Bars

These hearty bars are full of peanut butter, bananas, blueberries, pecans, and oats.

Horizontal image of a stack of three fruit and nut snacks on a dark blue napkin next to oats.
Photo credit: Meghan Yager

It’s a combination that makes for a delightful texture, but they still stay nice and soft with just the right amount of chew due to the mashed bananas.

The addition of dates and dried blueberries both provide a burst of concentrated fruitiness and sweetness, not to mention they also contribute to the chewy texture.

Pack them in lunchboxes for the kiddos and adults, grab them on your way out the door, travel with them while camping and hiking, and bring a whole batch with you to work so you can share with your coworkers.

Read more now.

34. Blueberry Oatmeal Squares

Do your taste buds need a sweet treat packed full of texture and bold, berry flavor?

Horizontal image of a stack of fruit bar cookies on a wooden cutting in front of bowls of ingredients and a blue napkin.
Photo credit: Fanny Slater

Bake an aromatic batch of our blueberry oatmeal squares.

You’ll love the layers of juicy blueberries, bright lemon, and a crumbly brown sugar, cinnamon, and oat mixture.

Read more to add this recipe to your collection of sweet favorites.

35. Chocolate Date and Nut Bars

You’ll never need to peruse the snack bar aisle ever again with this recipe for chocolate date and nut bars.

Horizontal image of dark brown rectangular cookies stacked with parchment paper on a wooden surface with almonds and cashews.
Photo credit: Kelli McGrane

Made with a few simple ingredients, these bars are reminiscent of soft and chewy underbaked brownies – but they’re actually good for you!

You’ll benefit from all the healthy fats, high protein content, and no added sugars.

Add these to your meal prep list – they’ll keep for one week in the fridge, or up to 3 months in the freezer.

What a tasty make-ahead snack option!

Get the recipe now.

36. Dried Fruit, Seed, and Nut Granola Bars

As your go-to vegan granola bar, this recipe is a quick, filling, and nutritious snack you should make every week.

A close up of sliced homemade vegan oatmeal breakfast bars on waxed paper. Oblique view.
Photo credit: Raquel Smith

Old-fashioned rolled oats, whole wheat pastry flour, grand flax seed, and shredded coconut are among some of the many ingredients that give these bars a satisfyingly dense texture without being too heavy.

They also include peanut butter for a perfectly nutty taste to the base – when you’re shopping, make sure you choose a vegan-certified spread option.

Foodal shares the recipe for these granola bars now.

37. Fruit and Chocolate Granola Bars

You can’t get enough chocolate – and we understand this obsession.

Vertical image of a stack of four homemade granola bars wrapped in paper and tied with string, on a dark brown wood surface with more bars on rectangular pieces of parchment paper, with scattered oats and chocolate chips.
Photo credit: Meghan Yager

Allow us to introduce you to our recipe for fruit and chocolate granola bars!

Here is your best excuse to consume chocolate when you want – morning, noon, and night!

The bars are gooey, slightly sweet, crunchy, and fruity. They are filled with crunchy almonds, hearty oats, pops of dried fruit…

And chocolate. Delicious, decadent chocolate.

Check out the recipe here.

38. Pistachio Granola Bars

Do you prefer nuts over chocolate in your granola bars?

Vertical horizontal image of stacked oat and nut snacks on a plate.
Photo credit: Nikki Cervone

Ditch the chips and chunks, and make our crunchy and nutty pistachio granola bars instead.

Not only do we include a bunch of chopped nuts mixed with dried fruit and oats, but we also can’t help ourselves by adding almond butter into the base, too!

Along with the nut butter, floral honey helps to bind the mix together, and keeps everything sweet and lovely.

Learn how to make these granola bars here.

39. Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Granola Bars

Can we talk about how much we love fall flavors? Even when it isn’t that time of year?

Horizontal image of shingled pumpkin squares topped with pumpkin seeds on a white plate with a plaid towel.
Photo credit: Kelli McGrane

You don’t have to wait for the leaves to fall to make our soft and chewy pumpkin granola bars.

Luckily, you can get plenty of canned pureed pumpkin and an assortment of dried spices all year round!

Soft like a baked good, but with the hearty texture and wholesomeness of an oat bar, these beautifully spiced bars are a gluten-free celebration of autumnal scents and flavors.

Get the recipe right here.

40. Whole Wheat Oat Bars with Chocolate Drizzle

Dainty and delicate, whole wheat oat bars don’t look like your average granola bar!

Horizontal image of a row of rectangular baked goods with a chocolate garnish on a white plate.
Photo credit: Nikki Cervone

With fine and pretty drizzles of melted chocolate on top, each wholesome bar is a beauty to behold.

But we wouldn’t say it’s too pretty to eat. Don’t let your snack attack linger – munch away on these guilt-free treats!

Read more now for the recipe.

Fruit Snacks

Oh, we know how sweet and delightful it is to chow down on sugary fruit chews, gummies, and jelly beans. And how boring it can be to eat a plain apple, banana, or strawberry.

But with a little culinary creativity, you can use fresh fruits as the foundation for building the ultimate snack.

From dried fruit rolls to layered parfaits, there’s a sweet snack for everyone here!

41. Baked Apple Chips

Take full advantage of the bounty of seasonal fruit during the fall season with the best baked apple chips.

Homemade baked apple chips with three whole fruit and cinnamon sticks, on a blue background.
Photo credit: Meghan Yager

Seasoned with a touch of sugar and a mixture of flavorful warming spices like pumpkin pie spice, ginger, nutmeg, and cayenne pepper, you won’t have to feel bad about inhaling a bowlful of these light and crisp chips.

Slice, bake until completely dehydrated, and enjoy one of the best finger food snacks this autumn.

Find the recipe here.

42. Chunky Applesauce

Who needs an air freshener when you can fill your home with the intoxicating aroma of slowly simmering apples with cinnamon and cloves?

Horizontal image of applesauce in a white bowl on a blue napkin.
Photo credit: Fanny Slater

We stew sweet and tart apples with warming spices and a little sugar over low heat until tender, then mash them by hand to keep the fruit pieces chunky and rustic.

We prefer using Honeycrisp or Fuji for this recipe, though you might have another favorite variety already in mind.

Honestly, you can’t go back to the prepackaged applesauce once you taste a spoonful of this heavenly creation!

We share the recipe here.

43. Dried Mango-Strawberry Fruit Rolls

There’s a kid in all of our hearts who still obsesses over the sweetest and chewiest of fruity candies.

Horizontal image of a white bowl full of roll-ups of fruit leather on a blue towel next to sliced mango and strawberry.
Photo credit: Fanny Slater

But let’s avoid a trip to the dentist by making our own healthier version of fruit snacks.

Skip the crazily sugar-loaded candies and craft a colorful batch of dried mango-strawberry rolls by using fresh fruit.

Curious how? We’ll teach you!

Our recipe has thorough directions and step-by-step instructions with corresponding photos.

It will be so easy for you to transform just a few ingredients into a vibrant and tasty snack you and the kids will love.

Learn how to make these nostalgic sweets here.

44. Frozen Chocolate Banana Bites

When it’s hot outside and you need something refreshing to keep you full before your next meal, enjoy a mini guilt-free frozen treat.

Vertical image of one medium and two small white ceramic bowls of homemade frozen chocolate banana bites, on a dark and light blue patterned cloth with scattered whole, peeled, and sliced fruit, and candy chunks.
Photo credit: Meghan Yager

Frozen chocolate banana bites are easy to assemble: simply cover individual banana slices with melted chocolate and freeze them in a single layer on a lined baking sheet.

Make sure they are front and center in your freezer – because everyone in the family will be asking for these!

A couple of these little bites will be a hit with the kids when they get home from a long day of school. And it will satisfy the adults’ midnight cravings while maintaining disciplined portion control.

Take a look at the recipe now.

45. Fruit Salad Yogurt Parfaits

Take a deep dive into our beautifully layered fruit salad parfait.

Horizontal image of jars of a sweet parfait on a wooden table next to a checkered towel.
Photo credit: Fanny Slater

There won’t be a boring spoonful in sight!

Stay entertained with layers upon layers of flavors, colors, and textures.

You’ll find vanilla-infused assorted fruit pieces, fresh herbs, Greek yogurt, granola, chocolate shavings, toasted coconut, and nuts.

Read more now.

46. Pressure Cooker Maple Cinnamon Applesauce

How can you make homemade applesauce even more special?

Vertical image of a white bowl filled with a spiced fruit spread on a marble counter in front of a wooden bowl of fruit.
Photo credit: Fanny Slater

By introducing nostalgic and heartwarming ingredients like maple syrup, apple cider, and cinnamon!

Oh, and making it at a super-speed swiftness in the electric pressure cooker!

This flavorfully fruity snack is just the dish to satisfy your tummy in a flash when the cooler weather comes around.

You can choose to leave it chunky, or puree the mix with an immersion blender before serving for a smooth and silky texture.

Read the recipe now.

47. Summer Fruit Salad

When the weather is warm, the sun is bright and shining, and you’re playing outside all day, make a summery fruit salad that’s fitting for the season.

Horizontal top-down image of a big glass bowl with cut kiwi, banana, pineapple, strawberries, and grapes.
Photo credit: Meghan Yager

You’ll be refreshed and revitalized with each bite of the fruit mix, which is a combination of the freshest and ripest produce you can get your hands on at the store or farmers market – and some you even might be able to get from your own garden!

But we don’t just mix chopped and sliced fruit in a bowl and call it a day!

We develop even more concentrated fruit flavors by combining an assortment of fruit with fresh orange and pineapple juices.

We recommend chilling everything together for about two hours – the perfect amount of time to go swim some laps in the pool or ride your bike in the park.

Read more now.

Muffins

Fluffy muffins don’t need to be reserved exclusively for breakfast! These handheld treats can be enjoyed at any time of the day – morning, noon, and night.

The mission here is to avoid recipes with high amounts of granulated sugar, processed white flour, and tons of butter – sorry, but your classic streusel-topped blueberry or monkey bread muffins won’t do!

Our selection of recipes features healthier ingredients like whole wheat flour, oats, seeds, coconut oil, and nuts.

48. Healthier Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Muffins

Made with white whole wheat flour, old-fashioned rolled oats, ground flax seeds, and unsweetened applesauce, this recipe is a nutritious spin on everyone’s bakery favorite.

Horizontal image of three rows of oat and chocolate baked goods on a cooling rack on a white surface with scattered grains.
Photo credit: Kelli McGrane

The muffins are wholesome enough for an easy breakfast or snack you can feel good about eating and feeding to your family.

And with ooey-gooey chocolate chips scattered throughout each fluffy mound, your kids will be too distracted to ask about all the other healthier ingredients!

Get this homemade recipe now.

49. Healthy Whole Grain Pear Hazelnut Muffins

Blueberries have had their turn in far too many muffin recipes – while we love them, we’re ready for something new.

Try pears the next time you want to bake muffins with a fruity surprise!

Top down view of a batch of vegan hazelnut pear muffins.
Photo credit: Raquel Smith

These vegan pear and hazelnut muffins will help you step up your healthy snack game with the most amazing combination of flavors and textures.

Chopped pears and dry-roasted hazelnuts make these muffins shine, providing a unique duo that will stand out from the crowd of more traditional muffin recipes.

The batter is made with a 50/50 base of whole wheat pastry flour and all-purpose flour, as well as rolled oats and ground flax seeds.

And you can’t go wrong with a blend of spices like allspice, nutmeg, cinnamon, and ginger – imagine how amazing the aromas will be in your kitchen!

Get all the recipe details here.

50. Sprouted Wheat Coconut Cocoa Banana Muffins

This recipe is the perfect balance between a sweet dessert and a healthy snack.

Horizontal image of a stack of muffins on a brown plate in front of more baked goods and bananas.
Photo credit: Nikki Cervone

Our sprouted wheat coconut cocoa banana muffins feature chunks of dark chocolate mixed throughout the moist, fluffy crumb.

With sprouted wheat flour and cocoa powder, every muffin is packed with fiber and antioxidant power.

Shredded unsweetened coconut adds the right amount of texture, and complements the sweet banana and coconut sugar.

Ready for the recipe? Find it right here.

51. Oat Muffins with Dried Fruit and Nuts

Never fear – vegan oat muffins are here!

Horizontal image of a white plate with four oat-topped muffins next to bowls of dried fruit and nuts.
Photo credit: Fanny Slater

You can always count on this muffin recipe if you need a healthier vegan baked treat for breakfast or a snack.

Instead of butter, we’re using a combo of applesauce and coconut oil. And instead of cow’s milk, we’re using almond milk.

But there’s so much more to this recipe!

A grated Granny Smith apple and dried cranberries gives the batter a zing of tartness, and some chopped walnuts and rolled oats provide a hearty texture.

Read more now.

Nuts, Beans, and Seeds

It’s all about the bold and crunchy texture when you eat snacks featuring nuts, beans, and seeds!

Small but packed full of nutritious power, ingredients like pumpkin seeds, chickpeas, sunflower seeds, and nuts make reliable snacking companions.

52. Maple-Spiced Nuts and Seeds

Sweet and sticky, our recipe for maple-spiced nuts and seeds will bring a smile straight to your face – and that’s even before you taste them.

Vertical image of a spoon resting over a white bowl filled with toasted pecans and seeds next to a bowl of maple syrup.
Photo credit: Fanny Slater

You’ll first smell the mouthwatering aroma of warm butter, dried spices, fresh ginger, and maple syrup baking in your oven.

And once you can actually munch on them – let them cool for a little bit, first! – you’ll be hooked for life. This recipe will remain in your go-to snack collection forever.

You’ll also appreciate the eclectic mix of nuts and seeds, a combination of pecans, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, and white sesame seeds.

You can find the recipe here.

53. Toasted and Seasoned Pumpkin Seeds

Don’t miss out the next time you’re carving a pumpkin – the seeds have the potential for culinary greatness!

Horizontal image of four bowls filled with assorted spiced pumpkin seeds on a wooden surface.
Photo credit: Fanny Slater

Save all those tasty bits after you have finished carving and scooping, and learn how to toast them to perfection.

We provide our own seasoning suggestions, such as a curried seasoning, a brown sugar pumpkin spice, and a sweet and spicy seasoning.

But we also appreciate the simplicity of oil and salt!

Looking for the recipe? Find it here.

54. Smoky and Spicy Roasted Chickpeas

There’s nothing plainer than canned beans.

Horizontal image of roasted chickpeas.
Photo credit: Lorna Kring

But you can transform bland garbanzos into something crunchy, spiced, and exciting for your next snack idea!

When you really need something with big taste and a devilish crunch, without chowing down on an entire bag of potato chips or other junk food, these smoky and spicy roasted chickpeas will save the day.

And we have some fun with pantry items, using more than just a blend of dried spices.

Other than crushed red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper, and olive oil, we use a chipotle pepper in adobo sauce.

The smoky notes are so strong and satisfying!

Read more now.

55. Stovetop Spicy Toasted Nuts

You no longer need to settle for the store-bought afterthought of a can of salty mixed nuts when you can make your own spicy toasted nuts.

Horizontal image of a white bowl filled with seasoned pecans, walnuts, and almonds on a wooden cutting board.
Photo credit: Nikki Cervone

Our recipe features an assortment of nuts – you choose which ones you want – that are toasted on the stovetop and combined with oil infused with garlic powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper.

The last ingredient, your favorite vinegar-based hot sauce, is stirred in at the very end for that final kick of hurt-so-good fiery heat.

Make it now in less than 15 minutes! Get our easy, step-by-step instructions here.

Popcorn

Are you hosting a movie night soon? Need a snack for binge-watching your favorite television series?

Ditch the bags of pre-seasoned popcorn, and make something much better for you with more natural ingredients.

Plop down on the couch with family or buddies, and nibble on a big bowl of perfectly popped popcorn with the most addicting flavor combinations and all the fibrous wonders of whole grains.

56. Pumpkin Spice Peanut Butter Popcorn

There’s more to seasoning popcorn than just butter and salt!

An overflowing white ramekin of pumpkin spice peanut butter caramel corn, on a partially smooth, partially gathered and folded red, orange, and white checkered cloth, against a mottled aqua-colored background.
Photo credit: Meghan Yager

Though we will always bow down to the classic combo, it’s nice to explore other options every now and then.

Especially when you can use fun fall flavors!

Peanut butter caramel, roasted nuts, and pumpkin spice make this snack a crunchy and chewy blend of amazing flavors, all surrounding perfectly popped popcorn kernels.

Get the recipe now.

57. Sea Salt Honey Butter Popcorn

Simple and refined, this recipe for popcorn is a subtle upgrade from the classic flavors.

Horizontal image of a white towel with red stripes, a cup of honey, a bowl of kernels, and a large wooden bowl with puffed white corn kernels on a wooden surface.
Photo credit: Fanny Slater

Each fluffy, freshly popped kernel is generously slathered in raw honey, butter, and flaky sea salt.

Think of this as a fancier snack to serve at your next at-home movie date with your sweetie!

Read more now.

Puddings

Thick and luscious, a melt-in-your-mouth pudding is something to savor slowly with every spoonful.

While the texture is devilishly sinful, the ingredients for our trio of selected recipes are not.

What a relief for guilt-free enjoyment when you desire a dessert-inspired snack!

58. Avocado Chocolate Pudding

Uh-oh… what are you going to do with that super ripe and waaaaaay too soft avocado you forgot about in your fridge?

Vertical image of white bowls filled with a cocoa-flavored creamy dessert, one topped with sliced almonds, on a tan plate.
Photo credit: Nikki Cervone

While it can’t be used as a pretty topping on your next salad, it can be transformed into a creamy, dreamy dairy-free chocolate treat!

The proof is in the pudding, so to speak.

Our avocado chocolate pudding is a sweet and luscious recipe that’s easy to make in the food processor.

And it’s not like a traditional pudding, with lots of dairy, sugar, flour, and eggs.

Our gluten-free and dairy-free version features good-for-you ingredients that all can be processed together to create the most indulgent pudding.

Find the recipe here.

59. Banana Pudding

Our 15-minute banana pudding is a simple stovetop preparation.

Horizontal image of two mason jars filled with banana pudding.
Photo credit: Shanna Mallon

Hold the flour, please!

This is a gluten-free version, using a couple tablespoons of cornstarch or arrowroot powder instead of a wheat-based flour.

We love eating the pudding warm straight off the stovetop, but if you have the patience to do so, you can chill the custard to set it completely and serve it cold.

Foodal shares the recipe now.

60. Coconut Mango Rice Pudding

There’s definitely a way to enjoy a taste of the tropics without ever leaving your kitchen.

Horizontal image of bowls of rice pudding on a wooden surface next to cut fruit and a blue towel.
Photo credit: Fanny Slater

And that’s with our homemade coconut mango rice pudding, topped with crunchy toasted coconut shreds – it’s a slice of paradise in a stay-cation setting.

With no gluten or dairy, you’ll be able to offer this snack to more people than you would be able to with a traditional rice pudding.

And no one will need a ticket or passport!

Read more now.

Smoothies

A cool and creamy smoothie is the ideal on-the-go snack option!

In a flash, whiz one up in your blender, pour it in an insulated cup with a lid and straw, and you have a perfectly portable beverage you can sip on when you’re dealing with a busy work day, chasing after your kids, finishing up at the gym, cleaning the house, or completing a long errand run.

Smoothies are concoctions that heavily rely on previous prep work. Make sure you review each recipe to take note of what you need to have ready to go in your fridge, freezer, and pantry.

And it would be smart to prep extra supplies of each ingredient for all future smoothies!

61. Berry Date Smoothie

Do you need a zing to jolt you out of a midday funk?

Horizontal image of a purple smoothie in two tall glasses with gold paper wrappers at the base of each, with red and white striped paper straws and a whole strawberry garnish, with scattered berries on a gray surface with a white cloth in the background, against a mottled blue and white backdrop.
Photo credit: Meghan Yager

If coffee is not your drink of choice, try a hint of cayenne pepper and ground ginger in our blueberry date smoothie!

This creamy beverage brings the heat, but it’s perfectly balanced with the other ingredients included in this creamy mix.

Milk, cocoa powder, and dates, as well as frozen blueberries and strawberries, make a fun combo to wake up your taste buds and boost your energy level.

Make the recipe now.

62. Chocolate Banana Kefir Smoothie

In addition to the gut-healthy ingredient of plain kefir, there are only three other ingredients to make our chocolate banana kefir smoothie – it’s so simple!

Horizontal image of a glass mug with a cacao smoothie and straw next to whole bananas and chocolate pieces.
Photo credit: Kelli McGrane

Frozen banana offers richness and thickness, raw cacao powder provides nutritious minerals and balanced bitterness, and honey subdues the strength of the cacao powder and the tanginess of the kefir.

Check out this smoothie right here.

63. Get Well Green Smoothie

Feeling a little under the weather? Want a snack that doubles as a medicinal punch against a cold or flu?

Vertical oblique shot of two tall glasses filled with green smoothie and striped red and white straws, on a dark and light blue patterned cloth, with fresh produce in the background.
Photo credit: Meghan Yager

Our green smoothie combines orange juice, chia or flax seeds, kale, banana, apple, and mango or pineapple chunks.

Packed with vitamins and minerals, it’s a vibrant smoothie with big and bold flavors in addition to massive health benefits.

Find the recipe here.

64. Pineapple Coconut Smoothie

Enjoy a sip of paradise with this cooling mix of fresh pineapple and citrus combined together with a spicy blend of turmeric, ginger, and black pepper.

Horizontal top-down image of a glass filled with a creamy orange drink with colorful straws next to jars of ground spices.
Photo credit: Lorna Kring

Delightfully dairy free, our pineapple coconut smoothie develops its thick and creamy consistency from coconut milk. And that all-natural color from the spices is so beautiful!

Read more now.

65. Pumpkin Oatmeal Smoothie

Packed with dietary fiber and cozy autumnal flavors, everyone will fall in love with our pumpkin oatmeal smoothie.

Horizontal image of two clear lowball glasses with a crackle surface, filled with a homemade pumpkin spice and oat smoothie, with red and white striped paper straws, on a dark gray surface with a gold decorative pumpkin, a blue-gray cloth, and scattered rolled oats and cinnamon sticks, against a black background.
Photo credit: Meghan Yager

With or without a scarf and pullover, you can enjoy this smoothie all year long – it doesn’t have to be sweater weather!

This will definitely keep you full and happy in between meals – we use a scoopful of oats as a healthy thickening agent.

Take a look at the recipe now.

66. Strawberry Mango Smoothie

Pretty and pink, this strawberry mango smoothie is a beautiful homage to ripe, juicy fruit – we don’t even add any sweeteners!

Horizontal image of pink smoothies in glasses with a strawberry garnish.
Photo credit: Raquel Smith

You’ll also get a pop of tartness from the yogurt, and some extra body and texture from almond butter and chia seeds.

We love serving this in glassware with a cute strawberry garnish, but if you’re in a hurry, transfer the contents to your insulted to-go bottle and go get your stuff done!

Get all the recipe details here.

Vegetable Chips and Fries

Bummed out that so many store-bought chips are fried in oil, and contain nearly zero nutritional value?

Feel significantly better about your savory snacking decisions by switching to homemade veggie chips and fries.

Our playful recipes will inspire you to eat more healthfully in creative ways – and you can actually have some fun in the kitchen and at the dining table with these finger-food selections.

67. Batter-Dipped Avocado Fries

You didn’t think it was possible, didn’t you? That fries can actually be healthy?

Closeup vertical image of a white bowl of golden brown fried avocado, on a folded blue and white cloth, with fruit in soft focus in the background, on a brown surface against a mottled blue backdrop.
Photo credit: Meghan Yager

With our crazy-cool batter-dipped and shallow-fried avocado fries, you can feel a little better about your snacking habits.

Instead of using potatoes for your finger-food munchies, switch to protein-packed avocados. It’s an unexpected, yet totally tasty, transition.

Are you excited to try this alternative ingredient? Here’s the recipe!

68. Butternut Squash Oven Fries

Satisfy your craving for french fries with this melt-in-your-mouth alternative:

Baked butternut squash fries piled on a white plate with a small white bowl of ketchup.
Photo credit: Meghan Yager

Baked butternut squash fries!

These seasonal vegetable sticks are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, and are a healthier version of the classic potato recipe.

They’re also perfect for serving during the cooler months, when winter squash is readily available.

Find the recipe now on Foodal.

69. Cajun Sweet Potato Fries

For a sweet and spicy party in your house, make our cajun sweet potato fries!

Horizontal image of a spilled over container of fries and a side of ketchup on a blue napkin.
Photo credit: Meghan Yager

This hearty baked snack is seasoned with a DIY spice mixture of paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, black pepper, and cayenne.

Make sure you take the time to soak the strips of sweet potatoes before baking, which helps to rinse off the excess starch, making them crispier.

Learn this tip and more in our recipe on Foodal.

70. Crispy Oven-Baked Green Bean Fries

Green beans no longer have to be the soggy, flavorless steamed mass on your dinner plate.

Horizontal image of a handing picking up a green bean fry in a bowl.
Photo credit: Felicia Lim

Upgrade them to a savory snack status with our crispy oven-baked green bean fries.

In this recipe, we dredge and coat green beans in a panko bread crumb mixture seasoned with grated parmesan cheese and salt.

Baked until ridiculously crispy on the outside and crisp-tender on the inside, you’ll be making these over and over again.

Foodal shares the recipe now.

71. Mustard Greens Chips

Savor the chips – without the guilt!

Horizontal image of a red-rimmed white bowl filled with leaf chips, next to more leaf chips on a paper-lined tray.
Photo credit: Fanny Slater

Baked mustard greens are a salty and satisfying alternative to your standard bag of potato chips, and it’s a fun and peppery update to the conventional kale chip recipe.

With just three ingredients – mustard greens, coconut oil, and salt – you’ll be munching away at our crispy and nutrient-dense baked leaves.

Here’s the recipe for you.

72. Roasted Parsnip Fries with Creamy Honey Mustard Sauce

We do love every iteration of baked fries, including these roasted parsnip fries!

Horizontal image of fries on two white plates with a bowl of creamy dip next to white towels.
Photo credit: Nikki Cervone

Simply seasoned with coarse salt, cracked black peppercorns, and garlic powder, the strips of parsnip become tender on the inside and golden brown on the outside with crispy ends and edges.

We also include a honey mustard dipping sauce, if you like a little more zing when munching on each tender piece.

Get the recipe now.

73. Spicy Root Vegetable Chips

Yes, we’ve all seen multiple brands of root vegetable chips at the store…

Horizontal close-up image of a white bowl filled with brightly colored and baked thinly sliced beets and parsnips.
Photo credit: Fanny Slater

But we’re ready to one-up them with our own homemade version!

Our handcrafted, spicy root vegetable chips are baked beauties seasoned with a blend of toasted fennel seeds, cumin, and cayenne pepper.

You can use your own customized variety of root vegetables – we particularly like beets, parsnips, turnips, and rutabagas.

Foodal shares the recipe now.

Mix and Match for a Personalized Snack Pack

Options are virtually endless when you have 73 healthy snacks to try – you’re set for a very long time without the temptation to visit the vending machine or browse the chip aisle.

Horizontal image of a collage of various healthy snack food recipes, with a label in the center.

Make snacking even more entertaining by mixing and matching your favorites from our list to build make-ahead snack packs. Why have just one snack, when you can enjoy a few at the same time?

Personalize your packs the way you know best: by mixing in a bit of your own creative flair and taste preferences.

Chocolate lovers will appreciate a pile of crisp apple chips next to a heavenly dollop of chocolate avocado pudding, while salt aficionados won’t be able to get enough of dipping parmesan rosemary crackers into a smooth roasted garlic hummus.

I will admit, it may take some time to adjust your usual cooking schedule by making your own munchies. But your health and your wallet will thank you!

Start small – introduce one new snack into your weekly meal prep lineup, and work from that point onward to start making more!

What have you been snacking on lately from your own kitchen? Let me know in the comments!

When you’ve been on your best behavior eating our healthier snacks from our list, give yourself a teeny-tiny reward with one of our naughtier creations from our snack food collection. Make these recipes when you’ve earned your cheat day:

Photos by Nikki Cervone, Kelli McGrane, Meghan Yager, Fanny Slater, Felicia Lim, Nina-Kristin Isensee, Katherine and Eddie D’Costa, Shanna Mallon, Raquel Smith, and Lorna Kring, © Ask the Experts, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. See our TOS for more details. Originally published February 15, 2016 by Sarah Hagstrom. Last updated on August 21, 2023.

About Nikki Cervone

Nikki Cervone is an ACS Certified Cheese Professional and cheesemonger living in Pittsburgh. Nikki holds an AAS in baking/pastry from Westmoreland County Community College, a BA in Communications from Duquesne University, and an MLA in Gastronomy from Boston University. When she's not nibbling on her favorite cheeses or testing a batch of cupcakes, Nikki enjoys a healthy dose of yoga, wine, hiking, singing in the shower, and chocolate. Lots of chocolate.

26 thoughts on “73 Healthy Snack Ideas”

  1. Bookmarked! I can see myself referencing this page… a LOT. I am always looking for something to munch on to avoid spikes and crashes in blood sugar (all while trying to lose weight). So, this is going to be my go-to list, and I’m grateful for the time and effort you put into coming up with this list. Thanks, Sarah.

    I already see a couple “must try” items. I will be back to explore further from time to time. I will be trying many of these.

    I love that you added the part about using other options for making some of these less sweet, since I’m trying to keep carbs down. Yay!

    Reply
    • Hey Zyni!

      This is a must bookmark page, I haven’t made all of these yet but I’m planning on it. I find that with a lot of recipes, I can cut down on the amount of sugar and they still taste great. It just takes a little trial and error. Happy Snacking!

      Reply
  2. I adore this list! It is so hard for me to come up with creative healthy snacks. I want to eat my way through all of these recipes.

    What I really love is that a lot of these snacks would also make a great on the go breakfast (which is another area I have trouble with). There are also several wraps and the sushi, that I would love to take for a lunch! Thank you so much for sharing these great recipes!

    Reply
    • I’m so glad you like this list. I never though about subbing these recipes for breakfast, however, I think you’re right, they would be a wonderful option.

      Reply
    • I was thinking the same thing. Some of these would be perfect on the go foods for the kids. Well, for me too at times, but especially for my daughter who is a picky eater. They don’t often have something she likes for breakfast at school, and she doesn’t take time to eat before leaving, so “grab and go” would work.

      Hmmm, now the question is, which one of these do I make first?

      Reply
  3. Amazing! This is a very pretty thorough and extensive list. The one thing that caught my attention was again something with chocolate in them: No. 17 Chocolate Protein Squares. No. 20 Almond Butter Chocolate Chunk Protein Bars, 31 Chocolate Banana Oat Muffins also caught my attention. Drooling just looking at them. That aside, the TRAIL MIX is also pretty new to me. Very interesting find. Lastly, 69 – makes me want to scream with you, LOL! The picture of the peanut butter, apple and granola snack wraps is so eatable!

    Reply
  4. Oh my goodness, Sarah, I will be here *forever!!!* Thank you so much for doing all this legwork! I have been eating healthier (although the family is still a work in progress 🙂 ) for nearly two years now and I love collecting recipes like this.

    Only problem for me is that I don’t “snack” so I was glad to see that many of these things will work great for a lunch for me. I think I’ll start with the veggie sushi… I do love my sushi!

    I’ll be (yeah, I’m a masochist perhaps!) hand copying these onto my trusty lil’ recipe cards… hubby made me a special wooden box for my favorites and if I bookmark something, chances are I won’t get back to it… not gonna lose this one, so looking for my cards and pen now. 😀

    Reply
  5. What an exciting list that gives hope. By hope I mean for us trying to stay healthy guys and gals. There are so many delicious choices and outstanding ingredients I would have never thought to put together. Wow this is so fascinating…especially the garbanzo beans…wow, love this recipe. I think they would have a slight nutty taste to them…this is so creative. I can not just pick one of these snacks..I will reference them all to a folder on my computer. Excellent recipe post!!

    Reply
  6. These ideas are super inspiring. I still haven’t quite gotten back on track with my diet since the holidays and like you, I have a hard time with healthy, filling snacks. The sweet potato muffins look amazing, and I’m definitely going to try the banana bread granola as well! 🙂

    Reply
  7. Fantastic energy balls, smoothie, and dip recipes!! I also struggle with snacking and these are some of my favorites! Hopefully healthy adjustments to snacking will help me lose weight. I pinned this to my health board for future use. Definitely trying the green smoothie this afternoon.

    Reply
  8. Seriously, this list is incredible!! I see some favorites on this list like the granola, muesli and the energy bars, and the many different wraps, but I can’t wait to try that pineapple guacamole.

    Reply
  9. Pinned! These look so yummy! My kids and I are insatiable snackers, and too often reach for unhealthy options. I can see myself making, and my kids devouring, most of these.

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  10. This is something that I needed! I’ve been wanting to get some new ideas for snacking since I started to change my eating habits for the healthier side. It’s been hard to come up with anything else than just normal apples and oranges but this list gave me some new hope – thank you! I will definitely bookmark this and fill my kitchen with healthy and rich snacks from now on!

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  11. OMG! This list is remarkable! Avocado pesto is already a staple in my household. I make a batch of peanut butter energy balls weekly. I am the only person in my household to have these. I am so delighted to be able to try some of the ones you have mentioned. A friend suggested nutella flavoured balls, but not being a fan of nutella drove me away. I love matcha… so the matcha energy balls are right up my alley! Thank you so much!

    I shall certainly be saving a bunch of these. I regularly make vegetable sushi, however, for my younger brother I sometimes tend to add a bit of canned tuna with a spot of mayo. Those roasted chickpeas are perfect as well. I used to make some with cumin and curry. But I shall try your version with nacho. That should make it a hit during movie time! ha!

    Take care all!

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  12. I can not thank you enough for compiling such an extensive and list!

    As you mentioned at the start, I too have a bad habit of reaching for what is readily available and even worse, awful for me. If there is a cookie or chip in the vicinity to be found, that is the snack I go for every single time. Now a first time mom, with little eyes watching, knowing that I set the example, I am determined to change these unhealthy habits.

    This list gives me hope! At a glance, I easily see more than a handful I would thoroughly enjoy trying. Upon further study, I see even more! This list is bookmarked…and pinned…and emailed! Thank you for creating my reference for all things snacks.

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  13. Some great ideas here, all which can be easily adapted. I will try the beet chips, I don’t like beets, but as chips they taste much better. I also like the idea of sweet potato chips and to dip them into hummus. I am a big fan of wraps and use hummus to keep fillings together, or mix some roasted vegetables with some pesto so they don’t fall out.

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  14. So many great healthy snacking options here. I definitely want to try some of the wraps and vegetable sushi. They look so refreshing. My husband and I are planning on going hiking and hammock camping this spring so all the granolas and protein balls will be great to take along with us. Thanks for all the ideas!

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  15. Being too lazy to make a proper meal for myself, I tend to rely on snacks throughout the day. Lately, I’ve decided to make healthier snacks and this is the best compilation of them that I have come across.
    I will definitely try the smoothies later today 🙂
    Thank you!

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  16. These snacks look splendid– I don’t think I’ll have to spend much time agonizing over what I can make. I particularly like the looks of the energy balls. And I am attracted to the idea of making my own snacks vs. paying exorbitant sums for them from my favourite local whole foods health store. Thank you for setting this beautiful page up!

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  17. I love the cookie dough ball ideas. My kids love cookie dough anything. I especially like the no bake ones as I always seem to mess up baking times. I also have some macha to use up so I can’t wait to try those! For the muffins I have a suggestion. I always make all of my muffins in a mini muffin pan. They cook quicker and are much less messy. I have also noticed that adults are much more willing to try a little muffin than a large one.

    I have never bought sweet dates although I have heard that you can cook with them. I think I might have to bite the bullet and get them though to make some of these. As well as a food processor. i just don’t think my magic bullet blender will be able to cope. I have never heard of coconut butter so I will add that to my grocery list.

    I myself, like trail mix. However I don’t make it because my husband hates nuts and all the good ones have them in it. Plus I like the ones with chocolate in it and it is just too messy for my kids who will drop it on the ground where the dogs will get it. I might try it if we are going to the park though.

    Those lemon meringue bars look delicious! They remind me of ooey gooey butter cookies which I have been craving. I have tried many protein bar recipes but they always fall apart on me. They still taste good but it really isn’t that appealing to eat it with a spoon!

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  18. I have to admit that I often struggle with snacks, too, and I find myself reaching for food when I know for an absolute fact that I’m not even hungry – I do it when I’m bored more than anything, and that’s obviously not a good thing because it means that I am slowly gaining weight even though I am trying to lose it. I have actually now bookmarked this page so that I will be able to take a look at the snacks that are available for me to make next time I go to do my shopping. It will keep me busy actually making them, which is great as this should pass the time, meaning that I don’t feel the need to eat as much at all.

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  19. There is so many recipes on here that I want to try. especially the dips and the granola bars. I just tried almond butter finally and I can see so much potential in it and some of these. Also I know that my daughter would love these. Her school food is horrible so I have been looking for some things to try for her to eat at lunch. Instead of lunchables. So this is a great post for me. I have to share it.

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  20. This is so helpful! I’m always snacking junk food in the afternoon and although it’s embarrassing to admit, I know they’re bad for me but they taste so good. I’m definitely trying to put a stop to it and what’s a better way to achieve that then to substitute the processed snacks with healthier (yet delicious) bites? Right, I don’t there is a better way because oh my, oh my! They all look super delicious and I know I’m going to have a joy making them and (especially) eating them.

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  21. I’ve just filed this post away on my list of ‘Definitely, absolutely, must try”! Such a fascinating list! Going to try these provided I can find the ingredients. I’m particularly interested in the smoothies. The strawberry basil smoothie looks simply gorgeous. Probably going to be the first one I try. The chocolate turmeric smoothie seems intriguing but the link to the ingredients appears to be broken. Can’t wait to get started on this list. A great option for all those parties when you want to have interesting but healthy appetisers!

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  22. Wow! I don’t think I’ve ever seen so much culinary inspiration on one page! And thank you for incorporating so many vegan recipes! I think I will definitely give the sweet potato muffins a go and keep this post bookmarked for future reference – an amazing compilation! Thank you.

    Reply

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