When it comes to healthy eating, I have to say the thing I struggle with most is…
Snacks.
I know I could just eat an apple, but it never sounds very appealing or filling enough. So, I usually find myself at the grocery store, buying a processed snack bar – which I don’t feel great about, especially if I’m snacking between meals.
One thing I’ve had success with lately is making a few snacks on the weekend that I can eat throughout the week. Doing a little prep on Sunday afternoon means I’ll be equipped during the week when hunger strikes. This is especially helpful when you’re working from home with plenty of deadlines and you need a bit of fuel, but don’t have the time to cook!
Below, I picked out some of my favorites that will not only satisfy your taste buds, but will help keep you on track when it comes to your health and well-being. Each selection could also make for a quick-and-healthy lunch, with more ideas to be found here.
Jump to any section that you may want to explore further:
- Energy Balls
- Trail Mix
- Energy, Granola, and Protein Bars
- Baked Goods
- Smoothies
- Dips
- Vegetable Chips
- Granola and Cereal
- Roasted Beans
- Rolls and Wraps
Energy Balls
These are usually made by combining raw nuts with dried fruit, and processing in a food processor.
What I really love about these is how fast and portable they are. The recipes below range from simple (no equipment needed) to a little more fancy (some include superfoods and chocolate!), but feel free to mix and match, or try them all.
1. No-Bake Cookie Dough Balls
This recipe is actually from the book “The Best Homemade Kids’ Snacks on the Planet” from Laura Fuentes, but you can get the recipe from her editor at Eat & Edit.
And trust me, even if you don’t have kids, you’re going to like this recipe. It contains only six simple ingredients that you mix together with your hands, such as almond butter, honey, and coconut.
As Fuentes’ editor Amanda says, “If you’re unsure on the coconut, I’d encourage you to try them anyway, as I didn’t find that flavor noticeable at all.”
2. No-Bake PB Balls
These are a personal favorite of mine as they’re very decadent but contain no grains, so they help me keep my energy all throughout the day without a big crash.
These are dipped in chocolate but they taste great with or without the sweet coating.
The recipe is available at The Seasonal Diet.
3. Chocolate Matcha Balls
Not only delicious but energizing too, this recipe contains matcha, the powdered version of green tea. To make it, green tea leaves are dried and then ground up into powder. You can find matcha online or at most health food stores.
If you’ve tried matcha before, you know the powder can be a little on the bitter side. That bitterness disappears when paired with something sweet like dates, which are also used in this recipe.
Get the recipe at Secret Marmalade.
4. Sunflower and Pumpkin Seed No-Bake Energy Balls
This recipe is similar to a granola bar, but is shaped like a ball. I really love this recipe as it contains raw seeds, which I’ve found to be harder to fit into my diet.
Sunflower seeds are a great source of vitamin E and they’re anti-inflammatory, both of which are good for disease prevention. You’ll also find pumpkin seeds in this recipe, which contain a high amount of zinc – great for boosting immunity.
See more at Carla’s Confections.
5. Chocolate Peanut Butter Quinoa Balls
These balls contain quinoa, which is gluten free. It’s used in cooking the same way as a grain, but it is actually a seed.
Jennifer at Peanut Butter & Peppers uses warm quinoa to make this recipe, which melts the chocolate and sounds simply divine.
Note: If you have a nut allergy, feel free to substitute the peanut butter with sunflower seed butter. Whichever butter you use, I have a feeling these are going to be a big hit!
6. Raw Lemon-Coconut Spirulina Balls
If you’re not familiar with spirulina, it’s a superfood that’s loaded with protein and antioxidants, to help energize you and boost immunity.
I’ll be honest, it’s not the best tasting ingredient, but this recipe is paired with a cup of sweet dates to mask the flavor. This recipe sounds like it’s well balanced, healthy, and tasty.
Find it at An Unrefined Vegan.
7. Healthy Raw Cake Batter Dough Truffles
These truffles sound very decadent but they are actually made from healthy ingredients, like coconut butter and coconut flour. That means this is also a grain-free recipe, perfect for those following a paleo diet.
I also like that the truffles are sweetened with stevia, making them sugar free as well.
See more at Purely Twins.
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Trail Mix
This might be my favorite category on the list. I love trail mix because it’s one of the few foods that makes it easy to combine sweet, salty, chewy, and crunchy.
The flavor and texture combinations are endless, and the recipes below are really some of the best I have ever seen. So enjoy!
8. Crazy Chocolate Trail Mix
This is a recipe that I make a few times every year. I love that it contains Brazil nuts (high in selenium) and golden raisins, rather than the traditional purple variety.
It also contains coconut flakes and chocolate – both of which really enhance the flavor and texture.
The recipe can be found at The Seasonal Diet.
9. Healthy Trail Mix with Chia Seeds, Almonds, and Cranberries
Tossed with honey, coconut oil, sea salt, and a little cinnamon, you do have to pop this combination of nuts and seeds in the oven, but only for one or two minutes until the nuts become fragrant and flavorful.
This recipe is packed with omega-3s from the chia seeds and protein from the almonds, and again, a little chocolate for good measure.
Read more at Feed Me Phoebe.
10. Amazin’ Tropical Trail Mix
This trail mix made me do a double take, since it contains popcorn. What? I’ve never tried that before, but if you’re the adventurous type like myself, you might want to give it a try.
It also contains one of my all-time favorites: banana chips! If you’re looking to stray from the traditional route, give this recipe a shot.
Find it at The Foodie Physician.
11. Cocktail Party Trail Mix
With only four ingredients, this recipe takes nothing more than a quick mix, and it’s ready to go.
In addition to banana chips, it also contains pretzels and chocolate chips – great for a party, or satisfying those afternoon munchies!
See more at Food Fashion And Fun.
12. Rosemary and Cayenne Coconut Chips Toasted Trail Mix
This one is a sweet and savory mix, made with rosemary and cayenne. Plus, it has added sweetness from the dried blueberries and coconut chips.
Tina at The Worktop recommends snacking on this mix between meals, so you don’t get hangry. I think that’s a good idea…
13. Blueberry Vanilla Cashew Trail Mix
Blueberry and vanilla sounds like a pretty good combination to me, and this mix is actually inspired by the very popular Kind Bars.
This recipe is vegan, refined sugar free and gluten free, making it a good option for those with dietary restrictions.
Get the full ingredients list at My Whole Food Life.
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Energy, Granola, and Protein Bars
If you buy these at your local grocery store, you’ll find that most bars contain a lot of sugar (usually the first ingredient), and also include a lot of processed ingredients like soy protein isolates, not really a healthy option.
That’s why I highly recommend making your own. That way you can control the ingredients, and the amount of sugar.
All of the recipes below are healthy and taste just as good, if not better, than the ones at your supermarket.
14. Chocolate Orange Raw Energy Bars
I’m adding these to my “must make” list, since they’re so easy to prepare – just place all the ingredients in a food processor and combine!
They contain fiber from the dates, plus added sweetness from the raisins and orange juice. These bars also contain cashews and almonds for added minerals and protein.
This one can be found at Sea Salt With Food.
15. Lemon Meringue Pie Energy Bars
When given the choice, I always pick chocolate over… well, pretty much everything. But there is such a thing as too much chocolate, and it’s nice to have options.
So, I wanted to include this recipe. It’s lemony fresh, loaded with coconut and cashews, and guaranteed to keep you energized for at least a few hours.
Check it out at GI 365.
16. Chewy Energy Bars
These look like fully-loaded energy bars, and lots of goodies are mixed, in so they’re full of flavor.
Sweetened with honey, which is known to provide a natural energy boost, they also contain pistachios, which you don’t often see in energy bars.
See it now at No Gojis No Glory.
17. Chocolate Protein Squares
These are a copycat protein bar inspired by the ones you’ll find at the health food store, as the entire bar is dipped in a 3-ingredient homemade chocolate.
I like that this bar contains brown rice protein, as it is plant-based and easy to digest. It’s a great way to get in some extra protein without added fat.
Find it at The Seasonal Diet.
18. Chocolate Cherry Energy Bars
These bars contain one of my favorite ingredients: coconut butter.
If you haven’t used it before, it’s so rich and decadent, but loaded with healthy fats. It’s different than coconut oil, as the butter includes the flesh of the coconut, whereas the oil is just that, oil extracted from the coconut “meat” with no actual coconut flesh included.
Coconut is a great ingredient to use when striving for added energy, as it contains fiber, protein, vitamins and minerals.
Get the recipe at Chocolate Covered Katie.
19. Dried Cherry and Almond Energy Bars
The perfect thing to take along with you on a long bike ride or hike, these bars are loaded with nutritious ingredients like almonds, cherries, flax seeds, chia seeds, and even pumpkin seeds.
I also like that these bars include brown rice syrup, so I know they will hold together well.
Find it at The Cafe Sucre Farine.
20. Almond Butter Chocolate Chunk Protein Bars
These remind me of blondies or a cookie bar, but don’t let the look fool you!
These are full of plant-based protein and gluten-free ingredients, like almond butter and coconut flakes. Just make sure you get a good protein powder to put in these bars.
See it at Vegan Richa.
21. Chocolate Coconut Superfood Protein Bars
This is one of those recipes where I ask myself, “Is this a dessert, or a snack?”
I’m going with snack, as it contains over 11 grams of protein per bar, and only 12 grams of sugar. Usually with desserts there is a much bigger gap, and a lot more sugar.
I also love that these have a little added texture mixed in – I find it makes eating them more enjoyable.
Read more at iFoodReal.com.
22. Coconut and Almond Protein Bars
These require no baking, which usually means you can eat them sooner. This is great news if you’re like me, and short on time.
Jam-packed with flavor from the coconut butter and flour, you’ll definitely want to try these.
Get the ingredient list at Fit Mitten Kitchen.
23. Homemade Granola Bars
Sweet and chewy, these might be just the thing to tide you over between breakfast and lunch.
They contain the usual suspects found in a good granola: dried fruit, oats, spices, and some nuts and seeds.
These do contain brown sugar, but you can lower the glycemic load by using coconut sugar instead.
Find it at My Darling Vegan.
24. Cherry and Chocolate Peanut Butter Granola Bars
I imagine these bars taste like a Nutella and strawberry sandwich… only with cherries and peanut butter instead.
Lauren at Healthy Food For Living gives different options for the sweetener in this recipe, which I appreciate. Like any good snack (in my opinion) it contains just the right amount of chocolate to keep it healthy, but satisfying as well.
Get the details at Healthy Food For Living.
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Baked Goods
Sometimes it can get a little confusing when it comes to baked goods. Like I mentioned before, I often find myself asking my husband, “Is this a snack, or dessert?”
So, to keep with the theme of this post (the “healthy” part), I’ve only included baked goods that are free of refined sugar, that contain vegetables, or that offer a good amount of protein.
25. Spiced Butternut Squash Muffins With Margarita Sour Cream
Butternut squash in muffins: sounds like wonderful idea to me!
I’m sure these are extra moist, and perfect for a fall morning or afternoon. To keep these extra healthy, skip the Margarita Sour Cream.
Get the recipe at My Custard Pie.
26. Grain-Free Vegan Zucchini Muffins
These muffins are made with almond flour, making them grain free, but also giving them more protein than your typical muffin.
If that isn’t enough, I added 2 tablespoons of protein powder to these when I made them, to give them an additional boost. However, the chocolate does makes it hard to have only one…
Get the details at The Seasonal Diet.
27. Apple Cinnamon Raisin Muffins
Packed with apples and raisins, these muffins will have your house smelling like fall.
Low in sugar and full of fiber, this is a great option for snacking between meals.
Bright-Eyed Baker has the skinny on the details.
28. Strawberry Chocolate Chip Healthy Muffins
I love that this recipe contains 1 cup of strawberries and 2 cups of oat flour, making it a great source of fiber, which is so important when it comes to being satiated.
I also like that these don’t contain added sugar, and are simply sweetened by the chocolate chips and fruit.
Kitchin-It is the source. Find it there.
29. Grain-Free Banana Walnut Muffins
This is another grain-free option for those who avoid or are just looking to cut back on grains, like myself.
Grains can sometimes cause digestion issues and send your energy plummeting downward, so it’s nice when you stumble upon a recipe without them.
These muffins also include a half cup of almond butter, so you know you’re going to get a good serving of protein and healthy fat in each one.
Get the goods at Little Rose Book.
30. Vegan Sweet Potato Muffins
Here’s what Hana at Nirvana Cakery has to say about her recipe: “These muffins are just perfect; moist, full of texture and flavor with a little sweetness. The sweet potato and ginger work beautifully together in this recipe and add structure as it contains no eggs.”
Just by looking at these, I can tell they’re going to be delicious.
Want to try this one out? Find the recipe at Nirvana Cakery.
31. Chocolate Banana Oat Muffins
Nutritionist-in-training Brittany Vukets says, “The oats are a great source of both fiber and protein (makes the muffins more filling), plus antioxidants, a few of the B vitamins (help increase energy levels) and several minerals including manganese, magnesium, phosphorus and iron.”
These muffins not only use oats as the flour, but nuts as well – both almond and hazelnut flour – which is a refreshing change from the usual wheat flour, that’s packed with nutrients.
Love From the Land has the complete details and recipe.
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Smoothies
These are one of my all-time favorite snacks, as they’re super portable and have to be one of the fastest things to make – all you need is a high quality blender.
Oh, and it’s a great way to get some vegetables into your snack as well.
32. The Goodness Green Smoothie
If your meals haven’t been very “clean” and you could use some more greens, this is going to be a great snack for you.
It’s loaded with avocados, which are extremely high in fiber, and will keep you full for hours. It also contains spinach, which is loaded with potassium, and is great for feeding your brain and lifting your mood.
Get the recipe at Francoise La Prune.
33. Moringa Green Smoothie
Another superfood snack, this one contains moringa. This is the most nutrient dense plant on the planet, containing over 90 nutrients and 46 antioxidants! It’s grown in the Himalayas, but is now widely available.
This recipe is the perfect blend of healthy and delicious, making it a fantastic morning or afternoon pick-me-up.
See it at The Seasonal Diet.
34. Chocolate Overnight Oatmeal Smoothie
This one is on the more indulgent side, made with cocoa powder and maple syrup. However, it contains rolled oats and almond butter too, providing fiber and protein to leave you feeling satisfied, and helping to offset the sugar.
This recipe is perfect for those days when you just need a little chocolate.
Read about it at Running With Spoons.
35. Green Monster Margarita Smoothie
No, there isn’t any tequila in this recipe, but it is green and can be made with a salted rim!
It’s loaded with hydrating fruits like watermelon and peaches, making it a good option if you have a hard time drinking enough water. This sounds like the perfect thing to enjoy during the summer months!
Get the recipe at Vanilla Plum Media’s blog, Foodscape.
36. Nutrient-Rich Tropical Green Smoothie
Need a vacation, but you can’t really take one? Well, make this recipe, close your eyes, and pretend you’re on the tropical island instead.
This smoothie is loaded with tropical fruits like pineapple (great for digestion) and coconut water (full of electrolytes), and again, it is quick and portable.
Get it at JessicaGavin.com.
37. Strawberry Basil Smoothie
The photo of this smoothie alone is a good enough reason to make it, but if that doesn’t convince you, there’s more: it’s low in sugar, and can easily be made vegan or dairy free, by using rice, almond, or coconut milk and yogurt.
I really like the fact that it uses basil, as that’s a flavor combination you don’t see every day.
Get the lowdown at the Macadames.
38. Chocolate Turmeric Smoothie
Turmeric is no longer just for curry dishes, and I’m happy about that.
This smoothie combines chocolate and turmeric, and both are full of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, creating a smoothie that’s not only delicious but super nutritious, too.
I love that this recipe only has seven ingredients, all of which I always have on hand.
See the list of ingredients at Wandering Root.
39. Espresso Mocha Smoothie
This is the perfect drink for when you’re hungry and need a big energy boost.
The recipe calls for espresso toasted coconut chips, but if you can’t find those, feel free to use a shot of espresso in addition to regular coconut.
However, if you’re not a coffee person, you could always leave it out. Either way, this beverage looks too good to pass up!
Find it at HealthyBlenderRecipes.com.
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Dips
Sometimes I like snacking on fresh vegetables and fruit, but I like to have something to dip them in. Maybe you can relate?
In this section you will find the best recipes for hummus, caramel apple sauce, guacamole, and a few others you can get excited to dip your carrot and apple sticks into.
40. Classic Hummus
You have to have a basic hummus recipe in your collection. It’s a must for all healthy eaters, and this one looks pretty dang good.
Just make sure you cook your beans from scratch rather than buying them in a can. Not only will they be healthier, but your end result will taste better too.
Find it at Pip and Ebby.
41. Chipotle Artichoke Hummus
This is a recipe for those who like things on the spicy side, and who appreciate the rich flavor of artichokes as well.
The chilies in this dip can help to boost your metabolism, and the artichokes are a secret weapon when it comes to fighting illness.
I also love how quick and easy this recipe is to prepare, and that it will keep in the refrigerator all week long.
See it at Serena Bakes Simply From Scratch.
42. Raw Salted Caramel Apple Dip
Caramel apple dip was a childhood favorite of mine, usually consumed close to Halloween, and full of sugar and dairy.
Well, not this recipe! It’s free of dairy and refined sugars, it’s completely raw, and it’s sweetened with dried fruit.
Find it at My New Roots.
43. Muhammara Spread
I’m going to be honest, before writing this piece I had never heard of this dip. But it looks delicious.
It’s described this way: “It has smoky, creamy roasted red peppers, toasty walnuts, and nutty little hemp seeds…” Perfect for spreading on crackers or raw vegetables!
Get the ingredient list at One Green Planet.
44. Yogurt Date Dip
Sweet and creamy, this dip will pair perfectly with fresh strawberries and pineapple.
It’s dairy free, free of refined sugars, and can be made in less than five minutes!
It’s featured at Veggies Don’t Bite.
45. Spicy Pineapple Guacamole
If you’re a fan of avocados, then you probably love guacamole.
I really like this recipe as it includes pineapple for sweetness, and is kicked up a bit with heat from the jalapeno peppers.
This recipe consists entirely of whole foods and spices, making it a very healthy snack.
Get the details at Spicy Southern Kitchen.
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Vegetable Chips
Sometimes I find myself snacking on chips. I’m not proud of it, but it happens.
It’s a bummer because most chips are fried in oil, and contain almost zero nutritional value. However, when I’m eating vegetable chips I feel better about it, and when I make them myself I feel no guilt whatsoever.
I suggest you try whipping up a batch of homemade veggie chips (see our Kale version) for yourself – you’ll be surprised by how easy they are to make.
46. Oven Baked Beet Chips
If you’re not a fan of beets, I challenge you to give these a try.
Something about baking this root vegetable takes the intense earthy flavor and turns it into something totally addicting and delicious.
Find the goodness at Coley Cooks.
47. Rosemary Sea Salt And Vinegar Beet Chips
Salt and vinegar chips are a classic, and using beets instead of potatoes is a great idea; I like the addition of rosemary here as well.
I will say though, beet chips can be a little finicky. My best advice would be to invest in a mandoline, as it’s really the only way to get that perfect thin slice.
Get the details on this new classic at Running to the Kitchen.
48. Baked Sweet Potato Chips
Sweet potatoes have become very popular in the last few years. I always find myself picking them over regular potatoes as they contain more nutrients and fiber, and are extremely high in beta carotene.
These chips are no different. Lightly baked and tossed with a few staple spices, you’ll find this is the perfect healthy snack.
Wander on over to the the Wandering Root for the recipe.
49. Baked Mesquite Zucchini Chips
If you have a thing for potato chips, this author argues that you should put the bag down and try a healthier alternative… like these baked zucchini chips.
Zucchini chips are baked rather than fried, and unlike prepackaged chips, you can actually control the amount of salt and oil in these beauties.
Check it out at No Gojis No Glory.
50. Plantain Chips
If you’ve been to Central America or the Caribbean, you’ve mostly likely had plantains, as they’re a dietary staple there – but lucky for those of us who don’t get to go on tropical vacations often, we can make lovely plantain chips at home.
Most grocery stores carry them, and you can find them near the bananas. Just make sure you get brownish-black ones, or at least let them ripen and turn brown at home before using them.
Get the low down at Just J Faye.
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Granola and Cereal
These are usually categorized as breakfast, but I have to say, a bowl of cereal or granola really does make the perfect snack.
I love eating a big bowl with some cold almond milk, and it always seems to hit the spot.
I recommend making a big batch on Sunday. That way you can enjoy it all throughout the week.
51. Sweet Pumpkin Seed Granola
If you’re a vegan, then you are familiar with the question, “But where do you get your protein?”
Well, as annoying as it may be, it’s important to fit protein into your snacks. And this granola really delivers, due to the secret ingredient… lentils!
Crazy, I know, but you’ll have to check this one out for yourself.
Find this wonderful culinary creation at I Love Vegan.
52. Pumpkin Spice Granola
This recipe screams fall snacking to me. I love pumpkin anything, but this granola looks extra special.
It’s nutrient dense and full of fiber to help keep things moving along. 😉
Get the full scoop at Nutrition Stripped.
53. Banana Bread Granola
Dana at the Minimalist Baker says, “If you want your house to smell like banana bread without actually baking banana bread, make this granola.”
I. Want. That.
Besides the enticing aroma, this recipe is great because it uses minimal ingredients, and the granola clusters together very well.
Get the facts at the Minimalist Baker.
54. The Only Raw Vegan Granola Recipe You’ll Ever Need
This is one of my favorite sites for healthy recipes. Gina is a certified clinical nutritionist, and she always has health at the forefront of her mind.
I love the use of buckwheat in this recipe, as it’s easy to digest and packs a serious protein punch, at 10 grams per ½ cup.
Chew on it some more at The Full Helping.
55. Nourishing Muesli
Muesli, if you’re not familiar, is an uncooked mixture of nuts, seeds, grains, dried fruits, and spices.
You can eat it with milk or sprinkle it on top of yogurt. It is very nutritious, and is pretty much effortless when it comes the preparation.
This recipe is unique in the fact that it uses things I have never seen in muesli, like quinoa flakes – definitely worth checking out.
Another fine recipe from Nutrition Stripped.
56. Homemade “Honey Bunches of Oats” Cereal
Honey Bunches of Oats is one of my all-time favorite cereals, so this homemade version has a special place in my heart.
If you have some bananas or strawberries, I’d chop those up and top this recipe with that, plus some cold almond milk.
This recipe can be had at Healthy Eats for All.
57. Protein Packed Buckwheat Cereal
This recipe is more like a thick breakfast pudding, but buckwheat is definitely a grain you’ll want to fit more of into your diet. It’s not only healthy, it’s also very easy to use and certainly affordable.
This recipe suggests you soak it, but I’ve made a very similar recipe without soaking, due to time constraints. Either way, it’s a great staple to keep on hand.
Find this one and more at Raw Revive.
58. No-Bake Granola
This recipe is unique, as it contains no oil. It does include peanut butter, so you’ll be getting a good dose of healthy fats and some good protein there.
I also like that it’s sweetened with honey, as I don’t notice a sugar crash later when using that sweetener, and it helps everything to hold together, which is nice.
Find out the rest of the story at House of Bakes.
59. Vanilla Almond Cereal Puffs
I’ve never tried making my own puffs, but I really like this idea! This recipe is made with almond flour and other gluten-free flours like rice, which is great for those with dietary restrictions.
This is a vanilla flavored cereal, but I can easily see making a chocolate or a chocolate-coconut flavor instead. This really sounds like a fun recipe to try!
Take a jog over to Running to the Kitchen for all of the details.
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Roasted Beans
Have you ever had crispy, well-seasoned chickpeas?
They’re delicious and can be just as addicting as a bag of chips, but they are much better for you.
Plus, chickpeas are not the only beans that can be roasted and eaten as a tasty little snack. Black beans and green beans are too – really, the sky is the limit.
I like the sweet and salty varieties, but you can also choose to make them spicy!
60. Nacho Seasoned Roasted Chickpeas
How amazing do these sound?
Believe it or not, they are in fact vegan, and do not contain any cheese. They get their cheese flavor from nutritional yeast, a non-active yeast that grows on molasses, and it’s touted for its nutritional benefits.
See all of the details at My Vega.
61. Crispy BBQ Roasted Chickpeas
Crispy, salty, and full of protein and fiber, these are the perfect thing to be munching on while you’re working, or watching an episode of your favorite TV show.
I love that they’re BBQ flavored, as they really do taste like you are eating potato chips – the barbecue flavor was always my favorite!
You can even try Foodal’s own version of roasted garbanzos: our smoky and spicy oven-roasted chickpeas recipe!
62. Cheesy Oven-Baked Green Bean “Fries”
The intro to this recipe from PureWow says, “Toss the beans with olive oil, some Parmesan and a hit of paprika and you’re on your way to deliciously crispy green bean ‘fries.’ They’re easy, satisfying and not at all bad for you.”
I’m on it!
Find the ingredients and instructions at PureWow now.
63. Crispy Cinnamon Garbanzo Beans
Slightly sweet, crunchy, and very addicting, you simply won’t be able to put these beans down.
They’re perfect for the holidays, as the cinnamon adds a very cold weather/seasonal taste. But really, even if you make these during the summer, you won’t be disappointed.
Get the inside scoop at Epicurious.
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Rolls and Wraps
These provide an excellent way to get more fruit or vegetables into your diet, as you can fill your wraps with either one. Choose to go the sweet or savory route, depending on your mood.
One thing I like to do is make a wrap recipe one day for lunch, and I’ll save the extras for snacks on one or two days later in the week.
64. Low Carb Pesto and Turkey Cucumber Roll-Ups
These are a savory version that’s made with turkey, and rolled up in cucumber slices. Each wrap has only 52 calories.
They are completely grain free as well, making them a good paleo option.
To get the skinny, amble on over to Ambitious Kitchen.
65. Peanut Butter and Fruit Wraps
Think peanut butter and jelly, but with fruit. My favorite thing about these is how easy they are to make.
Feel free to use whatever type of tortilla you like; for a gluten-free option I would use brown rice tortillas.
This one can be found at Food.com.
66. Lunch Box Veggie Wraps
These remind me of the classic pinwheel wraps you see at parties and big events. They are full of fresh vegetables and cream cheese.
If you’re allergic to dairy, or just prefer to avoid it, simply replace it with a vegan cream cheese alternative.
Or, for the adventurous cheese lovers out there, try slathering on another one of these fresh cheese alternatives.
Mom’s Kitchen Handbook is the place to find the recipe.
67. Vegan Peanut Butter and Grape Wraps
Similar to the peanut butter and fruit wraps above, but instead of bananas, these use grapes.
I have made these before and they taste like they are filled with fresh jam – the grapes make a great jelly replacement!
The source? Mind Body Green.
68. Hummus Vegetable Snack Wraps
These are super versatile – all you need is a wrap, hummus, and your favorite seasonal vegetables.
They contain all of the food groups, along with lots of fiber and water to keep you full and hydrated.
Get it now at Fit And Fab Living.
69. Peanut Butter, Apple, and Granola Snack Wraps
These just scream, “Make me!”
Filled with peanut butter, apples, granola, and a few chocolate chips, these sound pretty similar to something that would usually be considered a dessert.
However, they are vegan and gluten free, so you can’t feel too bad for munching on these.
See more at Avocado Pesto.
70. Vegetable Sushi
Sushi is a great way to get seaweed into your diet, and you’ll find many different varieties available on the market today, such as nori (Japanese), kim (Korean), or laver (Welsh). It’s rich in fiber, iron, protein, and iodine.
This recipe only uses 2-4 vegetables, some rice, and a few nori sheets, making it quick, easy, and nutrient dense.
Details are available at The Plant Strong Vegan.
71. Triple-Layered Apple Breakfast Sandwich
The name says breakfast, but trust me, this makes a great snack.
Apples, almond butter, dried cranberries, a few seeds or nuts, and you’re ready to go.
I love snacking on fruit, but sometimes it’s just not enough, which is why the nuts, seeds and nut butter are so crucial here.
To see more, venture on over to Tales of a Kitchen.
72. Peanut Cabbage Roll-Ups
These are very unique to the list as they use marinated collard greens for the wraps, dark leafy vegetables that are full of nutrients, and that are underutilized, in my opinion.
But don’t worry, they are surprisingly neutral in flavor, making them the perfect ingredient to use as a wrapper.
Get the whole enchilada…err cabbage wraps over at The Full Helping.
73. Spirulina Wraps
When it comes to snacks, I usually have twice as many sweet options as I do savory in my kitchen. In my ideal world, the balance would be equal. That’s why I was super excited to discover this savory spirulina recipe.
If you’re not familiar with spirulina, it’s a superfood that is extremely high in nutrients, and loaded with antioxidants. You can find it at most health food stores, located in the vitamin and supplement section.
Take a look at the details over at Jodiburke.com.
And that’s a wrap!
When it comes to snacking, no reaching for the chips or heading over to the vending machine anymore! Check out these recipes and your body will thank you.
I will admit, it does take some time to make your own munchies. But trust me, your health and your wallet will thank you.
What have you been snacking on lately? Let me know in the comments!

About Sarah Hagstrom
Sarah is a health food advocate and loves to spend her time whipping up something healthy and delicious in the kitchen and then sharing either on Foodal or on her own blog "The Seasonal Diet" (www.theseasonaldiet.com). She lives in Sunny San Diego with her husband, where they enjoy running on the beach and weekend adventures.
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!
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!
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!
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.
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?
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!
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. 😀
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!!
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! 🙂
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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!
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!
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
I love preparing snacks for my two kids and I can’t wait to try these. They look delicious and nutritious.